One of the primary mistakes that businesses make with security system installation is to attempt to purchase the equipment without first creating a plan of what they will need. You'll need to understand your security vulnerabilities and the key access points.

Follow Surveillance Laws

Always begin by learning about the surveillance laws in your state. For example, in some states, you are not allowed to set up dummy cameras because those who are in trouble might stand by your surveillance camera with the hope that footage will then exist to be used in court.

Plan for the Wiring

An important factor you'll need to plan for is the wiring. You'll need to make sure that the cables used by your security system are long enough. Coaxial cables are useful for short distances, but they can experience a degradation in image quality after hundreds of feet. However, with an Ethernet cable, you do not have to worry about the image quality degrading.

Place Cameras in Areas of Interest

Consider how you will be using your security system. One of the common reasons for a security system is to act as a deterrent against vandalism. If this is the case, you will want to make sure that the cameras are pointing toward common targets for vandalism. 

Also, if your property is often the victim of thefts or break-ins, you'll want to consider the location where you'll be the most likely to experience a break-in. To find this out, consult with a security system installation specialist.

While primarily used for security, surveillance cameras can be used for other purposes as well. For instance, you might be concerned about the productivity of your employees. You may notice that there are issues with the daily workflow and you may be able to develop more effective methods with the help of surveillance footage. Also, you may be concerned about the customer experience at your store and surveillance footage can help you look for areas where your store may make improvements.  

Consider How Many Cameras You Need

With enough security cameras, you may be able to have full coverage of your property. However, this might be unnecessary and expensive. It might simply create more footage that you'd have to look for. Instead, it's better to place your cameras in strategic locations and to also use cameras that turn or rotate so that you will have the broadest view of your property.