bleuflamen
I used to work for an IT shop that started selling and installing security cameras inside offices to record employees at their desks, in hallways, etc. What I saw is that the morale plummeted at all the offices we did installations at.
Ironically, at one of the companies, I knew the manager watched porn on his computer because I saw temp files from it when I worked on his computer. And he was one of only a couple people without cameras in their offices. I didn't report this to anyone, as he was essentially my boss while I worked there.
Have you ever worked in an office like this? What are your feelings on the subject.
Answer
I work as a security officer at a highly secure data hosting centre.
We have cameras literally everywhere, with exception of the office.
They wanted to install there as well, for obvious security reasons, as office space is a common place for burglars, who runs off with monitors, projectors etc. but the staff said no.
I, personally, don't like being spied on like that. If you have to spy on your own staff like that, you have a trust issue, and trust, among other things, is what keeps most companies running.
I disapprove of security cameras inside offices. Elevators and hallways leading to ie. restricted access areas can be okay.
I work as a security officer at a highly secure data hosting centre.
We have cameras literally everywhere, with exception of the office.
They wanted to install there as well, for obvious security reasons, as office space is a common place for burglars, who runs off with monitors, projectors etc. but the staff said no.
I, personally, don't like being spied on like that. If you have to spy on your own staff like that, you have a trust issue, and trust, among other things, is what keeps most companies running.
I disapprove of security cameras inside offices. Elevators and hallways leading to ie. restricted access areas can be okay.
I'm looking for a good office camera security system. Any recommendations?
actefft
I would prefer the cameras to be wireless and to have a DVR. It would be nice if there was an app I could access the system from my phone. I would probably need at least 12 cameras.
Answer
I like Swann and Lorex systems for these (or smaller) systems.
There may be valu in getting two systems so if one fails, all the cameras are not down - but that is up to you.
Since we do not know the office layout, we do not know how the "wireless" part will work going through walls made of various materials.
Quick review:
Wired security cameras have a single "bundled" cable that contains the video feed and power. There are two plugs at the camera - one for power and one for video. At the DVR there is a connection for the video and the power plug connects to a power source - usually a "wall wart" or some sort. You can locate a battery back-up system at the DVR to power the DVR and the camera in the event of a power outage.
Wireless security cameras send only the video wirelessly. The camera still needs power (wire #1). If battery backup is needed, then some sort of local UPS is needed. The video is transmitted wirelessly to its base station mate. The base station needs power (wire #2). The base station connects with wire (#3) to the DVR.
You will also want to invest in a couple of monitors that connect to the DVR. 16 channels is a lot to watch. For the monitor at the DVR, a low priced, VGA-connected computer monitor is fine. There may be a need to have auxilliary monitors around the rest of the property. Use of the composite video out makes that easy.
Connecting the DVR to the computer network is easy enough - be sure the network is segmented using a network switch (not just a hub) so the video traffic and be isolated from the rest of the network. Use of PnP is easy, but a network admin with half a clue will know how to set the IP address and security properly. Also, for the remote access you want, setting up the router to allow your access while maintaining network security is needed. Again, any half skilled network admin who understands IP networks and router configuration can do this. This works best if your internet provider gives you a static IP address, but can still work if a dynamic address is used - there are some work-arounds and compromises you'll make is you go this route.
I would suggest sizing the system with more ports for cameras than you think you need - in case you decide to add cameras. In this case, two 8-channel systems gives you decent coverage. And a composite security camera will work on any manufacturer's system. I have installed Swann DVRs with Swann, Lorex and other manufacturer's analog, composite video, security cameras...
You did not tell us if the cameras will all be indoors or if there will be any out door (parking lot, alley, etc) in which case you may want outdoor-rated night-vision cameras in addition to the indoor versions.
I like Swann and Lorex systems for these (or smaller) systems.
There may be valu in getting two systems so if one fails, all the cameras are not down - but that is up to you.
Since we do not know the office layout, we do not know how the "wireless" part will work going through walls made of various materials.
Quick review:
Wired security cameras have a single "bundled" cable that contains the video feed and power. There are two plugs at the camera - one for power and one for video. At the DVR there is a connection for the video and the power plug connects to a power source - usually a "wall wart" or some sort. You can locate a battery back-up system at the DVR to power the DVR and the camera in the event of a power outage.
Wireless security cameras send only the video wirelessly. The camera still needs power (wire #1). If battery backup is needed, then some sort of local UPS is needed. The video is transmitted wirelessly to its base station mate. The base station needs power (wire #2). The base station connects with wire (#3) to the DVR.
You will also want to invest in a couple of monitors that connect to the DVR. 16 channels is a lot to watch. For the monitor at the DVR, a low priced, VGA-connected computer monitor is fine. There may be a need to have auxilliary monitors around the rest of the property. Use of the composite video out makes that easy.
Connecting the DVR to the computer network is easy enough - be sure the network is segmented using a network switch (not just a hub) so the video traffic and be isolated from the rest of the network. Use of PnP is easy, but a network admin with half a clue will know how to set the IP address and security properly. Also, for the remote access you want, setting up the router to allow your access while maintaining network security is needed. Again, any half skilled network admin who understands IP networks and router configuration can do this. This works best if your internet provider gives you a static IP address, but can still work if a dynamic address is used - there are some work-arounds and compromises you'll make is you go this route.
I would suggest sizing the system with more ports for cameras than you think you need - in case you decide to add cameras. In this case, two 8-channel systems gives you decent coverage. And a composite security camera will work on any manufacturer's system. I have installed Swann DVRs with Swann, Lorex and other manufacturer's analog, composite video, security cameras...
You did not tell us if the cameras will all be indoors or if there will be any out door (parking lot, alley, etc) in which case you may want outdoor-rated night-vision cameras in addition to the indoor versions.
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