When Should a Business Upgrade Its CCTV System?

Is Your CCTV System Still Meeting Your Security Needs?

Imagine a business with an outdated camera system. The video footage is of poor quality, lacks detail at night, and locating specific incidents is too time-consuming. While the cameras are still operational, they do not serve their intended purpose effectively.

A CCTV upgrade should be considered if the current system fails to provide useful footage, reliable recording, adequate coverage, manageable storage, or compatibility with your current requirements. However, the age of a system does not automatically make it obsolete. A well-maintained system that meets your needs may not require replacement. It’s important to evaluate the system based on its performance, reliability, vendor support, and how your business has evolved.

Signs That a Business Needs a CCTV Upgrade

Insufficient Footage Quality 

If you are struggling to make out faces, license plates, or other important details in the footage, the issue could be related to low resolution, viewing distance, incorrect lens selection, poor lighting, or camera positioning. Sometimes, repositioning the lens can improve clarity, but in other cases, the camera may simply be outdated.

Presence of Blind Spots 

Renovations, new parking areas, alterations to entrances, or changes in how the business operates can all create coverage gaps. A CCTV layout that worked well in the past may not meet current security needs.

Unreliable Recording or Playback 

Be on the lookout for signs such as missing footage, recorder failures, limited storage, and difficulties in retrieving incidents. A system that fails to record when needed does not fulfill its primary purpose.

Poor Nighttime Footage 

Older low-light technology may struggle to perform effectively in dark conditions. Additionally, you should consider the lighting in the area and potential glare, as both the camera specifications and the environment can affect footage quality.

Difficulties with Equipment Maintenance 

If your CCTV system is becoming increasingly burdensome due to recurring failures, unavailable replacement parts, unsupported software, or rising repair costs, it may be time for an upgrade.

Improve Commercial Security

Higher-Resolution Imaging

Appropriate resolution, combined with effective camera placement, can bring out more detail in the areas that matter most. However, it should be noted that the mere presence of more megapixels does not guarantee an improvement in the quality of the image captured by a camera that is not properly aimed.

AI-Based Video Analytics

Supported cameras and recording platforms can offer person and vehicle detection, event filtering, and easier footage searches. Please note that capabilities vary by camera and recording platform, so it is essential to confirm which specific combinations are supported.

Remote Viewing and Centralised Management

Systems that are compatible may allow authorized users to review footage remotely and manage multiple locations from a centralized location. This feature is particularly beneficial for owners and property managers overseeing multiple sites.

Improved Storage and Video Search

Factors such as recording capacity, retention requirements, and video management software (VMS) all influence the efficiency with which you can locate and review an incident. The implementation of advanced search tools can effectively transform hours of manual data entry into minutes.

Should a Business Replace Every Camera or Upgrade in Stages?

When a Full Replacement May Make Sense

Widespread equipment failure, major compatibility problems, outdated recording infrastructure, or a redesign of security coverage can justify replacing the whole system.

When a Phased Upgrade May Be Practical

If compatibility, reliability, and project requirements permit, you may wish to replace selected cameras or recording components in stages, extending the work over time. This can result in a more dispersed cost and disruption.

Review the Entire System Before Buying

A security system is an intricate network that extends beyond the functionality of its cameras. A variety of factors can impact the results, including cameras, NVRs, VMS software, network capacity, cabling, power, storage, and integrations. It should be noted that replacing cameras alone may not resolve issues caused by an aging recorder, a congested network, or substandard cabling.

What Should Businesses Consider Before Upgrading CCTV?

Before choosing equipment, review:

• Security goals and coverage gaps
• Image quality and low-light requirements
• Indoor versus outdoor camera needs
• Recording retention and storage
• Network and power capacity
• Remote access and cybersecurity
• Integration with access control and alarms
• Future expansion
• Budget and maintenance

Firstly, assess the existing system thoroughly, and then select replacement equipment based on the findings of that assessment.

NDAA Considerations When Upgrading a Commercial CCTV System

Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act imposes restrictions on the federal government’s procurement and utilisation of specific covered telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. These restrictions impact certain federal contractors and grant recipients. The Acquisition.gov guidance on Section 889 is the primary reference for understanding how these restrictions work in the context of federal procurement and contracting.

An upgrade can be a good time to review:

• Applicable project or contract requirements
• Manufacturer and model documentation
• Existing equipment and system dependencies
• Required specifications for replacement components
• Compatibility with recording and video management systems

Note that NDAA compliance is not automatically required for every private business. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the regulations that pertain to your specific project. Security Surveillance Systems is pleased to offer NDAA-compliant camera options for projects that require them.

How Does CCTV Upgrade Planning Differ Across Colorado Businesses?

The requirements are dependent on the property itself and not the city. These examples demonstrate how different settings give rise to different questions.

Denver and Aurora

Retail properties, offices, and commercial buildings along Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and Havana Street, and in business areas near I-25, often have busy entrances, shared parking, and loading zones that require attention when systems age.

Colorado Springs and Fort Collins

Warehouses, dealerships, retail locations, and multi-building facilities near Powers Boulevard, North Academy Boulevard, College Avenue, and Harmony Road tend to require wider coverage and careful planning across larger sites.

Mountain and Resort Communities

In Vail, Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne, it is essential to consider outdoor equipment specifications, lighting, weather exposure, and access for maintenance. Equipment in these settings should be selected for the conditions it will face.

Which Video Surveillance Brands Can Businesses Consider for an Upgrade?

Security Surveillance System provides these video surveillance brands:

• Uniview
• Digital Watchdog (DW)
• Exacq
• LTS
• Hanwha Vision

The most suitable option depends on a number of factors, including camera performance, recording and VMS compatibility, existing infrastructure, project specifications, and budget. It is important to note that products from different manufacturers and different models from the same manufacturer, do not all share identical features or compliance status. Therefore, it is essential to verify each one.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade a Business CCTV System?

There’s no universal price. The costs will depend on:

• The number of cameras to replace or add
• Camera resolution and capabilities
• Existing cabling and network infrastructure
• NVR or VMS replacement or licensing
• Storage and retention requirements
• Installation complexity
• Integration with other security systems
• Ongoing maintenance and support

The most reliable way to obtain an accurate figure is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your existing system and current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About CCTV System Upgrades