Comprehensive Guide to Business Security Camera Systems

Comprehensive Guide to Business Security Camera Systems

Businesses and organizations encounter a variety of security challenges every day, from ensuring the safety of their employees and customers to preventing theft and vandalism. 

Commercial security camera systems provide organizations with the tools to monitor and protect their people and assets effectively while enhancing operational efficiency.

What are business security camera systems?

Business security camera systems are a combination of cameras, servers, software and direct-to-cloud solutions that allow organizations to monitor and record video to safeguard their facilities. Unlike residential systems, business security camera systems are designed with scalability in mind to handle large facilities and monitor multiple locations. 

Commercial security camera systems offer sophisticated surveillance solutions through high-resolution cameras, advanced analytics, and efficient video management software.

What are the components of a commercial security camera system?

Business security camera
Business security cameras are specialized devices with high-resolution sensors that are offered in a variety of form factors and are designed to withstand harsh environments and provide reliable performance in various settings.

We were simply wowed by how well the Hanwha cameras could accurately capture data in the dark, or in any lighting condition.Jeff McDonald
Operations Manager
VyStar Security

Network video recorders (NVRs)
Network video recorders (NVRs) record and store footage from business security cameras. NVRs are simple to set up and maintain and allow for remote viewing, often through a web or mobile application.

Video management software (VMS)
Video management software (VMS) is a management solution for business security cameras that is either located on-premises as a server appliance or exists as a cloud-based solution. VMS solutions are scalable and allow you to add more cameras to your system as needed. The VMS encompasses an ecosystem including web and mobile remote monitoring applications.

Types of commercial security cameras

IP cameras 
Internet Protocol (IP) cameras receive and send video footage via an IP network. IP cameras are easy to install with a network connection and typically offer high-definition video, remote access capabilities, and seamless integration with video management systems, making them ideal for businesses looking for scalable and flexible surveillance solutions.

Analog cameras
Traditional analog cameras transmit video data over coaxial cables.  They must be directly connected to a DVR or monitoring station. Analog cameras often lack many of the features present in modern IP cameras. However, several IP and cloud-based devices and services allow the use of them through various means, allowing these cameras to stay operational - and helping business owners avoid the cost of a complete system replacement.

Cameras for business

Best security camera for business

AI security cameras 
AI cameras utilize onboard video and audio technology to reduce false alarms during active monitoring, increase efficiency during forensic review, and minimize storage and bandwidth requirements – all while deriving actionable business intelligence from surveillance footage.

 

PTZ cameras
Pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) cameras allow users to remotely change the field of view and zoom in on objects of interest. The best PTZ cameras can rotate 360 degrees on their X-axis and tilt vertically over 100 degrees to provide a superior field of view. Some PTZ cameras today use AI technology to track moving surveillance targets, automatically keeping them in frame for as long as possible.

 

Multi-sensor cameras
Multi-sensor cameras combine multiple lenses, sensors, and configuration options in a single device while using only one network cable and IP address. Having multiple sensors and lenses in one camera allows one device to cover the same views as several conventional cameras, which makes installation easier and lowers the total cost of ownership and installation.

 

Fisheye cameras
Fisheye cameras offer a 360° field of view, providing complete surveillance coverage with no blind spots, making them ideal for single-camera installations. They are generally smaller than PTZ, multi-sensor, and other cameras, helping them remain inconspicuous. Some fisheye camera models also include native dewarping to eliminate the distorted fisheye look.

 

License plate reader (LPR)
License plate reader (LPR) cameras use AI technology to identify vehicles on the road and accurately capture vehicle information, such as make, model and color. They can do this in various traffic conditions, ranging from parking lots, where vehicles generally travel slowly, to high-speed and congested highway scenarios. LPR cameras are commonly used by transit authorities, police departments, apartment and home complexes, and more.

 

Thermal cameras
Thermal cameras can detect objects in low light, fog, and complete darkness at great distances. Their technology allows them to distinguish subjects from complicated backgrounds and monitor equipment and locations for temperature fluctuations. Thermal security cameras are, therefore, ideal for 24-hour surveillance of areas with critical infrastructure, such as energy production, manufacturing and R&D facilities.

