Managed Services

Security Camera Placement Guide for Businesses

Security surveillance technology is valuable to any business. By capturing security footage, businesses can prevent crime, improve their response when incidents occur and highlight workflow improvement possibilities.

The financial benefits and peace of mind that security cameras can bring rely on intuitive camera selection and placement. At Kirbtech, we are a leading provider of security surveillance equipment for businesses across industries. We are here to help you determine the ideal security camera configuration for your premises.

Why Security Camera Layout Matters

A security camera system is as effective as its configuration will allow. Each type of camera serves a specific purpose based on factors like its field of view, resolution and mobility. Careful selection and positioning will ensure you capture the data you intend to collect. Overlooking one aspect or choosing a suboptimal camera for your space may leave blindspots that detract from the value your camera could produce. Partner with a security camera installer to determine how these factors will impact camera placement:

• Field of view
• Range of motion
• Desire for conspicuousness
• State or local regulations

The Types of Security Cameras for Businesses

There are various types of security cameras that serve specific purposes and offer distinct benefits within their ideal application. The types of cameras at your disposal will influence their placement around your property.

Digital recording is the most common medium in today’s security camera market. Digital cameras offer excellent image quality within a compact shell, and digital data is easier to store and recall. Within the scope of digital technology are a few types of cameras:

• Bullet: Inconspicuous surveillance with a wide radius
• Dome: Inconspicuous surveillance with a wide radius
• Panoramic: 360-degree visibility
• Pan-tilt-zoom: Flexible frame control capability

Camera Power and Data Transmission Styles

Two data transmission and storage methods dominate the security camera market — closed-circuit television (CCTV) and Internet Protocol (IP). Some systems feature one or the other, while others integrate both.

CCTV cameras send data to a digital video recorder (DVR) through a coaxial cable. The DVR saves data and delivers it to monitoring screens.

IP cameras transmit data through an IP network using Wi-Fi or an ethernet connection. The data is available from network-connected devices.

CCTV and IP cameras both consume electricity. Wired cameras accept power through a second cable. The most efficient systems deliver power and network connectivity through Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. Wireless cameras draw power from batteries or solar energy.

A camera’s power and data transmission style influence its positioning. Wireless cameras offer flexibility while within the Wi-Fi range. Wired cameras offer greater network stability but must stay within their cable’s reach.

The Most Important Components of Security Camera Layout

Your security camera installer will use information about your surveillance needs to recommend, develop and execute a layout plan. The ideal camera integration depends on the facility, but there are a few core areas that any system should capture.

• Building entrances and exits: Detect theft and monitor foot traffic by overseeing the building’s most common throughways.
• Property entrances: Monitor guests and staff as they pass through gates, parking lot entrances and other points of access to the property.
• Perimeter: Oversee incidents that may occur anywhere on the property, and detect individuals attempting to circumvent primary entryways.
• Secluded areas: Record the low-traffic, low-visibility areas perpetrators may seek out for nefarious activity.
• Point of sale: Protect workers and assets by surveilling the most active junctures for the exchange of goods and money.
• Reception and waiting rooms: Monitor the spaces where patrons first interact with your staff to verify appropriate employee conduct and detect security incidents.
• Storage areas: Prevent theft by monitoring storage areas that hold valuable equipment and inventory.

Other Layout Considerations

Beyond the area you choose to monitor and the cameras you install, these elements will influence image quality and usefulness.

• Lighting in the surveillance area
• Camera height
• Camera angle
• Camera resolution
• Field of view
• Distance from the target
• Data storage capacity

Professional Security Camera Installation

Selective security camera placement maximizes the protection and value each camera yields. Kirbtech is a leading provider of commercial security cameras. We offer CCTV systems that allow businesses to view footage from on-premises security monitors and remote locations using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Our experienced technicians will assess your property and gauge your goals to determine where to put CCTV cameras for the best results. We will map and install a custom security camera infrastructure for your facility, so contact us online to discuss your needs.