Running a logistics and warehouse facility is challenging. There is always a lot happening around the building, including large containers on transportation trucks coming and going, forklifts transferring merchandise from one area to another, and employees and visitors walking around. With so many moving parts, having a sound warehouse security camera system will help keep goods and people safe.
However, choosing security cameras for a warehouse can get complicated. A quick Google search will show you hundreds of different options, claiming to be the best choice to protect your facility.
Many security camera systems don’t work as well as advertised, leaving you with bad image quality or missing video when you need it most. Too many businesses end up feeling let down when they choose the wrong solution.
Consider the following when researching a new warehouse security camera system:
- Are you starting from scratch or replacing your old equipment and getting new gear?
- If you have an existing warehouse security camera system, is it analog or IP, and does it record to a DVR, NVR, or VMS?
- Do you want a cloud-based or an on-site system?
- Are you simply looking for something that provides reliable recording, or do you want to be alerted to security threats instantly?
- Do you want to capture license plates?
- Do you know how many megapixels you need for each camera location?
- How much video retention (days of recording) do you need?
- How big will your warehouse security camera system grow in the future?
- Is the new system going on a corporate network? Are there any cyber security vulnerabilities?
The last thing you want to do when you invest in a new warehouse security camera system is to buy a solution that creates more headaches, leaves your network exposed, and ends up leaving you feeling let down.
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It’s important to choose the Right Security Camera Manufacturer
Once you have determined some of the basics, the next step is to choose the right manufacturers. However, you may not know about the better camera brands for warehouse security camera system unless you are in the security industry. This unawareness of high-quality security cameras often leads to purchasing the cheapest solution and leaving you with problems.
Some of the most significant issues we see when a buyer chooses based on price include:
Misleading Camera or Recording Devise Specifications
Not all security cameras are the same, even if they have matching specifications. However, some manufacturers market their cameras at certain megapixels, such as 8MP or 4K, but often yield poor image quality. Similarly, a low-cost NVR’s specs may say it has 16 channels, but when you add too many cameras, the system slows down because it can not handle the bandwidth.
Unreliable Recording
Low-cost warehouse security camera systems come with cheaper digital or network video recorders that often fail or do not record correctly. Because these systems are built with low-cost parts, they often cannot be repaired, upgraded, or replaced, leaving you with a solution that becomes out of date quickly, that cannot handle a lot of cameras, or that is very slow when reviewing video.
Cyber Security and Network Security Issues
You have to be careful of what you put on your network. With so many bargain-basement products being mass-produced outside of North America, network security becomes a low priority. A recent article from IPVM, the world’s leading video surveillance source, discusses the vulnerabilities of one of the world’s largest security camera manufacturers. You don’t want your cameras exposing your network.
Here are the Top 4 Warehouse Security Camera Systems we Recommend
If you are looking to invest in a reliable warehouse security camera system that will last long, allow you to upgrade or expand, and that will work when you need it to, we have listed the top 4 that we recommend. Several of our warehouse customers use these systems and have had minimal issues. These systems are more expensive than the cheaper solutions, but if you design the system correctly, you will have a much better and reliable solution that lasts longer.
1. Axis Cameras & Milestone XProtect VMS
Milestone XProtect is an open platform video management software (VMS) that supports thousands of cameras and devices for IP network-based video surveillance. It is scalable, user-friendly, and secure. Milestone XProtect has many built-in features, including bookmarking, evidence lock, desktop notifications, independent playback, and generic 360-degree dewarping.
Axis Communications invented the first IP camera. Their security cameras have consistently rated #1 for camera manufacturers. Axis cameras offer excellent HDTV image quality regardless of lighting conditions or the size and characteristics of the monitored areas. They have superior image quality, excellent support, and a low failure rate. There is an Axis IP camera for every situation and setup. Both Axis and Milestone are owned and back by Canon Group.
2. Avigilon
For the best all-around system, look to Avigilon. They have some of the best video analytics and simple and easy-to-use software on the market. Avigilon cameras are available in a variety of styles and provide excellent image detail. For the perfect complement to their camera lineup, try Avigilon Control Center (ACC7). A powerful and simple to use VMS, ACC7 comes with advanced features such as Appearance Search and Self-learning Video Analytics are some of the advanced features that make ACC7 one of the best software choices in the video surveillance market.
3. OpenEye Security
For a hybrid single integrated security platform, there is OpenEye. Combining the performance and reliability of local recording with the convenience and flexibility of the cloud, OpenEye manufactures a line of cameras, recorders and software that focuses on easy-to-use software interfaces. The video export tools allow you to export essential video incidents to the cloud for safekeeping.
4. Eagle Eye Networks
As more and more companies move their systems to the cloud, Eagle Eye is a clear winner. Eagle Eye is an on-demand cloud-based security and operations video management system (VMS) that provides cloud and on-premises recording. Compatible with a broad range of cameras, Eagle Eye Networks’ analytic tools and open API platform provide businesses with a device that is more than simply a video security system. And the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS is a cloud security camera system that provides 100% cloud management, 100% mobile and web browser viewing, and optional 100% cloud recording. You can easily add an analog or IP camera or customize your storage settings with Eagle Eye.
Operating a logistics and warehouse facility is challenging. It requires a reliable warehouse security camera system that will secure your facility and keep personnel safe. However, with so many options in the market today, finding the right security products and systems can be challenging. A Google search will not give you the whole picture. Four of the best warehouse security camera systems we recommend include Eagle Eye, Open Eye, and Axis, as well as Milestone XProtect VMS and Avigilon. Doing the research will make the process simpler and get you the protection you seek.
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.
