Enterprise Video Surveillance Systems: Top 5 Features You Need

For large enterprises, building security can sometimes seem deceptively easy. However, the reality is that securing valuable assets, employees, and sensitive data requires a robust enterprise video surveillance system.

If you’re responsible for operations, you understand the challenges of keeping your workforce, assets, and data secure. Constant vigilance is essential to protect against both external and internal threats.

Inside your organization, disgruntled employees or unauthorized individuals may pose threats. With enterprise security camera systems, you can restrict access to sensitive areas, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access.

Criminals often blend in with employees, exploiting the fact that not everyone knows each other. This increases the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining access to your building. Learn more about how enterprise video surveillance systems can help protect your business in our business security checklist.

In this article, we’ll explore common security threats for large enterprises, how enterprise video surveillance can help, and the key features you should consider when choosing a system for your business.

Building security for enterprise-level companies: What you need to know

Large enterprises require tailored security solutions to address their unique needs. To learn more about these needs, check out our guide on security camera benefits for businesses.

The size of enterprise buildings can create a false sense of security. Employees may inadvertently let unauthorized individuals in or take shortcuts that compromise security. Implementing comprehensive enterprise video surveillance systems can help mitigate these risks

When employees feel they are not being watched after hours, they may engage in risky or inappropriate behavior. Surveillance systems can deter such activity and keep your office secure even when staff aren’t around.

Workplace violence remains a significant concern. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 392 workplace homicides and 37,060 nonfatal injuries in 2020. Enterprise video surveillance systems can play a key role in preventing and addressing such incidents.

To protect against these threats, you’ll want to draft a comprehensive business security plan. In the plan, include the protocols, equipment, and personnel you’ll use to protect:

• High-value equipment such as servers or centrifuges
• Restricted areas, such as biohazard storage
• High-risk areas, such as a parking garage
• Entrances and exits
• Vulnerable areas, such as a loading dock
• Employee belongings

Though your needed security measures will depend on various factors, you’ll likely need to develop several security protocols (such as how you’ll handle visitors), install access control technology, make sure all walkways and parking areas are well-lit, and invest in enterprise video surveillance. A surveillance system with the right features can provide ample protection for even the largest property.

Top features to look for in enterprise video surveillance systems

When comparing business security camera systems for your property, look for these must-have features.

Cloud-based streaming and storage: access footage anywhere

Traditional security cameras required on-site guards to monitor footage. Today’s cloud-based systems allow you to access video feeds from anywhere, offering both convenience and significant cost savings. Learn more about the benefits of remote surveillance in our remote video surveillance for office buildings blog.

Modern security cameras stream footage to the cloud, allowing remote monitoring from any device. This not only saves on staffing costs but also enables real-time oversight from anywhere.

High-resolution footage: clearer details, better security

The higher the resolution, the clearer the footage. Enterprise video surveillance systems typically range from 2MP (HD) to 8MP (Ultra HD), offering detailed imagery for better identification and incident resolution. A camera with extremely high resolution provides a lot of detail, but it will generally be more expensive and require more data storage capacity. Find the right balance for your needs, as long as the camera is HD or higher resolution.

Two-way audio: direct communication for enhanced security

Two-way audio enables direct communication between security personnel and visitors, allowing for quick identification and deterrence of potential threats.

However, you may also want to include this technology for cameras mounted at critical locations inside your building. For example, let’s say cameras catch a couple of curious employees trying to sneak into a restricted area. Cameras with two-way audio allow your security team to give them a terse warning.

Night vision: secure your premises 24/7

Night vision ensures your cameras provide clear footage even in low-light conditions, making it essential for both indoor and outdoor surveillance. If your camera doesn’t have true night vision, you should at least ensure that the area it covers is adequately illuminated by floodlights or similar lighting.

AI-powered cameras: smarter security

AI-powered cameras use pattern recognition to analyze footage in real-time, reducing the need for constant human monitoring and enabling quicker responses to potential threats.

An AI-powered device automates a lot of the “watching.” These smart cameras rely on pattern-recognition software to quickly and effectively separate harmless activity from potential threats. The AI software alerts a guard to check the feed when it senses something is off.

Though AI-assisted cameras may cost more than older cameras, they’ll save you a lot of money in the long term because you’ll need fewer guards to monitor the feeds.

Tips for an effective enterprise video surveillance system setup

When installing your system, keep these tips in mind for optimal coverage and security.

• Camera placement and coverage: Make sure your cameras cover critical areas such as entrances and the lobby, parking lots, warehouses, and high-traffic zones.
• Scalability: Will you need to add cameras over time as funds become available? If so, you’ll want a system that can expand alongside your business.
• Storage needs: How long will you need to maintain the footage? That will affect your needed cloud storage.
• Your data security needs: Especially if the cameras record highly sensitive personnel, areas, or events, you’ll want to use strong encryption to protect your feeds from hackers.
• Live video monitoringA: For large businesses, have professionals monitor your feeds. This can be on-site security guards (more expensive) or a remote security monitoring service (less expensive).
• Redundancy: In highly vulnerable areas, you may want to install different types of cameras to create a backup in case one fails (say, due to battery failure or power outage). Your business continuity plan may dictate what makes the most sense.
• Privacy: Consider where you shouldn’t monitor (for example, bathrooms) to ensure privacy.

Integrate enterprise video surveillance into your security plan

At Deep Sentinel, we provide state-of-the-art surveillance systems with advanced features and expert monitoring, ensuring the best protection for your enterprise. Contact us today for more information on our enterprise video surveillance systems. Live guards watch over your property after hours, intervening and calling the police at the first sign of trouble. Get the best business security system for your company by calling 833.983.6006.