The Top 10 Don’ts Of Hotel Security Camera Systems

You’ve probably never read an advice article on Surveillance Systems for the Hospitality Industry that has started off with a quote from Tom Brady .. But you’re about to.

Tom Brady once said “Before you can learn how to win an NFL game you have to learn how not to lose one.”

Thinking that when someone as successful as Tom Brady tosses out advice it’s probably a good idea to listen. I’d like to begin a brief series of posts on Surveillance Systems for Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, or any type of lodging related establishment, by focusing on ten things you don’t want to do. Ten things that if done.. could cost you more than a game.

10 Pitfalls To Avoid When Installing A Security Camera System For Your Hotel, Motel, Inn, Lodge, Or B&B

1. Don’t go with a security camera vendor just because they are the closest or the cheapest. If they go out of business tomorrow that won’t help you at all.

2. No matter how slick the sales pitch, don’t purchase a new camera system that uses any outdated type of Coax Cable (RG-59 or RG-58). Insist on a system that uses either Category 5 or Category 6 twister pair cable for true IP cameras.

3. Don’t ask for outdoor wireless cameras unless you have a large budget. Though amazing wireless technology exists, commercial grade wireless equipment is costly.

4.  Don’t blow your budget on a Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera with the hope that by itself it can surveil a large area. Even a PTZ camera can only watch one area at a time.

5. Remember, exposed cables on your security cameras that are within easy reach.. can be easily cut. So, don’t forget to insist on conduit when necessary.

6. Don’t mount all your cameras on the ceiling, or fifteen feet up on a wall, and expect to get a good look at anyone’s face.

7. Don’t skimp on the Network Video Recorder (NVR). Make sure you get an NVR with more than the minimum processing power, storage capacity, and camera ports.

8. If you have a large property, don’t expect a new surveillance system to be installed in one day, or possibly even one week. Wiring takes time, so ask about the total time to project completion.

9. If your system is being professionally installed don’t pay entirely upfront. A reputable company will expect a portion of the payment to be withheld until the project is complete.

10. If remote access is critical, don’t pretend a dynamic IP address for your NVR will be your best solution just because it’s free. Dynamic address resolution can be troublesome for remote access. A static IP address is always best.

To summarize the top ten things you want to avoid when considering a security camera system for your hospitality related business, you could say this:  Make sure you trust your vendor and make sure they have a solid and well established track record. Don’t be suckered into any system that’s not using state of the art IP cameras and make sure it’s a system that’s easy to upgrade and expand. Remember, smart planning and smart camera placement are critical to get the most out of your investment. And finally, be an informed consumer so you can keep your expectation and your budget realistic.

Bonus Tips:

Don’t expect amazing speeds for remote video access across an internet connection that is itself anything but amazingly fast. You always get what you pay for.

For more information about hotel security cameras for your hospitality business contact CameraSecurityNow.comtoday at 800-440-1662