How to Choose the Right Security Cameras for Your Business

So, you’re thinking about adding to your business’ security with a camera system. This is an excellent course of action for any business to take—provided that it is approached thoughtfully and with discretion. There are many, many options out there, after all, which only makes it more challenging to make the right choice. 

That’s (part of) why Directive is here: to help area businesses make the right choices when it comes to their business technology, including their security camera systems. 

Selecting the Right Security for Your Business Isn’t Always Easy

Like I said, there are a lot of options and variables that you need to consider. First off, you may be tempted to turn to a system designed for residential protection. I urge you not to succumb to this temptation. Much like you shouldn’t trust a consumer hard drive for your business’ backup needs, turning to a consumer-focused device for your security is a gamble that ultimately isn’t worth the payout. However, this can easily add to the challenge of selecting the right option for your business and its needs.

One way to simplify this: start with a physical security audit from Directive.

A Physical Security Audit Will Help You Form a Game Plan

By bringing in an expert—ideally, someone with experience and knowledge concerning modern security systems and your business’ situation—you can ensure that your business is reviewed from top to bottom and every detail is incorporated into your strategy. Not only will this ensure that your system is crafted to precisely fit your business’ layout, but you can make sure that your system is designed to meet your precise use case to a T.

This process will also ensure that you’re selecting the right camera for each given task, as today’s technology gives you the opportunity to pair your intention with the hardware to match. You can confirm that someone accessing a sensitive area in your business is who they identified themselves as through your camera footage that captured the person who entered. You can keep an eye on cash drawers whenever they are opened. Really, you can keep an eye on whatever you need to—a security audit just helps you identify these needs and prioritize them appropriately.

Because this process involves so many variables—your building’s layout, any existing infrastructure in place, your needs, and more—having the insight of a professional is truly valuable. By leaning on the expertise that a pro has to offer, you make it easier to make better decisions the first time.

Supplementing Your Camera System with Access Control

Access control is another beneficial security tool that allows you to further boost your business’ protections.

Let’s assume that ACME Business Inc. has 30 employees. These 30 employees have different roles that require them to be able to access different pieces of data, some of which is stored digitally, and some of which may need to be stored physically for one reason or another. A robust access control system could be used to allow all 30 employees access to the office, but only allow the five employees who need regular access to the server room the ability to access that area. This helps increase your on-premise security significantly—and that’s before we consider the additional functionality that an access control system provides:

• Access control can be managed through PIN codes, key cards, or biometrics
• If a code is lost or stolen, a new one can be issued and the potentially vulnerable one stripped of its permissions
• Access permissions can be scheduled to specific times of day

By using an access control system with a robust security camera system, you can have a more comprehensive view of your business’ security… along with the peace of mind that this kind of insight brings.

We Really Can’t Express It Enough… All This is Harder Than It Sounds

Let’s be frank for a moment: when all is said and done, your business’ security is the last place you want any mistakes to be made… and before you start conflating a business-grade system with a home security system, let me stop you right there. The plug-in-and-play simplicity of a DIY home security system is an entirely different animal from the professional-grade system.

There Are Also a Lot of Brands that You Should Avoid

Back in 2019, a list of companies had their products blacklisted from use in government facilities by the National District Attorney’s Association (or NDAA). A few years later in 2021, the Federal Communications Commission banned the sale of all future products from the same list of specific Chinese companies:

• Hangzhou Hikvision
• Dahua Technology Company
• Huawei
• Hytere
• ZTE

So, if all you have to do is avoid cameras manufactured by these companies, that should be simple, right? Not so fast.

These five companies each own a huge number of brands, so it might not be immediately apparent whether or not a product is one of theirs. Consider how Vitaminwater® is branded as a Glaceau Smartwater® product, which is a brand that’s owned by the Coca-Cola Company. The same can be said about many security systems.

For instance, Hangzhou Hikvision owns the following brands, and manufactures products under them (which all fall under the aforementioned bans):

• ABUS
• Acegear
• Advidia (Video Insight / Panasonic)
• Alarm.com
• Alibi (Supercircuits)
• Allnet
• Alula
• Anaveo
• Annke
• Arcdyn
• Aritech
• Armix
• Aukoo Technology
• Aventura Technologies
• AvertX
• Avue
• Camstar
• Cantek
• CCTVStar
• ClearWay
• Covert Security
• Dax Networks
• Detec
• DMP
• Dodwell BMS
• DSS
• Dunlop
• DVR Unlimited
• Elite Security Supply
• Ellipse Security
• ENS
• Epcom
• Esypop
• Ezviz
• Gess Technologies
• Global Network Security
• GovComm 
• Grundig
• GSS
• GVS Security
• HiLook
• Hinovision
• Hitachi
• Hitosino
• HiWatch
• Honeywell
• Hunt CCTV
• Hyundai Security
• Infinite Pixels
• Inkovideo
• Innekt
• Interlogix
• Invidtech
• IP Cam Talk
• Jetview
• FHL
• Jlinks
• Karbon Vision
• LaView
• LTS
• Mercury Security and Facilities Management
• MicroView
• Nelly’s Security
• Nodac
• Norelco SafeCam / Spider Vue / Invezia
• Northern
• Novicam
• NTT
• Oculur / A1 Security Cameras
• Onix
• OpenEye
• Paxton
• Pnet
• Power Technology
• Purpose AV
• Raster
• Remark Thermal
• RVi
• Safire
• Scati
• Security System Depot
• SecurityTronix
• Sentry CCTV
• Siqura / TKH
• Smart CT Solutions
• SnapAV / Luma
• Space Technology
• Syscom
• Technomate
• Toshiba
• Trendnet
• U-Spy Store
• UnixCCTV
• Vantage Security
• Vezco CCTV
• Videoteknika
• Winic
• Xyclop
• Zicom

Adding to the complexity, some of these brands offer some products that aren’t manufactured by Hangzhou Hikvision that do, in fact, comply with the FCC’s regulations.

Turn to Us for Assistance!

By working with us, you can be sure that your security camera system is set up, maintained, and not currently banned by the United States government… all of which help to add to your peace of mind. Give us a call at 607.433.2200 so we can talk about your needs, and establish the next steps to securing your business and—by extension—its future.