Understanding the Commercial Security Playbook

It is often assumed that all security cameras are created equal and their difference in appearance is simply due to their make, model, or the age of the device. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth, each type of camera is designed and built with a specific application in mind. In the same way that each player on a football team plays a position with a distinct function; Fixed, PTZ, and Specialty cameras each have unique functions and play a specific role in your premise security system. 

Fixed Dome camera

In order to implement an effective premise security solution, an organization must determine its security goals. Security goals can be as simple as deterring crime or monitoring a high-risk area but they can also include gathering analytics to increase productivity or the organization’s efficiency. Only after the security goals have been established can a solution be designed to meet those goals by utilizing different types of security cameras.

Now let’s examine the most commonly utilized cameras in commercial settings, which include Fixed Dome, Panoramic, and PTZ Dome. These essential players are a staple in most security installs and are very recognizable. 

First, a fixed dome camera is used in a scenario where one point of view needs to be covered at all times. When a camera is fixed it means that the camera lens does not move and only provides one, singular view once installed and positioned. In this way fixed dome cameras function like a defensive line. When the term Dome is used to describe a camera, it is referring to the overall shape of the camera. In most instances, a dome camera has a lens that is protected by a clear dome-shaped casing. The dome casing also disguises the direction the camera itself is pointing making it very effective in deterring crime.

If fixed dome cameras function like a defensive line, then a panoramic can be compared to the quarterback. In the same way that the quarterback sees the whole field, a panoramic camera has a large coverage area. Panoramic cameras are best for monitoring large areas with a high flow of traffic. These cameras provide 180° to 360° overviews. Just one panoramic camera can replace many single view or fixed cameras, which keeps costs down. Two types of panoramic cameras are the fisheye and multi-imager. The difference between a fisheye and a multi-imager is the number of lenses. A fisheye camera has one lens that provides 360° coverage and is ideal for small spaces. A multi-imager as its name suggests has multiple cameras that are independently positioned to provide full coverage by way of individual camera streams. However, multi-imagers are prone to a blind spot directly below the camera. They are ideal for intersections and the outer corners of buildings.

Finally, PTZ cameras round out the lineup for the most commonly used cameras in commercial settings. PTZ stands for the Pan, Tilt, and Zoom capabilities of the camera. PTZ cameras complement the fixed dome and panoramic cameras similar to the way a left tackle protects a quarterback. The PTZ camera is well suited for security incidents because they provide high image quality and have the ability to zoom. 

Now that we have reviewed three types of commercial cameras and their functions it is important to look at their overall function. A football team’s primary function is to win; a win for your commercial security system is preventing crime but also helping an organization be more efficient and data-driven. In the same way that a team will watch past performances to improve, analytics and data gathered by cameras can be used to increase operational efficiency and inform decision-making. Security camera analytics use high-tech algorithms to recognize the properties of objects within a video stream and track them frame-by-frame. This technology results in a high detection rate and a dramatic decrease in the number of false alarms. Some examples of camera analytics include:

• License Plate Recognition
• People counter & crowd detection
• Outdoor object tracking, including people and vehicles
• Indoor people tracking
• Left or removed item detection
• Motion tracker technology

The most effective security systems are not cut and paste, instead, they are carefully planned according to the organization’s individual needs and physical footprint. A security system designer will help you choose the manufacturer, camera types, and positioning that best meets an organization’s security goals. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with one of Assurance Media’s experienced designers, please visit https://assurancemedia.com/contact-us/