DIY security may sound like a good idea, but have you considered all that comes with it?
Pinterest is the best social media platform, and if you disagree with me you can argue with me until you are blue in face as I work on my king-sized wizard-themed quilt or as I carefully frost my triple layered cake. It is great to have DIY crafts and instructions at the click of a button. However, have you ever Googled Pintrosities? These failures are prime examples that some things should not be DIYed. But what about security? Can you DIY your business’ security?
There is no simple answer. Most security systems are no longer closed circuit and require more IT infrastructure and updates than the systems viewed in the back room. However, there are products on the market that claim DIY security camera installation capabilities. Ultimately, you need to decide what will best fit the needs of your business. We recommend doing your research, knowing your security needs, and understanding what a security system entails. We have provided these tips to help you make your decision and hopefully avoid a security Pintrosity.
IT infrastructure requirements
Security used to mean installing a couple cameras, linking them to a storage/recording system in the back room, and setting up monitors. Then you would employ a guard to watch it. We have moved away from this type of security which relied more on the hardware than on any software. Now we no longer have a tape with the footage on it, rather footage is stored digitally either on premises or on the cloud. This relies on a lot of computer and network know-how. When was the last time you tried to set up your business’ network or to connect cameras to the cloud? Were you able to tell the cameras how and when to transfer data as well as the type of file you want it in? Unless you are specifically trained at computer or software engineering, this would be a hard requirement to fulfill. Furthermore, are you going to host your own network? I am not a network building, computer scientist wizard but our CIO discusses this more in depth here.
Software updates and hardware maintenance
Software updates are frequent and often inconvenient. However, have you ever gotten to the point where your phone, tablet, or computer will not update because it is no longer supported? As one who battles with this every five to seven years (thanks Apple), eventually you will be forced into upgrading the hardware as well as the software. This applies to a security system as well, even if you are still rewinding tapes with a pair of scissors when they get eaten by the system. Eventually, the tapes wear out, the lenses on the cameras stop working, and even if you are more modern than a physical tape your hard drive gets full. Sooner or later things wear down and break, including digital devices.
Everything from your car to your home to your business requires maintenance. Security hardware isn’t any different. Once the cameras wear out or they are no longer supported by the software, they have to be updated.
Cost of upkeep
Obviously, the cost of upkeep on a security system can vary greatly. But a few of the costs associated with it can be typical maintenance and updates, replacement costs, an employee to set up and manage the system, technicians to repair the system, infrastructure updates to camera mounts and buildings, and more. It takes money, time, and effort to DIY a security system, so you have to make sure you are aware of what you’re getting into before you commit to it.
LiveView Technologies (LVT)
LVT takes the maintenance, updates, and IT requirements of operating a security system out of your hands. Our mobile security units are quick to set up and can be easily moved. Let us manage security so you can focus your efforts on your business. Instead, you can enjoy the benefits of 24/7 surveillance with live alerts and active deterrence.
