24 Aug 3 Questions to optimize your security system investment
Rudie Opperman, Engineering and Training Manager, EMEA at Axis Communications, looks at the vital questions that can ensure your security system investment is sound.
Over the next six years, the need for video surveillance is anticipated to increase due to thriving infrastructure development brought about by initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030. While these bring growing investment to the commercial and retail sectors, the rapid pace of urbanisation and development in the Middle East region brings increased security concerns for organisations. Spending money on a security system requires careful consideration, as you want it to last for years and provide significant cost savings in the long run. There are a few factors to consider so you can make an informed decision, with a long-term view in mind, that will help reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises or costs. To ensure you make the most of your investment, here are three questions that will guide you in choosing the right security system for your organisation.
Why are you buying network cameras?
Before you begin comparing the prices and features of different network cameras, ask yourself why you need them. It’s always best to start with the very basics like this. Clarify the purpose of the security system and what you want the network cameras to do. Do you need to prevent theft and fraud in a retail environment? Do you want to improve production in a factory? Are you trying to ensure employee and passenger safety on public transport? These are the kinds of questions to ask during this process. Understanding what you want the network cameras to accomplish is crucial to making an informed decision and ensuring you are set up to make the most of your investment. Clarity here is vital to figuring out if the network cameras on your shortlist can do what you need them to or provide the evidence you require.
How will your network camera choice affect the
rest of the system?
The full picture of all costs – not just the devices themselves – is important to make the most of a security system investment. Once you have shortlisted your network cameras, consider how your choice will affect the rest of the security system. Storage is a crucial factor in this calculation. While cheaper network cameras may seem appealing, their compression technology may compromise the quality of the footage. On the other hand, more sophisticated network cameras may have a higher initial cost but come equipped with intelligent algorithms that require less storage space, resulting in cost savings in the long run. It’s also essential to consider installation and accessory costs when evaluating the network camera’s impact on the rest of the system.
What happens once the system is up and running?
Purchasing a security system is not just about the initial investment, but also the operational costs. You must consider the costs required to keep the system running. Think about the electricity usage, required maintenance, and system monitoring costs. Will your chosen network cameras consume too much energy, increasing your electricity bill? Do they offer any smart functionality to reduce overall costs? Is the installed system safeguarded against cyberattacks? Does your vendor of choice have a robust cyber strategy? Increased reliance on digital technology has made cyber threats more sophisticated. This means it is vital for your company to adapt and strengthen its cybersecurity landscape on an ongoing basis. It’s critical to find partners and vendors whose systems are not compromised. All these factors can affect the total cost of ownership incurred throughout the security system’s lifecycle. The correct security system should ultimately improve your business’s bottom line. It’s important to quantify how the security system will impact your business so you can weigh those benefits against the total costs when making your decision. Thinking this through often involves collaboration across departments, ensuring the bigger picture of the system’s impact on the whole business is considered.
A final word
Choosing the right partner for your security system investment leads to long-term success. Investing in a security system is a significant decision, but asking these questions can help you make an informed choice. Understanding the purpose of the network cameras, considering their impact on the rest of the system, estimating the running costs, predicting the impact on your business, and making the best decision for your organisation can help you optimise your investment and achieve a better ROI in the long run. The good news is you don’t need to figure this out alone. The process of asking these questions helps you identify which partners are invested in your organisation’s long-term success. The right partner will assist you in finding a system that works in your best interest, both in terms of the total cost of ownership and a system that meets your requirements to drive long-term value.