Spring in Roanoke means many things: it will feel like either winter or summer, and you have a roughly 100% chance of a histamine reaction and surveillance system Spring Cleaning. Ok, we threw that last one in there like you’d already know about it, but that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant to you and your business.
Everything in your business needs periodic updates from your employees and processes to all your equipment. So, let’s talk about how you can use spring cleaning momentum to tackle your surveillance system Spring Cleaning!
Got a Camera Out?
Things wear out over time, and your surveillance system components are no exception. Do you have some blank spots in your DVR or NVR where a camera is no longer operational?
Over time, we may let these things go because we’re busy with putting out fires. But when you have blindspots, you have security and safety vulnerabilities. Maybe you’re not worried about it because of where it is, but that becomes a problem if a situation arises where that’s exactly where you needed coverage.
Not to mention that once we let one go, we tend to be more lax when we lose another coverage spot.
Surveillance System Spring Cleaning – The How’s
So what to do?
Well, the first thing to do is see what the problem is. It may be as simple as a disconnected wire or as significant as a broken camera. Check your connections and software first, and if you can resolve it that way, call your DCJS-certified surveillance installer.
In the worst-case scenario, you have to replace a camera. Luckily, with modern surveillance systems, the cost of cameras has gone down significantly.
Spring Cleaning Surveillance Literally – Dirty Cameras
Dirt, dust, and buildup aren’t good for anything, including your surveillance system.
Often, cameras are in out-of-the-way spots, so we don’t clean them as regularly as the rest of the office. But let spring cleaning be your call to arms to dust them at least once a year!
In addition to preventing dust buildup that can gunk up your machinery, you can take this opportunity to clean your lenses so your video is crystal clear – at least if you have decent-resolution cameras.
Clean Up That Software
Like all modern tech, modern surveillance systems run on software that needs periodic updates. When was the last time you updated yours?
With so many pieces of information fighting to grab our attention, it’s easy to let software updates fall by the wayside – after all, if something is working, why update it?
The problem with that is that software updates often fix problems we can’t see, and leaving them undone can lead to security vulnerability. And security flaws in a security system can be a double security nightmare!
Hackers and anyone looking to take advantage of your security vulnerabilities look for places where software is outdated. So, schedule regular updates and security checks for your software or hire an experienced IT company to handle it for you.
If you have an older digital or analog camera system, software updates won’t be relevant; however, you may want to check out the next section…
Time for a New Surveillance System?
Surveillance systems have come a long way in the last decade. With the pace of technology growing in leaps and bounds, surveillance cameras are no exception.
Here are just a few options available on modern surveillance systems:
- Motion-based Recording – Not the newest in technological innovation, but something that wasn’t available on early CCTV systems, motion-based recording saves space on your hard drive by only recording when the camera detects motion
- HD picture – With some older camera systems, there are times when the information you get from the picture is limited to “subject appears human.” But with high-tech cameras now available to anyone with a phone, surveillance camera standards have greatly improved, too.
- Smart Phone Integration – Want to know what’s happening at the office even when you’re not there? Smartphone integration is standard with many new surveillance camera systems. You can remote into the systems to see what is happening, activate the camera, get alerts, and even communicate via connected speakers to someone at the location.
- License Plate Recognition – One of the most advanced features currently available on surveillance systems is license plate recognition. This premium feature isn’t standard on every system but is available for high-security settings where heads of security feel it’s critical.
Ready for Spring?
We know you already have plenty to do this Spring, and you’re likely not super-jazzed to add a new item to your Spring cleaning checklist, but keeping your surveillance system clutter-free and up-to-date can be the difference between a working system and a waste of time.
Let RCI help you with your surveillance system spring cleaning, upgrades, updates, and maintenance!
