Security cameras have become a non-negotiable part of businesses of all sizes. It’s how you can help keep your business and employees safe. However, security camera systems are not all equal, and not all businesses need the same type of surveillance. With the wide range of options available from Commonwealth Energy Group, LLC, it’s advised that you schedule a consultation and review of your business. This way, we can make recommendations, and you can make an informed decision.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the different types of security cameras that can protect your business while being energy-efficient and saving money. This will help you better gauge expectations for what you may need.
The Importance of Security Cameras for Businesses
The installation of security cameras offers a myriad of benefits, such as:
- Crime Deterrence: The presence of visible security cameras significantly reduces the likelihood of theft, vandalism, or other criminal activities. Many people won’t commit crimes if they know or even just suspect that they are on camera.
- Evidence Collection: In the unfortunate event of a security breach, footage from security cameras serves as crucial evidence for legal proceedings. Whether you’re a business whose merchandise was stolen or your trade secrets taken from your safe, video evidence can help in several ways, from insurance reporting to police investigation.
- Employee Safety Monitoring: Employees feel safer and more productive in an environment where their well-being is protected. Now, there is proof of what can or is happening to them when they are working and dealing with customers and/or co-workers.
- Operational Efficiency Enhancement: Surveillance footage can be used to monitor operations, analyze customer behavior, and enforce safety protocols. This is how you know that your employees are doing their job correctly.
Common Types of Security Cameras
54% of businesses have installed security camera systems in the last year. With the explosion of this technology, people have developed multiple different types of security cameras to choose from. Five types of surveillance cameras are popular among businesses, including:
- Bullet Cameras
- Dome Cameras
- PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
- Wireless Cameras
- Thermal Cameras
Each type offers a unique set of features, making them better for some businesses than others. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision about what fits your business needs.
1. Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras are generally used for long-distance viewing due to their powerful lenses. They work especially well outdoors, being weatherproof, with infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision, and sometimes thermal imaging and motion sensors.
2. Dome Cameras
Dome cameras are named for their dome-shaped housings. They are popular in retail and office environments due to their discreet design, which does not reveal what direction the camera is looking at any given time.
Due to the dome, they’re also versatile and can be installed indoors or outdoors.
3. PTZ Cameras
PTZ cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom either automatically or manually by default. They can cover significantly more ground than fixed cameras and can zoom in to capture detailed images over large areas.
They work best when placed in large, open areas, particularly where your staff or customers may not be able to watch.
4. Wireless Cameras
Wireless cameras offer flexibility because they can be installed without the need for extensive cabling. This makes them ideal for temporary or discreet surveillance.
Our experts can place them almost anywhere within the range of the wireless signal, but the range and signal strength can be a limiting factor, particularly for outdoor use and in buildings with dense walls. Businesses that frequently change their layout may require covert moving cameras.
5. Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras work by detecting temperatures. They do not require visible light, which makes them the best for dark environments, smoke, fog, or inclement weather conditions.
Apart from security monitoring, thermal cameras also help identify hazards. This can help protect your employees and your customers if something goes wrong.
Contact Commonwealth Energy Group to Learn More About Energy-Efficient Security Cameras for Your Business
The right security camera system is integral to your business’s security and energy usage. By understanding the strengths and best applications of different camera types, you can make the best investment for your business.
The team at Commonwealth Energy Group has the experience needed to install state-of-the-art, energy-efficient security cameras across a variety of businesses and industries. Contact us today to learn more.