Be on the lookout for these three symptoms that your surveillance system is in need of a refresh.
In the quickly-developing world of security, the classic idiom, “if it’s not broken, why fix it,” simply doesn’t apply. Even if your cameras and other hardware are not breaking down on the job, there are many important reasons you may need to upgrade your video surveillance system. Keep an eye out for these three common signs that it’s time for a change.
1. Your business is growing
One of the top reasons to update your surveillance system is to keep up with your growing business. Business growth often means taking on more employees, housing more assets and data, and possibly opening additional locations. With more to protect, you need a reliable surveillance system.
For example, if you’re opening a new location or branch of your business, most onsite surveillance systems will require you to essentially duplicate the staff and hardware you already have. If you’re operating with a wire-dependent, onsite security system, expansion is a great reason to consider upgrading to a cloud-based system.
This transition can allow you to keep a similar number of security staff, regardless of the number of locations you have, due to remote monitoring and streaming capabilities. Plus, you won’t have to dedicate an entire room of your new location to onsite hardware. In short, if your business is growing, your needs are inherently changing. Take the time to evaluate whether an upgrade in your surveillance system is necessary to meet those needs.
2. Your surveillance capabilities are limited
Even if your needs haven’t changed since you adopted your current surveillance system, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the capabilities of standard surveillance systems hitting the market. If your system falls too far behind, you may leave your business vulnerable to security risks.
One important area to note is whether your system is still able to take on the latest OS updates. If your surveillance system does not allow software and firmware upgrades, you may be missing out on important security patches and thus allowing your cybersecurity to flounder. With cloud systems and IP cameras, physical and cybersecurity efforts converge. Software and OS updates are managed seamlessly as part of the serviceIf your capabilities around OS updates are limited, it may be time for an upgrade.
Likewise, the latest surveillance features such as video analytics can increase capabilities around building automation, access control, facial recognition, mustering and more. Without the latest in surveillance hardware, you may be missing out on features that can help your business run more smoothly and safely.
3. Video resolution is too low
If you’re working with hardware that utilizes lenses that simply can’t keep up with the recent competition, it may be time for an upgrade. Relying on video footage with resolution so low that you can hardly make out faces all but defeats the purpose of surveillance in the first place. With the right technology, you can identify details right down to license plate numbers, allowing you to leverage surveillance hardware for uses such as access control as well.
If you know it’s time for an upgrade but aren’t sure about your next steps, we’re here to help. Reach out to get started on upgrading your surveillance system.
