What to Know Before Installing Security Cameras at Your Business
- Dave Kalwajtys
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Installing security cameras isn’t just about putting a few devices on the ceiling and hoping for the best. It’s about coverage, reliability, and making sure your system actually helps when something goes wrong.
Before you start drilling holes or buying a 4-pack of mystery cameras online, here are a few things to think about:
1. Know What You’re Protecting
Are you worried about the front door? Loading dock? Customer traffic? Employee access? Your system design should reflect your priorities—not just give you a bunch of footage of empty parking spaces.
💡 Tip: List your top 3 problem areas or security risks before planning your layout.
2. Don’t Rely on One Camera to “See Everything”
Wide-angle cameras are great—but they don’t replace proper coverage.A single camera covering an entire warehouse might look impressive on paper, but when you zoom in, it looks like a Minecraft crime scene.
💡 Tip: Use overlapping coverage where possible, and place cameras at different angles—not just high and wide.
3. Think About Lighting (and Night Vision)
Lighting conditions change throughout the day, but your footage needs to be reliable 24/7.If an incident happens at night and your cameras can't see clearly, what's the point?
💡 Tip: Make sure you’re using cameras with infrared (IR) or low-light capability in dim or outdoor areas.
4. Storage Matters More Than You Think
How long do you want to keep footage? Are you using a local recorder or cloud storage?Can you actually access the video when you need it—or does it feel like unlocking a secret level?
💡 Tip: Match your storage system to your needs. NVRs are fast and reliable, cloud is great for backup—both should be secure and easy to access.
5. Understand the Law
You can’t just point a camera at someone else’s property or start recording audio without checking your local laws. Alberta privacy and workplace surveillance laws can apply, especially in shared spaces.
💡 Tip: Always notify staff if cameras are used in the workplace, and avoid placing cameras in sensitive or private areas.
✅ Want it done right the first time?
At Blueline Technical Services, we design systems around your building, your business, and your budget. We don’t do cookie-cutter installs—and we don’t leave you with gear you can’t use.
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