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A Quick Guide on Everything You Need to Know About Apartment Building Security Cameras

April 29, 2019

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Whether you are implementing video security at your business, organization, or apartment building – the process of allocating resources, conducting research, and then deploying a system can be a long and strenuous journey.

In this blog post, we will concisely outline the entire process. From understanding the benefits of video security to finding the right camera option that will meet your requirements, this guide will explain the things to consider when implementing apartment building security cameras. Down below are the topics that we will cover.

• What are the benefits of using security cameras for apartment buildings?

• Finding the right video surveillance system for your apartment complex

• How to properly deploy a security camera system for your building

What are the benefits of using security cameras for apartment buildings?

When looking for a video security solution, it is imperative to first lay out the benefits you will gain with your investment. This sets expectations and provides key indicators on how to measure ROI.

Avoiding having to hire security guards

One of the primary goals for an apartment complex is to provide a safe and comfortable living environment. Hiring security guards can achieve this, but it can be costly. Security cameras can be effective in promoting a safe environment without the uneasiness of having a strong presence of guards patrolling an area.

Preventing crime from happening

It is a known fact that when security cameras are installed and visible, crime can decrease substantially. Security cameras can prevent crime from occurring to the property from outside individuals and ensure a peaceful environment for tenants.

Investing in your current and future residents

When security cameras are installed, this communicates that management values its tenants and is invested in keeping them safe. Intelligently used video surveillance can create peace-of-mind and in return, future residents will be more inclined to move-in.

Acquiring visibility and having footage of specific events

There is nothing worse than when an incident occurs, and management has no footage or evidence of what has happened. With security cameras, an apartment building has the necessary tools to gain better visibility. This allows management to have video footage of day-to-day operations and to work with authorities if a crime has taken place.

Finding the right video surveillance system for your apartment complex

Finding the right security camera system or vendor can be difficult. Before deciding on a solution, it is best to figure out what features are most valuable for your use case. If you are price conscious and have the capacity to manage hardware – a traditional DVR/NVR system may work.

From customer conversations, a cloud system is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for a variety of reasons. Down below are a few things to consider when searching for the right system.

Installation method

When evaluating a system, first consider how difficult or easy installation will be for your entire building. With a traditional system, multiple wires, servers, and hard drives are required. However, with a cloud solution, the only piece of hardware required is the camera, which can be connected over PoE.

Storing video footage

Traditional systems require hard drives where footage is stored for an indefinite amount of time. Like with any hardware product, hard drives and servers are prone to failing and can compromise an entire system. Cloud systems store footage in the cloud to prevent excessive hardware failure and ensures that footage is stored off-site and inaccessible from outside individuals.

Accessing your video security system

If you choose a DVR/NVR system, remotely accessing your system is usually unavailable. This requires you to be on-site to view footage. However, if you want to view footage off-site, a cloud system allows for remote access from a browser or mobile device.

Data security and end-to-end encryption

Some cloud solutions possess full end-to-end encryption. This means that the data stored on-camera and in the cloud is encrypted to prevent hackers from accessing the system. With a traditional system, outside parties must physically access the system to acquire its footage or data.

Automatic firmware updates

Pushing system updates can be difficult with a traditional system. One of our customers expressed that updating their previous system was cumbersome, and required a great amount of time and energy, preventing the system from being updated that often. With a cloud solution, firmware and security patches happen easily and automatically to prevent you from having to do the manual work yourself.

How to properly deploy a security camera system for your building

Unlike installing a surveillance system for your home, a professional system often requires a licensed installer to handle the deployment. Down below are a few things to keep in mind when working with an installer.

Identifying the appropriate camera viewing angle

When you select a security camera to use, take into account the camera’s viewing angle. Understanding the viewing angle will make it easier to plan deployment and ensure that the cameras will have an optimal view of your entire environment.

Exterior camera installation

Cameras facing outside, at a minimum, should be installed on all four corners of a building. You can also install between those cameras to achieve a nearly 360-degree view of the entire complex. More cameras may be needed but this depends on the viewing angle of your selected camera.

Interior camera installation

Similar to outward facing cameras, interior cameras should follow the same methodology though sometimes it is not necessary to install as many. As a rule of thumb, cameras that are installed inside should have clear visibility in high traffic areas and points of entry.

Identifying known blind spots

Understanding your apartment complex and its blind spots are key to successful implementation. By identifying known blind spots, this will ensure your system is doing what it is intended to do – to provide visibility throughout your entire building.

Closing

We hope you found this guide informative and useful. If you have any questions about implementing video security for your apartment complex or organization, or have any questions regarding the Rhombus solution, please don’t hesitate to reach out at sales@rhombussystems.com.

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