Fitting CCTV camera systems in a Warehouse

As with all CCTV systems think about exactly what you need the cameras to do. There will usually be several distinct areas to consider. Within the warehouse itself, you may wish to monitor and prevent theft. You might also want to view staff and visitors in the event you need to contact them.

The right camera for the job

These 2 roles require different cameras. Theft prevention usually means cameras zoomed in to specific areas capturing quite detailed images. Warehouses are laid out in a CCTV-friendly pattern with lots of long thin spaces, these are easy to cover well. Monitoring personnel movement probably needs wider angle cameras with an emphasis more on coverage than detail capture. You can recognise known individuals with limited detail, identifying unknown individuals requires detailed images.

Using varifocal cameras will take a lot of pressure off you during the planning phase of your project. You don't need to decide on exact camera angles, just the general range. During installation, you can then zoom in or out manually to balance the area covered with the detail captured.

You will probably end up using external cameras in a warehouse to benefit from built-in infrared illumination in low light or pitch-black conditions, longer-range lenses and sturdier construction. Using CAT5 cable allows the video signal to be transmitted up to 300 metres if you power the cameras locally. It also allows you to transfer the images from up to 4 cameras using a single length of cable which will save cable runs in a large unit.

Finally, think about vehicle number plate recording. Having a record of exactly who has been on-site could be useful. We have developed a low-cost ANPR number plate recording camera that is able to film number plates at a distance of up to 75 metres during both the day and night.

Monitor large sites from a central point

CCTV can be used to monitor large sites from a central point. Doorways left open, things left in potentially dangerous places and general activity where you are not expecting it can all be seen and acted on. Outdoor spaces can also be covered effectively. Once again try to decide exactly what you want cameras for. Do they need to be wide overall views or zoomed in to capture detail? You can't have both, it's one or the other.

Access your CCTV system over the internet

Think about whether remote access to your CCTV system over the internet would be beneficial. This is easily achieved and you can even have the DVR alert you via an emailed image if it detects movement. You might want to time these alerts to coincide with times when the warehouse is normally unused.

PTZ cameras

Occasionally it might be worth fitting PTZ cameras which can be moved and zoomed remotely. PTZ cameras aren't always the answer though largely due to cost. Unless you have a full-time operator more fixed cameras carefully positioned may provide a better solution. As with all aspects of planning your system, we are happy to discuss your needs over the phone.

Controlling who has access to your CCTV system

Allowing different levels of access to the CCTV system depending on the status within the company can be useful. Full administrative rights might be reserved for key personnel with others only allowed to playback footage from certain cameras and not able to change DVR settings. Our DVR recorders provide this functionality.

Feel free to contact us for help in planning your CCTV system. We can discuss your specific needs whilst viewing the site using aerial images and from there come up with a list of what you might need. Our advice is free and without obligation.