CCTV Monitoring
CCTV monitoring can give businesses an additional layer of security beyond simply having cameras installed. Where a monitoring service is in place, footage or system information can be actively reviewed according to an agreed arrangement, rather than relying solely on recorded footage that is checked after the fact.
It is worth being clear that not every CCTV system includes monitoring. Some businesses are happy with recorded footage they can review when needed, while others want their premises actively monitored. Pedris can talk through what monitored CCTV involves and whether it suits your business.
What Is CCTV Monitoring?
CCTV monitoring refers to footage being actively reviewed, rather than simply captured and stored. Cameras record activity in the usual way, and where a monitoring service is provided, that footage or relevant system information can be reviewed remotely to help keep an eye on activity around a commercial premises and identify anything that appears significant.
Monitoring can sit alongside a business's wider physical and electronic security measures, but the exact arrangement depends on the system in place and the service provided. We would rather discuss what is realistic and appropriate for your premises than suggest a fixed response process applies to every system.
Monitored CCTV for Commercial Premises
Monitored CCTV tends to be of particular interest to businesses with premises that are unattended outside normal working hours, or larger sites with vulnerable external areas such as entrances, exits, yards and loading areas. Car parks, warehouses and industrial premises often have more ground to cover, and remote or isolated sites can benefit from the additional oversight that monitoring can provide.
Monitored CCTV can complement other security measures already in place, forming one part of a wider approach rather than standing alone. Whether it is the right fit depends on your premises, how it operates and what you are looking to achieve.
How CCTV Monitoring Works
1
CCTV Cameras
Cameras capture activity across the areas covered by the system.
2
Secure Video Transmission
Where remote monitoring is provided, relevant footage or system information can be transmitted to the monitoring operation.
3
Monitoring
Activity can be reviewed according to the agreed monitoring arrangement.
4
Appropriate Action
Any response or escalation depends on the monitoring service, system configuration and agreed procedures for your premises.
CCTV Monitoring and Remote Viewing
Remote CCTV viewing and CCTV monitoring are related but different things. Remote viewing allows an authorised person, such as a manager or business owner, to log in and view cameras themselves when they choose to. Monitored CCTV goes a step further, with a monitoring service actively reviewing activity according to an agreed arrangement rather than relying on someone checking in from time to time.
Which approach suits your business depends on your premises and how closely you want activity reviewed. To understand more about how cameras, recording and viewing options come together as a complete set-up, visit our CCTV systems page.
CCTV Monitoring with Other Security Systems
CCTV monitoring can form part of a wider security strategy where it makes sense for a business. It can work alongside intruder alarms, access control and intercom systems, as well as physical measures such as security gates and barriers, giving a more complete picture of activity around a site.
Combining appropriate systems can provide multiple layers of security, though not every business needs every measure. We would rather understand your premises and talk through what is genuinely useful for your situation than assume a standard package fits.
CCTV Monitoring for Different Sectors
CCTV monitoring can be relevant across a wide range of commercial environments. Offices and retail premises may want oversight outside trading hours, while industrial sites, warehouses and logistics facilities often have larger areas and yards that benefit from additional visibility. Construction sites frequently have valuable equipment on show with no permanent staff on site, and healthcare, education and hospitality premises may want monitoring alongside their existing security arrangements.
Managed commercial properties can also benefit from monitoring arrangements that suit multiple tenants or shared areas. Visit our sectors page to find out more about the industries we support.
CCTV Monitoring and System Maintenance
Monitored CCTV depends on the underlying cameras, recording equipment and connections all operating correctly. If the equipment behind a monitoring arrangement is not working as intended, the monitoring itself is only ever going to be as good as the system feeding it.
Our security system maintenance service covers the ongoing checks that help keep the equipment behind your CCTV monitoring arrangement operating as intended.
Benefits and Considerations
Monitored CCTV can offer businesses additional oversight of their premises, particularly outside normal working hours, and can support wider security arrangements by keeping an eye on vulnerable areas. In some cases it may help identify unusual activity earlier than would otherwise be the case.
How effective a monitoring arrangement turns out to be depends on a number of factors, including camera coverage, image quality, site layout, lighting, the reliability of the underlying system and the specific monitoring arrangement in place. We would rather talk through these factors honestly than promise outcomes that depend on circumstances outside anyone's control.
How to Get Started
1
Discuss Your Requirements
We start by understanding your premises, your existing CCTV system and your security concerns.
2
Review the Monitoring Requirements
We consider the areas to be covered and how monitoring could fit into your wider security system.
3
Put the Right Arrangement in Place
We help establish the appropriate CCTV and monitoring arrangement around the requirements of your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCTV monitoring?
CCTV monitoring is where footage or system information from a CCTV system is actively reviewed according to an agreed arrangement, rather than simply recorded and stored.
What is the difference between CCTV and CCTV monitoring?
A CCTV systemcovers the cameras and recording equipment installed on site. CCTV monitoring refers to actively reviewing that footage according to an agreed arrangement.
What is the difference between remote viewing and CCTV monitoring?
Remote viewing allows an authorised person to check cameras themselves when they choose to. CCTV monitoring involves a monitoring service actively reviewing activity according to an agreed arrangement.
Is CCTV monitoring suitable for businesses?
Monitored CCTV can suit many commercial premises, particularly those unattended outside working hours or with larger areas to keep an eye on. Whether it suits your business depends on your specific requirements.
Can CCTV be monitored outside business hours?
Monitoring arrangements can be set up to cover the hours that matter most to your business, including outside normal working hours where required.
Can CCTV monitoring work with intruder alarms?
Yes. CCTV monitoring can work alongside intruder alarm systemsas part of a wider security approach.
Can an existing CCTV system be monitored?
In many cases, yes, depending on the equipment already in place. We can discuss your existing system and whether monitoring can be added to it.
Does CCTV monitoring require ongoing maintenance?
Yes. Monitoring depends on the underlying equipment working correctly, so ongoing security system maintenanceis worth considering alongside a monitoring arrangement.
Discuss Your CCTV Monitoring Requirements
Get in touch to discuss your premises, existing CCTV system and monitoring requirements.