With the advancements in security camera systems, they are also getting easier to install. With automatic setup, no need for clunky systems or wires, security cameras act as a simple plug-and-play device, allowing even someone with no experience to easily manage a simple installation with basic tools.

This blog talks about why DIY-ing security cameras, while it seems straightforward, may not be such a good idea and why hiring a reputable and experienced security company is your best shot at getting a reliable security camera system.

The Trend Of DIY Security Camera Installations

DIY Security Camera

Do It Yourself (DIY) security camera systems have seen an uptick in recent years, with more and more business as well as homeowners opting to install their security cameras themselves. So much so that the current existing market of home security systems worth $56.9 billion is expected to reach $84 billion by 2027.

A major chunk of this comes from the home security systems most of which are DIY focused for easy installation by the homeowner themselves.

Low Cost And Flexibility

One of the reasons why people choose DIY installations is because it helps save up on paying for installation costs. Modern security cameras can easily be mounted with common tools and can be operated wirelessly as well.

Privacy Concerns

Home and business owners do not want outsiders snooping around their property and knowing where every camera is. To ensure that security cameras remain discreet, DIY-ing has become a popular choice among consumers.

Simpler and Smaller Camera Systems

For some businesses, security camera systems are so small that spending time and money looking for a professional security provider to install one or two cameras seems like a waste of time.

No matter the reason, DIY has become a significant trend in the security camera industry with manufacturers focusing on ease of installation, especially with the end consumer in mind.

Why DIY-ing Security Camera Installation Is Not Such A Good Idea

Imagine you are in the market for a security camera system for your business. You go online, search up the cameras you want and find a good deal on Amazon. Does getting security cameras off of Amazon and installing them yourself mean your site is now secure?

The answer depends on the extent of your business, the complexity of your site and a plethora of other factors that have to be considered before a security camera system can be installed.

Improper Camera Placement

Installing security camera systems yourself can mean missing areas of your site that go unmonitored leading to blind spots. These blindspots can be exploited by thieves and vandals to damage your property and cause financial harm to your business and even physical harm to you, your employees, and even your customers.

Technical Issues

Security cameras are not as easy as plug-and-play. There are other things to be considered as well, for instance bandwidth allocation, linking security cameras, and making sure there is enough storage for footage so that it is not overwritten. A new consumer may not have knowledge about these technical issues and may forget to address them during installation.

Quality Of Equipment

Not all security cameras are made the same. While they all advertise the best quality and the latest features, they lack reliability, build quality and security features that come up later on when the security system starts to run into issues.

System Compatibility

Ensuring that the security cameras you are buying fit with the rest of your security system and work well with each component is crucial because your system has to work as one unit. Without proper knowledge of compatibility, you may end up with a security system that is not compatible with your existing system leading to a complex mess that needs to be managed.

Maintenance Related Problems

When going for a security system, a fairly new consumer would neglect security maintenance which is an important part of any security system. A complex system with a large number of potential fault points can mean more issues down the line that need attention and that can render your security system useless if left unchecked.

5 Reasons Why You Should Hire An Expert For Security Camera Installation

With so many potential fault points and considerations, hiring a security provider with the right expertise seems like a compelling option. A security provider helps to avoid issues in future, makes sure you get the right security system, and gives you peace of mind about your security.

Experience In The Industry

A reputable security provider would have experience in installing hundreds if not thousands of security systems for various businesses. This means they would also know the most common issues that your security system might run into and know how to solve them if they come up.

  • Solving Your Problem With Tailored Advice: A good security service provider would not only help install your cameras but also make sure to identify and solve your specific problems regarding security so that your business does not suffer at the hands of inefficient systems.

  • Ensure Quality Of Equipment: A security system expert knows which cameras would work best for your business, and where to get them. Not all security cameras are the same and picking out the right one that does not lock you into a propreitary system is crucial. It is a safer bet to go for brands that are well-known and offer better cyber and data security protocols.

  • Experience With Various Industries: A reputable and experienced security provider has experience with several industries allowing them access to a large resource of knowledge about industry-specific problems.

Ability To Manage Complex Installations

Hiring a security provider ensures that your security system is not hampered from the get-go. For simpler systems, DIY could work, however, as things get more complicated and cameras increase in number, a lot of things have to be considered that only a security provider with relevant know-how would be able to manage.

  • Optimal Camera Placement: A good security provider would work with you initially to help design the camera system, determine placement, assess specific environmental factors and then recommend the best system design and equipment for your security system.

  • Safer Installation Practices: For hard to reach places and tough installation jobs, a security provider makes sure to pull out all the stops to ensure your site remains safe and that wiring is done properly, no matter how complex it gets.

  • Reduced Errors and Mistakes: Since their name and reputation is at stake, the security provider would make less mistakes with the security system and take greater care with ensuring everything is working as intended.

Regulatory Knowledge And Insurance Requirements

Each area and locale has a specific set of rules and regulations that have to be considered before security cameras and other systems can be installed.

  • Meeting Local Regulations: A security provider would be familiar with local laws regarding safety and privacy and would work to design a system that falls within the regulations.

  • Following Industry Compliance Requirements: For a security provider to install cameras, knowing the business is crucial. Especially if the industry is heavily regulated, security providers have to take extra care to ensure they comply with industry standards as well as regulatory requirements.

  • Insurance Requirement: It can also be a requirement by the insurance company to get installation done through a reputable security provider so that it is done properly. It can also act so as to lower insurance premiums.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

A security provider’s job does not end with security camera installation. A good security provider would follow up with ongoing support to make sure that your security system works with no hiccups.

  • Future-Proofing Scalable Systems: For future-proofing your security camera systems, picking the right cameras so that you are not locked into a specific ecosystem is important. A security expert would foresee the growth potential of your business and recommend systems that grow with you.

  • Remote Live Video Monitoring: Installing cameras is only half the job. Monitoring them and keeping an eye on activity in and around your site is crucial in keeping your site secure. Security providers also offer remote video monitoring to keep a watchful eye on your business 24/7 so you never miss a thing.

  • Control Desk Services: Security system maintenance is a crucial part of security systems. A system is only as good as the maintenance being done on it. The last thing you want is an incident to happen and find out your security cameras were not recording. A good security company offers control desk service that combines security maintenance and technical support to give you the best experience with your security system.

Reliability And Peace Of Mind

Last but not least, knowing that your security system has been installed and is being maintained by a security provider that puts your security and convenience above all gives you the peace of mind you have always wanted.

  • Increased Accountability and Reliability: With a focus on reliability and keeping your security system running, a security provider can be held accountable in case anything goes wrong.

  • Cost And Time Efficient: Oftentimes, a security provider can end up helping you save money by getting the right equipment, lowering insurance premiums, reducing camera downtimes and ensuring you do not have to make continuous fixes to wiring and mounting. It is also time efficient so that you can focus on operational tasks and leave security to the professionals.

Looking For Security Cameras For Your Business In Canada?

If you are looking for security camera installation services in Canada, enlist Spotter Security as your trusted security service provider. Spotter Security has over 20 years of experience in the security industry, helping businesses secure their sites, protect their assets and safeguard their employees and customers. Specializing in security camera installation, access control systems and the expertise of securing businesses across various industries, Spotter Security knows what you face daily and helps you protect your business from those threats.

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Written by : Carlo Di Leo

At the age of 24, with no experience in the security industry or any money in the bank, Carlo quit his job and started Spotter Security from his parent's basement. Founded in 2004, Spotter grew from a single man operation into a multi-million dollar security system integrator that caters to businessess and construction sites across Canada.

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