Today, more and more people are worried about the burglary of their
businesses. Criminals tend to search for companies they consider easy targets,
and warehouses tend to be chosen because they are generally less maintained and
secure. Monitoring your warehouse is easy enough.
Install surveillance cameras
CCTV cameras are a good
starting point and act as a very effective deterrent when placed in visible
strategic locations. The number and style of cameras required will be
determined by the size of the warehouse and your budget. Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ)
cameras are a great option for those who want more control over their cameras
or who want to use fewer cameras for more coverage. PTZ cameras allow users to
remotely control the camera view from any location via a specific controller or
a Smartphone / tablet / laptop.
Glass breakage sensors
Glass breakage sensors are an often overlooked fortification of your
security system. Many criminals will look for other ways to access a warehouse,
which often leads them to windows. In addition to closing and locking all
windows, you should also consider installing glass breakage sensors.
Sirens and alarms
Sirens and alarms are another great addition to your security
systems in Chicago. They are a great help in securing your property
after breaking and entering. If a criminal attempts to enter your business and
is greeted by flashing lights and audible alarms informing people of their wrongdoing,
it is safe to flee quickly.
Automatic spotlights
Motion activated searchlights have a huge deterrent effect because
they make it more difficult for a criminal to infiltrate your property. They
also make them wonder if the warehouse is currently occupied by individuals.
Projectors will also help your surveillance cameras to capture quality images
that you can provide to law enforcement.
Digital communicators
A final device that may be useful is a digital communicator. These
devices allow users to connect their video surveillance image stream to smart
phones, tablets and laptops. This allows them to receive alerts in the event of
a violation of their private property or to view video sequences from a safe
environment. This gives you more control so you don't have to go out and expose
yourself to possible danger. You can also use it to control your alarm system
and check the flow of your camera in case the triggered event is a false alarm,
such as with a stray animal for example.
Maintenance checklist for your CCTV cameras
CCTV cameras are extremely effective in protecting your business from
the unexpected. Like any other electronic device, video surveillance requires
regular maintenance to avoid breakdown of the surveillance system and avoid costly
replacements. Your video surveillance system will indeed simply be ineffective
if it stops working.
The amount of maintenance your surveillance system requires depends on
its location and how easily it can be taken out of service or handled. It also
depends on the amount of humidity and dust to which the cameras are subject. In
general, a monthly check of the video surveillance system is sufficient to
guarantee its integrity.
Now that we know how important it is to maintain your CCTV regularly,
take a look at this checklist that will help you remember everything.
Check the lens status of the cameras:
1.
If the camera lens is properly adjusted and
focused.
2. If
the view of the camera is correct, covering the area correctly and nothing is
blocking its view.
3. If
dust or mud does not block the lens of your cameras. If so, clean it with
compressed air and a microfiber cloth.
4. If
the motion detectors are working properly and the camera has such capabilities.
5. Using
your controller, check if the pan and zoom features work properly if you have a
PTZ camera.
6. Cut
off any foliage that may obscure the view of the camera.
7.
Check that the cameras are properly attached to
the wall or ceiling.
Check the condition of the wiring:
1.
If the wiring is intact and there is no wear or
bare wires.
2. If
there are loose wires.
3.
Check whether the sound and video transmission
is correct.
Monitors and recording equipment:
The monitor display is clear and the brightness and
contrast settings are properly adjusted.
If switches, connectors, and other equipment are
functioning properly.
Clean the monitor against dust and dirt with a soft
cloth and a microfiber cloth.
If the date and time are correctly adjusted.
Maintaining the monitoring system on your own can be difficult and may
require the assistance of professionals. It is advisable to subscribe to an
annual maintenance contract, with a company of confidence, efficient and
located close to your activities. Whether you are an expert manager or a novice
in the field, the best is to take the best after-sales service possible.
Choose the Right CCTV Cameras to Protect Your Small Business
There are several models of CCTV cameras for all kinds of situations.
