Define the purpose
Are you watching entrances, cash areas, parking, loading docks or storage? Each purpose suggests a different view, height and lens. Clear goals prevent paying for cameras that record nothing useful.
Walk the site and mark key points of entry and valuable areas.
Cameras should also deter. Visible units at entrances can discourage trouble before it starts.
Camera types
Fixed cameras suit doors and aisles. Wide-angle and multi-sensor units cover larger areas. Pan-tilt-zoom cameras follow action but have blind spots. Exterior units need weather ratings, and Alberta winters demand rated operating temperatures.
Choose resolution by what you need to identify, such as faces or plates.
Lighting and angles
Backlit doors, glare and dark corners ruin footage. Lighting and camera placement should be planned together. Mount cameras where they are hard to reach or tamper with, but still easy to service.
Our electricians and low voltage team coordinate lighting and cabling.
Recording and network
Footage is stored on recorders or in the cloud. Consider retention time, bandwidth and who can view it. Power over Ethernet simplifies wiring but depends on a good network.
Cameras should sit on a secured network, with strong passwords and updates.
Ask who will review footage and how requests from police or insurers will be handled.
Privacy and signage
Avoid pointing cameras at areas where people expect privacy, such as washrooms and changing rooms. Post notices as appropriate, and follow applicable privacy rules. Ask your legal adviser if unsure.
Review the camera views a week after installation. Small angle adjustments and lighting changes often improve results considerably.
Questions we hear
How long should footage be kept?
It depends on your needs and policies. Many sites keep it for weeks, but storage cost rises with time and quality.
How many cameras do I need?
It depends on the building and goals. A site walk is the best way to decide.