Across the globe, commercial and residential buildings are being constructed in cities and municipalities. To properly secure construction sites, video surveillance systems are needed. So what are some of the things to consider when selecting one?
Across the globe,
commercial and residential buildings are being constructed in cities and municipalities. To properly secure construction sites, video surveillance systems are needed. So what are some of the things to consider when selecting one?
Needless to say, buildings are springing up across the globe. According to GlobalData, the global construction output is forecast to rise to US$12.9 trillion in 2022, up from $10.9 trillion in 2017. This year, construction output growth is estimated to be 3.5 percent compared to 2018, the report said.
With construction sites mushrooming, securing these sites has become critical and renders it necessary for developers to deploy video surveillance systems. “The primary and most frequent use for security cameras on construction sites is to keep building materials and equipment secure. This helps prevent theft and vandalism of costly resources,” said a recent
blogpost by 2MCCTV. “Additionally, they are often used for project management reasons and remote site viewing to check up on progress. Another common use is live streaming or time lapse views for marketing purposes.”
When it comes to selecting a video surveillance system, there’s no one-size-fit-all solution as projects differ from place to place. However, the post did include certain factors to consider that are summarized as follows.
Durability
According to the post, durability is a huge factor, as the cameras will be installed outside in a
relatively dangerous environment. “
Explosive-proof cameras may be required in extremely hazardous situations. Depending on your level of need, certain IP (Ingress Protection) ratings may be better suited for your situation (IP66, IP67 and IP68),” it said.
Furthermore, cameras with IR night vision may be required, as most security sites do not possess a lot of nighttime lighting, the post said. “A smart IR camera may be important if this feature is especially important to you. Smart IR is able to auto adjust to different brightness levels as they emerge,” it said. “Finally, managers may want to have a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera so they can check on project progress across the site.”
Wire vs. wireless
According to the post, in deciding between wired and wireless, the user is really deciding on IP or analog. “Analog systems tend to be more reliable and are typically easier to set up. However, IP cameras have made some strides in their development,” it said. “It is important to consider that IP cameras will still typically need to be wired in to a source of power. Overall, it will depend on your preference, but it is generally recommended to go with a wired system if able.”
Best DVR
The post also cited certain factors to consider when selecting a
recorder. “The first thing you’ll want to consider is ease of use. You don’t want to spend an eternity figuring out how your system works, it should be simple. Next, you should select a system that includes desktop software and mobile apps if these feature interest you,” it said. “Lastly, you should decide on alarm sensor integration abilities. Burglar alarm sensors allow your surveillance system to trigger alarms, deterring criminal activity and informing law enforcement.”
Other considerations
Finally, the user can consider whether to get cameras with time lapse or live streaming features, the post said. “Time lapse cameras can be entertaining for use on long term construction projects. These will require snapshot capabilities in order to perform the time lapse. Additionally, live streaming may be setup for promotional marketing purposes. This would allow the user to directly link the stream to social media platforms or the company’s website,” it said.