Store Security System, Cameras, Advice needed

CSR_Admin

CSR_Admin

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Mar 10, 2004
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I need to outfit our new store with a security system and cameras. I don't need anything crazy with the security system, just something basic, but don't want to get roped into one of those deals that lock you into a hokey agreement for 3 years. Any advice on whats worthwhile and legit?

Then I need cameras and a DVR. I have been shopping for a week and my head is spinning. I would like a decent size DVR, would like to be able to view the cameras remotely via the web, would like images to upload to an offsite server (not a deal breaker but would be nice), and I would like the cameras to be wireless. Would need at least 4 cameras, maybe 6. So, what would work for me?

Thanks!
 
1.) Security systems and the monitoring packages have become so inexpensive that the savings on your insurance preminms makes it easily justifiable. Check with your insurance rep & budget from there.

2.) As far as the cameras go... viewing them from a remote pc is pretty cheap too. I'm not sure how much the costs will rise if you really NEED to go wireless as there is additional equipment needed.

3.) The biggest cost of a system like this is the DVR & the software packages to view & retrive clips. My suggestion is don't overbuy. Your cameras will be motion sensored & you'll be supprised how much video can be stored on these drives. The bells and whistles are cool for a week or so after that they are seldom used.
 
I had seen some demos from http://www.clear2there.com/. I do not vouch for them though, we have not tested their products, but it is another source for you and I know you can just buy their products versus the 3 year deal.
 
Ryan said:
I had seen some demos from http://www.clear2there.com/. I do not vouch for them though, we have not tested their products, but it is another source for you and I know you can just buy their products versus the 3 year deal.
Click to expand...

Or you could do like they did at one place on one of last night's shows(the mentalist) - just put up cameras, with red blinking lights, to make them think they're being filmed.

-VtSeaRay
 
I will be the fly in the ointment... and you all need to read my book "When Small Companies Become Too Big to Fail; Risk Management with Small Technology Companies"

I have a system by GE (it used to be Kalatel and they were bought by GE). I've had their stuff for 6 years and this stuff is not "set it and forget it." Cameras will fail, DVRs are nothing more than computer servers (albeit some with an embedded OS) with hard drives and will fail over time, updates to computers OS's (i.e. XP to Vista to the next piece of sh!t thing from Microsoft) and so the software to view manipulate the DVR will have to be constantly patched, the cameras burn out, etc etc.

There are a lot of little players in this space. For example, the clear2there company has grammer errors all over their website and I bet that's less than 50 people in that company (I'm guessing less than 10). If the company goes out of business tomorrow, you are stuck with a product that will fail in time and you can't fix it. Can't happen? I watched a company called steelbox which did DVRs and had a $10M venture round brought into them only to be closed down two years later and all the customers (including some BIG foriegn governments) with no way to upgrade the software for client access, etc... freekin' nightmare.

My suggestion, for what it is worth, is to stick with a SIMPLE DVR system like mpwh says and get some decent cameras with a good warranty and all from a company you know will be here in the long haul (like GE/Kalatel, or Sony, etc). I've had a few cameras by Kalatel burn out and they were replaced by GE without question. Are their better cameras? Yes... but when it comes to mission critical products, you either do your due diligence and monitor a VC backed small company or go with a company that has more staying power...

My 2 cents.
 
Jim, go to Costco.com they have a great deal going now with dvr and multiple cameras.....
 
Jim I'm local and I wouldn't mind helping you out at all. I'm a newbie to the boating scene and this website has been awesome help so far. I do residential and commercial audio video and video surveillance set-ups. I could get you the equipment at cost and even do the labor for free. I recommend Speco Technologies for the cameras and DVR. There are a bunch of different options to look at. Either contact me here or I'll PM you my phone number.

Chris
 
CSR_Admin said:
I need to outfit our new store with a security system and cameras. I don't need anything crazy with the security system, just something basic, but don't want to get roped into one of those deals that lock you into a hokey agreement for 3 years. Any advice on whats worthwhile and legit?

Then I need cameras and a DVR. I have been shopping for a week and my head is spinning. I would like a decent size DVR, would like to be able to view the cameras remotely via the web, would like images to upload to an offsite server (not a deal breaker but would be nice), and I would like the cameras to be wireless. Would need at least 4 cameras, maybe 6. So, what would work for me?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Jim I would ad a system that records the register ring (shows the register receipt ) with a picture or movie of the customer paying. As your business begins to involve aore and more people in the till, this system shows the purchases, the ring and the tender/change. It helps control under ring, and free stuff to employee friends.

Retailers biggest shrinkage losses are at the register and the back door all from employees and not the errant shoplifter.
 
We sell high end DVRs and Surveillance camera systems. You can get some really trick stuff now a days, but I think in your case the Costco route will work the best. As Gary said cameras and DVR's harddrives can and do go out. Don't go with wireless Cameras. Best of luck.
 
Jim
I agree with Todd
DO NOT go with wireless cameras.
I just installed a set-up in my younger brother's new pharmacy.
Necessary for insurance and also for controlled drug sales.

System has 8 cameras, motion sensitive, DVR, Monitor and remote access.
Hard cost for equipment was less than $2000
Install including all wiring was around $2500

Look at Costco for a complete turn key package and expect, as Gary has mentioned, that these systems will need to be upgraded or replaced every 3-6 years.

My brother is on his 3rd system in 10 years.
The new one was necessary because of a new store build out and starts the clock running new.

My $0.02 worth

Dan
 
Make sure the monitor is large enough to display all cameras at the same time with a picture you can see. Where I work we use ADT and the system is a 9 camera system with 8 operating 24/7. It can be accessed from outside with a computer and proper software so that would not be a problem. You can do just about anything with the equipment of today.
 
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