 

Covert cameras
As the name implies, covert cameras are compact and discrete, making them harder for vandals or criminals to notice and tamper with than larger cameras. Rather than serving as a visual deterrent, covert cameras are best suited for evidence capturing.

 

Modular cameras
Modular cameras are future-proof, allowing installers to easily install and configure devices as well as to service and upgrade them after installation using a wide variety of module options.

 

Key Features

Key features to look for in a commercial security camera system

Image quality
High-resolution cameras are essential for identifying faces, license plates, and other vital details at a distance. Business security cameras should offer at least 1080p resolution for crisp imagery. However, 4K is fast becoming the surveillance standard, and 8K has proven to be especially useful in some applications, like stadiums and airfields.


IR and low-light performance

Infrared (IR) emitters help cameras capture clear footage in low-light or completely dark environments. Cameras equipped with IR emitters help reduce light pollution by not requiring an external light source to capture quality imagery.


Object detection and custom notifications

Object detection uses artificial intelligence to recognize and locate specific objects,  such as people and vehicles, in video footage. This helps to reduce false alarms caused by environmental movement like trees blowing in the wind, improves efficiency in forensic search and minimizes storage requirements. Custom alerts designed to trigger when specific objects are detected allows rapid and accurate responses to potential threats and enhances operational security. Object detection also allows for businesses to access intelligence like people-counting and heat-mapping to enhance operational efficiency.


Remote access and monitoring

Modern business camera systems often offer remote access solutions, allowing security teams and property owners to monitor people and property from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. With a Video Management System (VMS) platform, users can manage surveillance cameras and view footage remotely from a central location via onsite server appliances. In cloud-based surveillance applications, cameras and end-user terminals link to offsite servers maintained by cloud solution providers, making footage and data accessible from anywhere without the burden and cost of server maintenance.


Integration with other business systems

Top commercial camera systems can integrate with other security measures and business systems to form a more comprehensive security solution.

Choose the right camera

How to choose the right security camera system for your business


Assess your security needs
Begin by evaluating your specific security requirements. Consider factors such as the size and layout of your facility, or facilities, and the types of threats you are most concerned about. Conducting a thorough security audit can help identify vulnerabilities and determine the ideal devices and best camera placements for your commercial security camera system.

 

With Hanwha stadium security cameras, we are able to capture high-quality images that show us, for example, how a guest fell. Whether there was an obstruction, water on the floor, or an indentation or whether the guest simply tripped.Safety and Security Director

Consider scalability and future-proofing
Select a system that can grow with your business. Opt for cameras and equipment that are easy to upgrade and integrate with new technologies to ensure that your commercial security camera system remains effective and relevant as your business expands. Choosing security cameras with higher resolution sensors, have AI capabilities and can be connected to the cloud positions security teams well for the future.

 

Evaluate your budget
While investing in quality equipment is essential, many options are available across various budget ranges. Prioritize features most important to your business, such as high resolution, AI analytics, or remote access. And don’t just look at the cost of the cameras themselves. Instead, consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) for your entire system, taking camera cost, longevity, maintenance, licensing, storage fees and more to get a more accurate picture of what a system will cost over its lifetime.

Hanwha Vision business security cameras

Hanwha Vision is a leading provider of innovative security camera systems tailored for business, government, healthcare and education applications. With cutting-edge devices and state-of-the-art technology, Hanwha Vision offers a range of surveillance solutions designed to meet the unique needs of organizations across a wide array of industries.

If you're considering upgrading your security system or need expert advice, contact Hanwha Vision America today for a consultation. Our team is here to help craft the right security solutions tailored to your unique needs.

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About Hanwha Vision

Hanwha Vision (formerly Hanwha Techwin) has been leading the global video surveillance industry with world-class optical design, image processing and cybersecurity technologies for more than 30 years. As it broadens its business to become a global vision solution provider, Hanwha Vision will deliver more valuable and meaningful insights to customers by collecting key information and providing big data analytics utilizing AI and cloud technologies. Learn more about Hanwha Vision.

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