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Access Control and Surveillance Buying Guide

Posted on December 6, 2021

Key card access control and commercial key fob door entry systems are important components of any business security since it allows authorized individuals to enter and exit facilities while keeping intruders out. However, given the large range of systems on the market, the number of features to pick from, and the technical characteristics of your building, selecting the right door access system isn't always simple.

Whether you simply want to keep individuals out of your building after hours or want a detailed record of everyone who entered your business and at what time, the best access control system for your location is determined by a variety of factors, ranging from a single keypad to a multi-layered enterprise network spanning many buildings. 

At Action 1st, our number one priority is keeping our customers safe at all times. Learn more about what your business should look for when purchasing access control systems. Contact us today for access control solutions and see how they can help improve your company’s security. 

Important Security Considerations

Are you planning to install commercial electronic door lock systems or hiring an expert for keyless entry installation services? Here are a few considerations to think about before buying an access control with video surveillance system for your office, store or building?

Installation

If your firm is small and you don't have many areas to watch or several cameras to deploy, you can do it yourself. For larger businesses with several locations and complex installations, professional installation is suggested.

Areas of Protection

It's important to know exactly where you want to put your surveillance cameras because this will affect the type(s) of cameras you acquire. If you need to keep an eye on your back entrance, for example, a weatherproof exterior camera with additional functionality and motion alerts is a good choice.

Pricing

The size of your business, property, and the number of cameras you require, as well as the type of storage you want, the amount of time you want to preserve video, and the features you need, such as video analytics or motion detection, all influence pricing.

Camera Types

The two most prevalent types of cameras used in video surveillance systems are Internet protocol (IP) and analog cameras. Analog cameras have been used in the past. Analog cameras are increasingly being phased out in favor of IP cameras, which have greater features and capabilities. IP cameras are networked cameras that can collect higher-resolution images and offer capabilities like automatic alerts, video analytics, and more.

Data Storage

Video surveillance systems can use one of three forms of video data storage: Network Video Recorders (NVR), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), or a hybrid model. DVR systems use analog cameras, while NVR systems are used with IP cameras. Hybrid systems can be used to integrate analog and IP cameras.

Additional Features

Night vision, motion detection, and pan/tilt/zoom are some of the various features offered by video surveillance systems. Assess the features your business needs and choose your surveillance cameras and system accordingly. As an example, if you want to monitor your property at night, you'll want a system with powerful night vision and 24-hour notifications.

Factors That Influence Overall Cost

In general, there are several factors involved with the overall cost of access control and surveillance solutions.

Equipment

Consider the type, amount, and quality of equipment such as security cameras, motion sensors, and doorbell cameras, among other factors, when determining the cost of a commercial security system. Following the installation of your security systems, you may need to add additional security sensors or cameras to monitor blind spots on your property.

Consult your service provider before purchasing equipment to find out how many security devices each control panel can handle at the same time. Furthermore, before installing add-on tools, inquire about any additional expenditures, such as additional cloud storage, that may be required to correctly save all security camera footage.

Software

In the context of video security, all-inclusive software means exactly that. Some service providers on the market can manage anything. They design the cameras, aid with the initial installation, and provide continuing maintenance. This guarantees that new features and updates are integrated and that any unexpected issues are resolved quickly rather than becoming catastrophes.

In other circumstances, in what is known as Video Surveillance as a Service, the provider may even control day-to-day operations. While some businesses prefer to acquire all of the hardware and software upfront and bear the entire operating burden, many others find that the partnership, all-inclusive model is a better fit since it provides greater budget certainty in the form of a fixed monthly security system cost.

Warranty

Even customers of consumer devices are familiar with the concept of a warranty, and it is also widespread in the professional video camera market. You should expect gadgets, management software, and other components from any credible modern manufacturer to work effectively.

Installation

The installation of many complex commercial security systems necessitates the use of experienced personnel. Despite the fact that professional commercial security service providers will cost you a lot of money, you can be sure that they will install your security system with the utmost skill and experience.

Monitoring

The majority of commercial security systems allow you to watch your business from afar using a smartphone application that is directly connected to your security cameras. While watching your business in real-time while you're gone improves the security of your belongings, it's still not a perfect security solution.

Entrust Your Commercial Security with Action 1st 

Video surveillance system technology has advanced to the point that they are now an essential component of quality physical security. We hope all of the information provided above will help you make the best decision for your business when considering purchasing a commercial security solution.

At Action 1st, we understand that there is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" solution for commercial business security. As a result, we provide a selection of access control solutions to satisfy your business's unique needs and safety standards. We have been providing Orange County businesses with the best commercial security experience for more than 30 years, and we can’t wait to help your business with your commercial security needs.
Contact Action 1st for a free consultation to learn more about our wide range of commercial security solutions and discover which system is right for your company’s needs.

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