The traditional CCTV Camera Monitoring with the purpose to avoid vandalism and theft in effect it is replacing a security guard. However these days most companies have CCTV systems in place in some form. Some smaller companies may only have one or two cameras and maybe mainly for the purpose of deterring criminals.

The benefit of having CCTV Systems installed is that you get 24 hour monitoring and you can save the footage if some criminal activity occurs. There are companies who have had security guards patrolling their offices/warehouses etc who have instead had an advanced CCTV system installed, which has not only given them more options to view footage and monitoring both off site and onsite, they have also saved a great deal of money as they no longer have the security guards salaries to pay. The cost of having a system installed may feel like a big burden at the time but long term you are making a great saving.

So how does companies go about having a system installed? Once they made the decision of considering a CCTV System, the best option is to contact a CCTV specialist company who can give a quotation and recommend hardware as well as positioning of cameras etc.

The CCTV Cameras are provided by the CCTV Specialist company and also installed. This of course also included CCTV Cabling, the cabling installation usually is what takes the longest and can be the most difficult aspect of a CCTV installation. This entirely depends upon what type of premises the CCTV system is to be installed in. Some premises are easier than others, but this is all taken into consideration when the CCTV engineer is carrying out his site survey to enable him to give an accurate quotation.

The quality of the CCTV Cameras are of paramount importance, if you are having troubles with criminal activity you need to ensure the footage are good enough to actually see what is happening and who is carrying out the theft or vandalism. Some companies are concentrating to much about the price when getting the quotation, and do not realise that the best quotation may not be the cheapest possible option. You need to ensure the equipment is up to the standard you require it to be.

Should you have the need for external / outdoor CCTV cameras then you should think about having a vandal proof and day night camera installed. This is to avoid the camera too easily being damaged and no footage can then be retrieved, the day night vision is of course vital if the camera is installed where it can be more or less complete darkness at night time.

Another aspect of having CCTV cameras installed is that you can have hidden cameras, you have a vast amount of choice but many of our clients prefer the PIR camera as it is something that you have installed at your business premises anyway and does not make any body suspicious.

Once you have made your decision and have had your CCTV system installed, you should also think about having a maintenance contract in place. The equipment you purchase of course comes with at least a one year manufacturers guarantee and most CCTV installers have some warranty on the installation itself, usually 2 to 3 months. After this period it is highly unlikely that any problem that occurs with your system is down to the installation, this would be noticed within the first few days or weeks.

Maintenance contracts are very important to have in place, not only does it save you on call out fees and other unexpected expenses, but it also makes your CCTV system last longer, you have it serviced and many times it is small things such as a CCTV connector that needs to be replaced more often and if your system is serviced regularly you have much less downtime and your system will last you much longer.