Choosing the Right Commercial CCTV System for Your Business

Got your eye on a new CCTV system for your business? Look no further – we’re here to help you make sure it’s the right one for you (see what we did there…?).

Terrible puns aside, when it comes to choosing the right commercial CCTV system for you, you might feel overwhelmed by all the options out there. That’s why we’re here to help. This blog will outline the types of CCTV systems and cameras available, talk about different features, the ins and outs of installation and how Midland Fire can design and install the best system for you.

What Is a Commercial CCTV System?

 

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is a visible crime deterrent and has been proven to prevent incidents like break-ins and vandalism. Whether you run a small shop or a large industrial site, it’s a powerful tool for protecting your business, and a quality system lets you monitor your premises on-site or remotely. Commercial systems typically boast higher-quality footage and better durability than domestic systems, and will need professional planning and installation.

CCTV uses cameras to record footage, which is sent to monitors or stored locally or in the cloud for later viewing. Modern commercial systems offer HD video, infrared night vision, remote mobile access, and they can be linked to alarms, fire systems and 24/7 monitoring centres. Basically, they’re a key piece of kit if you’re looking to tighten security around your business and get on top of risks like break-ins, robberies and vandalism.

Things to Think About When Choosing Your Business CCTV

 

When installing a commercial CCTV system, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration, including the following:

Location

Camera placement is key. You’ll need to cover all main areas and avoid blind spots, making sure views aren’t blocked by trees, buildings or other obstructions.

Visibility

Visible cameras can deter crime, but discreet systems may be preferable if you want more subtle monitoring. Consider your goals for deterrence vs discretion.

Resolution

Camera resolution affects image clarity and whether footage can be used as legal evidence. Higher resolution means more detail, so you should opt for the best quality within your budget.

Optical range

How much area do you need your cameras to cover? Cameras with a wider field of view let you monitor more of your premises with fewer cameras.

Special features

We can help you choose the technology that best fits your security needs and budget. There are tonnes of different features and technologies available, for example:

• High-definition image quality (for legal/insurance-grade evidence).
• Remote access via app or secure portal.
• Motion detection or smart analytics.
• Night vision/infrared.
• Cloud or local recording.
• Integration with other systems (intruder alarms, fire alarms, etc.).
• Scalable design (the ability to add cameras as and when you need).
• Links to 24/7 third-party monitoring centres.

What Types of CCTV Cameras Are Available?

 

Let’s not forget that there are several different types of CCTV cameras available too. If you need a hand deciding which ones you need and where they should go, our team of commercial CCTV installers can help you choose the right mix following a site assessment. Here’s an overview of the types of camera on the market:

• Indoor CCTV cameras – discreet monitoring for offices, receptions and stock rooms.
• Outdoor CCTV cameras – weatherproof and tamper-resistant, ideal for perimeters and car parks.
• Bullet cameras – long-range and highly visible, these cameras are great as crime deterrents.
• Dome cameras – compact and tamper-resistant, perfect for indoor use and busy public areas.
• Infrared/night vision cameras – provide clear footage in low or zero light.
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras – offer flexible viewing with zoom and movement control.

How Does Commercial CCTV Installation Work?

 

Commercial CCTV installation kicks off with a site assessment to identify key areas that need coverage and determine the best camera types and placements. Engineers will then install cameras, run the wiring and set up recording equipment or cloud storage. The system is then configured and features like remote access, motion detection and integration with alarms are finalised. Lastly, everything is tested for full functionality and coverage.

A great provider (like Midland Fire) will ensure minimal disruption to your day-to-day business throughout installation, and offer app training and ongoing system maintenance and support too.

The Benefits of Choosing an Accredited Installer

 

So, why should you choose a professional to design and install your CCTV? In short – choosing the wrong setup could leave critical blind spots, and experienced engineers will be able to advise you on all your legal considerations and the rules around GDPR.

An accredited installer will also help you make the right choices for your premises, industry and budget. They should only work with certified, high-quality equipment, and will have the capability to offer maintenance and system health checks in the future.

How Midland Fire Can Help With All Your CCTV Needs

We are an electrical contractor specialised in installing state-of-the-art CCTV security systems, designed to meet the highest security standards. We only install quality products and work with a selection of the best CCTV manufacturers, such as Hikvision and Bosch.

We provide a free consultation, where our experienced security engineers will assess your site and recommend the most effective CCTV and security solutions for your business. From there, we can design and install your CCTV system, with continued maintenance and support to keep it running smoothly once it’s all set up.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

Is a CCTV system necessary for my business?

Absolutely. Business CCTV installation is a smart move to protect your property, staff, and assets. CCTV can help deter crime, monitor customer interactions, provide evidence for incidents, and may even be required by your insurance provider. Whether you’re a small retailer or managing a large commercial unit, CCTV installation for business is a crucial part of your security strategy.

 

Do I need a professional security contractor to install my CCTV system?

It’s highly recommended that you choose an experienced security contractor to install your CCTV. Professional installation guarantees that your system is set up correctly and adheres to GDPR and data protection rules.

 

How many CCTV cameras does my business need?

The amount of CCTV cameras you’ll need depends on your premises size and layout, as well as if there are any key risk areas. But don’t panic! Our team is here to help – we offer free consultations and also full risk assessments to tailor the perfect business CCTV installation package for you.

 

Can I monitor my CCTV from my phone?

You can. All the CCTV systems we install come with remote access options via secure apps, so you can keep an eye on your property whenever you need.

 

Will CCTV installation be disruptive to my business?

Not at all. Our engineers can work flexibly to minimise disruption, even offering out-of-hours installs when required. We’ll always endeavour to work around you and your needs.

 

What’s the difference between IP and analogue CCTV?

The three main types of CCTV systems are analogue, IP (Internet Protocol) and hybrid. Analogue systems use cabling to send footage to a DVR, IP cameras transmit digital video over a network, and Hybrid systems combine both, allowing upgrades to IP without replacing existing analog cameras.

IP cameras offer higher resolution and more flexible features (remote access, better zoom, cloud storage, etc.), while analogue is typically lower resolution with a lower cost to match. We’ll help you decide which is best for you.

 

Do you offer CCTV maintenance?

Of course. We can provide ongoing maintenance and system health checks to keep your security running smoothly 24/7.