In this short article, we cover the core components of an effective CCTV monitoring system. In many cases, remote 24/7 CCTV monitoring systems can significantly reduce the cost of security. This can be up to 80% lower compared to the cost of employing security guards.
Advancements in tech, detection equipment and software continue to accelerate. Due to this, off-site CCTV sensor-activated monitoring now presents a cost-effective, viable alternative to onsite security guards.
The core areas of a CCTV monitoring system we cover in this blog are in the table of contents below.
Table of contents
Related reading
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The benefits of CCTV monitoring
CCTV cameras
For a CCTV monitoring system to be effective, detection is a priority.
Firstly, this starts with the cameras.
- High resolution, IP CCTV, and Ultra HD cameras are required, as they provide crystal clear footage
- PTZ cameras provide the opportunity to zoom in on an intruder and follow them around the site, watching their movements closely
- Thermal imaging CCTV cameras are used where detection may be hampered by low light, or the elements
Detection equipment
As mentioned above with CCTV monitoring, detection is paramount to system effectiveness
- Infra-red (IR) lighting and illumination can be deployed to enhance the camera footage in low-light situations. Though improving camera footage, illuminators help to reduce alarms
- LED lighting can be used to illuminate an area, in order to aid improved detection
- Sensors are used to detect an intruder. When the sensor is triggered an alarm is raised at the ARC, with the appropriate action taken
- Where environmental factors and light pollution aren’t an issue, security lighting can be deployed to enhance the camera footage
Related reading: The benefits of infra-red lighting for solar farm CCTV monitoring.
Video Analytics
At Safeguard Systems, we often design, install and commission systems on sites in rural locations.
During nighttime, animals may roam near solar farms, or close to the perimeter of other commercial or government sites.
At night, detection can be challenging.
Video analytics software distinguishes between humans and animals, helping to reduce false alarms.
Find out more: Thermal CCTV & video analytics.
Audio intervention
Audio intervention is the perfect solution for warning an intruder or someone approaching the perimeter that you have spotted them.
In the event the system triggers an alarm, an off-site security operative can communicate with the intruder via an audio speaker.
This is the perfect, cost-effective, cost-saving alternative to deploying security guards.
Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)
Ok, so not quite part of the system itself, but an important mention.
Cameras are there to capture footage. Sensors and beams are there to trigger the system, where they then raise an alarm.
Detection devices and equipment are there to optimise system effectiveness. Audio intervention acts as a deterrent to intruders and to inform the authorities of their presence.
The ARC is where they recieve the alarm signals. From here, they view the system footage and then make a decision on how best to deal with the threat.
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Looking for advice on CCTV monitoring?
If you are thinking about deploying a monitored CCTV system at your premises or site, call us today on 0800 689 1835 for a no-obligation conversation with a specialist.
