Security has quickly become a top priority for all businesses regardless of size, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems have subsequently become the backbone of these commercial surveillance efforts all across the world.
And although high-quality camera and monitoring investments are always important, they don’t add up to much when businesses don’t take proper care of them on a routine basis.
This is why we recently contacted the cctv system maintenance experts in dayton oh at Garber Electric to get an industry leader’s perspective on why proper maintenance is so important for clear recordings, avoiding camera malfunctions, and not letting subtle vulnerabilities go by unnoticed.
So, check out the below sections to learn 6 essential CCTV maintenance tips that’ll help your business stay ahead of the curve!
- Regularly Inspecting & Cleaning Your CCTV Camera Lenses
Smudged or dirty lenses are by far one of the most common reasons why businesses end up with poor CCTV video quality.
It’s inevitable that rain spots, pollen, dust and spider webs will create blurry footage at least every now and again—and this can be problematic for businesses when identifications are compromised.
This is why every business must create a routine schedule oriented around properly wiping camera lenses with microfiber cloths and checking for lens damages and scratches.
- Testing Playback & Recording Functions
It’s simply not enough for businesses to just be able to see live CCTV footage, because they also need to verify if their system is recording and playing footage back properly.
Businesses of all sizes need to set aside some time on a monthly basis to test CCTV playback and recording on all cameras. This includes confirming accurate timestamps, testing storage device functionality, and ensuring that not footage gaps exist.
This type of proactive CCTV maintenance approach will subsequently guarantee that you’ll be prepped and ready if any kind of incident occurs at your commercial property!
- Double-Checking Camera Coverage & Positioning
It’s normal for security cameras to slightly shift due to vibrations, weather and accidental bumps. But if a camera becomes even just a couple of inches off-target, it could potentially miss your commercial property’s critical areas like cash registers or entryways.
This is why business teams must always walk around their premises and double-check that all cameras are covering their intended zones.
And if blind spots have inadvertently developed or business operations have recently changed, you’ll need to subsequently adjust your camera angles accordingly.
- Maintaining Backup Systems & Power Supply
It’s also important for business owners to realize how their CCTV systems are only as reliable as their power sources.
This is why businesses must thoroughly inspect their security system’s cabling for any signs of wearing, replace any damaged plugs, and consistently confirm that all connections are safe and secure.
And if your company utilizes as uninterruptible power supply (UPS), you’ll want to test these types of systems to make sure that your cameras will continue running even during municipal power outages.
- Updating Software & Firmware
Outdated management software and firmware can unfortunately make CCTV systems vulnerable to all sorts of cyber threats, and this is a big reason why CCTV manufacturers typically release updates on a regular basis.
This means that business teams need to log into their management platforms and make the most out of any recommended tech updates. This is particularly important for Cloud-based CCTV systems, because regular updates will ensure that your sensitive data is protected.
- Inspecting Connections & Cabling
Frayed or loose cables often lead to CCTV install issues like poor video quality and intermittent outages.
This is why business teams should be on the lookout for any wearing signs on both their data and power cabling.
These types of connections should be properly protected from rodents and moisture, and they should also be extremely tight!
Be Sure To Schedule Professional CCTV System Maintenance Checkups When You Don’t Have In-House Tech Experts!
Although some of the above maintenance tasks can be handled as DIY projects, the odds are that you’re going to need professional inspections at least on a yearly basis to ensure that you’re taking proper care of your security investments.
Trained CCTV technicians are capable of optimizing your camera settings, performing thorough testing, and identifying various issues that your team might overlook.
And in today’s fast-paced business world, preventative surveillance maintenance is absolutely essential for keeping your employees, assets and property safe year-round!
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