For example, in very dirty places, install a camera that has self-cleaning
capabilities. For places plunged into darkness, there is a special camera in
order to still capture readable images. In high-risk places like banks, there
are video surveillance cameras capable of focusing on people's faces to allow
for facial recognition. So here are some of the different types of affordable
security cameras on the market that can help you monitor your small business.
1. Dome video surveillance camera
The funny video surveillance camera consists of a camera, a lens and a
ceiling mount. The main advantage of these types of cameras is that they are
robust and allow filming in external environments, where they risk being
soiled. They are also aesthetically acceptable and versatile.
2. PTZ video surveillance camera
A PTZ camera allows the operator to move, zoom and tilt the camera as
desired. The camera comes with a remote control that allows full control of the
camera. Focus can therefore be done on specific objects or people
3. Bullet video surveillance camera
A bullet camera is so named because of its bullet shape. The camera is
sealed inside the main body, which minimizes the need for maintenance. These
types of cameras allow you to capture a good quality image even if the
brightness is very low.
4. IP video surveillance camera
The main feature of an IP camera is that it allows the transmission of
digital signals via the Internet.
5. Wireless IP camera
The only major difference between these cameras and normal IP cameras
is the lack of cabling. Wireless cameras are easy to install and customizable
in the sense that they can be moved, and also have the ability to detect motion
and deliver crystal clear images, even in low light.
6. Thermal video surveillance camera
A thermal video surveillance camera uses the help of thermal images to
produce thermal maps using the heat of objects. These cameras are now
affordable even to protect a small business.
7. Smart voice-controlled cameras
These cameras can be controlled via voice commands. In addition, they
can be customized according to the type of application used.
8. 4G-LTE camera
G-LTE cameras can operate even without an Internet connection. All you
need is a SIM card installed inside the camera.
6 tips to protect your video surveillance system from winter
If you live in a cold climate with frost, freezing rain or snow, here
are some simple tips to protect your video surveillance system.
1. Check the casings of your video surveillance camera
The camera housing is the first layer of protection for your CCTV
cameras. A quality case will therefore offer protection against the elements in
the event of difficult winter conditions (ice, snow, etc.). Look for any signs
of exterior damage, including bumps or cracks. Then open the camera housing and
look for signs of water, condensation, ice or dirt that may have collected
inside the housing. You will also need to regularly clean the snow or ice that
collects on your camera body.
2. Examine all cables of CCTV camera systems
Are your CCTV cameras properly connected and are all the cables for
your cameras and VCR in good condition? Look for any signs of wear on the
exposed cable or wires. Also inspect the wiring to verify that all of your
cables have a secure connection and that your cameras and recorders are
powered.
3. Clean and inspect the camera lenses
During the winter, it is especially important to inspect your camera
lenses to make sure they are clean and undamaged. Dirt and dust can affect the
visibility of your lenses, even if the camera is high resolution. To clean the
camera, you can start by spraying a can of compressed air on the lens to gently
blow away any dirt or debris. If the camera lens has spots, you can wipe it
gently with a microfiber cloth. If stains remain, you can moisten a small area
of the microfiber cloth with a little water, then wipe the lens with a dry
cloth or allow it to air dry.
4. Install a CCTV camera for extreme temperatures
If you live in a climate with extremely cold temperatures, you may
need to install video surveillance cameras in Chicago
designed to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. An
integrated radiator then helps protect the camera's electrical components,
prevents fogging and condensation, and keeps it operational in freezing
weather. Security cameras for extreme temperatures are designed to operate in
both the summer heat and the freezing winter months.
5. Take a look at the camera connectors
Are your CCTV cameras well connected? Are your video security
equipment connectors in good condition? Carefully inspect all of your
connectors to make sure there are no signs of damage or corrosion. Replace any
damaged connectors that do not allow a secure connection to your equipment
6. Inspect all security system power supplies
You should always verify that the power supplies to your video
security system are properly connected and that your equipment is powered.
Frequent inspection of your power supplies ensures that your equipment has not
lost power due to a storm, power outage, or other event. It is advisable to use
a voltmeter to make sure that all your CCTV cameras receive the right amount of
power, as too strong or too weak power from your CCTV camera can affect its
performance or even prevent it from capturing the video.
