Energy and Cost Efficiency in Security Camera Choice and Placement
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In planning any security surveillance system it is very important that we discuss with clients requirements. It is very easy to go through all existing security procedures and identify many improvements to the clients system and provide the ultimate security solution using cameras to cover every possible angle, entrance, exit and threat. ignoring why we should want to monitor a certain place and to what level that place needs to be monitored and at what times it need monitoring.
If we look carefully at the cost versus benefit of a low resolution solution we find.
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We can approach the issues of surveillance camera costs in a number of ways dependent upon the clients need to just deter threats or to seek prosecution/compensation should a threat become a reality. Where providing a deterrent is the only consideration we could go as far as:-
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Typical output from Site Survey with Camera Placements.
(full camera target range not shown)
(full camera target range not shown)
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The reality is all situations must contain some deterrent and measures and more advanced security monitoring measures. In most security systems the deterrent measures of lighting and signage are a real must. Dummy cameras are relatively easy to identify by both the security professional and criminal and are not really advised. Deterrent only measures have their place in extremely low risk situations (where the impact of any security transgression is extremely low). Where a higher level of security on systems is required and we must look hybrid solutions where deterrent (signage, Lighting) is used alongside real cameras providing visible deterrent (Patrolling PTZ camaras, lower spec overview cameras) with correctly located high resolution and high specification cameras. This says standard definition and low resolution cameras have a place in such a systems but it must be realised that they may only be suitable to detect the presence of persons/events unless we use many of them where they are very close to the targets.
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Who benefits from a low tech Secutity solution.
The beneficiaries of a system based only on lower resolution, low specification cameras will be:-
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Security Solution using IP Controlled POE Lighting.
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Use of High Tech Security Camera Solutions
With the use of carefully selected Higher resolution (UHD, 4, 5, 6 Megapixel) cameras with correct lens choices and the use of multi-sensor cameras the overall cost of a security solution and it cost of ownership can be minimised (higher individual camera cost but far fewer cameras, lower overall power requirements, lower maintenance costs, cheaper to decommission). The other benefits include. Such cameras will be IT based devices allowing for.
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We can also not ignore advances in lighting technology itself. The use of LED Lighting based smart lighting powered over the network cabling (Power over Ethernet) being controlled from camera analytics will also have benefits of:-
So any site will have requirements for areas with a high level of security surveillance and areas that need a lower level (deterrent only). Hence most cost effective security solutions will implement solutions incorporating simple signage and lighting to highly advanced Multi-sensor UHD cameras with advanced analytics. Cost Savings Looking at typical hybrid installations (Hi Tech IP+ Deterrent) vs an all low resolution system significant cost reductions can be seen such as:-
Redundancy Within this document we have not considered any concept of system redundancy and this will no doubt have an effect on the cost of any system. It is true to say that where we use 1 multi-sensor camera to look at multiple points of interest then the loss of that camera could render a security system useless. It will be very important for the system designer to consider this along with any procedures to mitigate the risk. In doing so these typical cost reductions above may be slightly compromised. |
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Conclusion
With the application of advances surveillance HD/ UHD camera technology we can reduce the capital cost and cost of ownership of any medium to large scale security system. In reality hybrid systems need to be employed to maximise the potential cost benefits encompassing the use of.
When client requirements are properly considered without consideration for maximisation of profit the client could benefit from:-
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NJS Smart Technical Services LLC Technology Division specialise in the Design, Consultancy and Installation of electronic infrastructure systems for buildings be they homes, towers, offices of factories in the Gulf Region. Security monitoring and access systems are one of the many areas they can provide services in.
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