Security cameras provide real-time visibility and 24/7 monitoring, and are key pieces of a comprehensive security solution. However, they do not provide comprehensive protection on their own. Relying on video surveillance alone for building security leaves security gaps and vulnerabilities exposed. Here’s why you need more than security cameras to secure your property:

1. Comprehensive security requires multiple layers of protection.
2. Facility security needs to include access control.
3. Video surveillance does not create physical barriers.
4. Security cameras can malfunction.
5. Video surveillance requires monitoring.

1. Comprehensive Security Requires Multiple Layers of Protection

The biggest reason why you need more than security cameras to secure your property is that comprehensive security requires multiple layers of protection. Security cameras are an essential layer of protection, but they can’t cover all areas of your facility alone. A truly comprehensive security solution requires a multi-faceted approach of multiple, seamlessly integrated systems, sometimes with custom configurations to meet unique facility needs.

On top of better security, ease of use, easier management, customizability, and more are other benefits of integrated security systems. In addition to securing and protecting your facility, the right mix of integrated systems can also help improve the productivity and efficiency of your operations.

2. Facility Security Needs to Include Access Control

Video surveillance is powerful, especially when integrated with access control systems. However, security cameras alone do not address door security, access management, or security risks caused by unauthorized access. Access control systems prevent unauthorized entry and can include perimeter protection technologies, like security gates. These elements add a layer of security to entries and exits.

When used in combination with a video surveillance system, security cameras are integrated with access control to provide monitoring and act as a deterrent in these areas. Additionally, integrating these systems allows for security camera footage to be connected to credentials for multi-modal access verification, as well as access logs for investigative purposes in the event of an incident. These are considerations for security gate access control systems.

3. Video Surveillance Does Not Create Physical Barriers

Although security cameras can monitor the perimeter of your property and can act as a deterrent when visible, they do not create physical barriers. This can leave security gaps in your perimeter protection, even if you have some methods of access control in some areas. Gates and security cameras equipped with license plate recognition technology can secure and protect specific entry areas, but what about the rest of your property boundary?

If you cannot implement physical barriers, having security where you can and security cameras for monitoring can help reduce risk. You can also implement motion-activated lighting and set up alarms that sound if certain events are triggered to act as additional deterrents. These are ways to improve parking lot security that can help secure your property and perimeter, especially if larger physical barriers are not an option.

If you can build physical barriers around the perimeter of your property, you can better protect your property perimeter and significantly reduce risk with walls, fences, or other physical barriers, in addition to video surveillance and other security measures. Taking environmental considerations into account during physical security assessments can help you determine the best combination of physical security and security technology elements for your facility and property.

4. Security Cameras Can Malfunction

Security cameras as part of a security system have physical components as well as digital technology. As with anything, components and technology can degrade, become outdated, get damaged, etc. Issues, whether from equipment failures or technology glitches, can cause security cameras to malfunction or stop working.

15 Common Reasons Why Security Cameras Are Not Working

If there is an issue with video surveillance, these are some of the most common reasons why security cameras may not be working as expected:

1. Wear and tear on camera components
2. Physical damage to cameras
3. Outdated security cameras
4. Power outages or network disruptions
5. Low battery power or dead batteries
6. Weak wireless network coverage
7. Outdated software or failed firmware updates
8. Cybersecurity hacks
9. Software glitches or bugs
10. Incompatible software
11. Poor installation
12. Bad security camera placement
13. Coverage gaps or blind spots
14. Poor image quality
15. Wrong types of security cameras for the environment

With a comprehensive solution in place and the right types of security technology, you can have tampering alerts, other alerts, redundancy security layers, backup power sources, and more in place to help prevent equipment issues or other issues, and to be more proactive should a malfunction occur.

Working with the right security systems integrator can ensure you have the products and systems you need and that they are installed and integrated correctly. Maintaining security systems keeps components updated and helps reduce equipment failure. Your security integrator may even have maintenance plans available to take care of this for you if you don’t want to deal with it.

5. Video Surveillance Requires Monitoring

For the most part, video surveillance is reactive and passive. Security cameras can record what is happening, but they don’t prevent incidents on their own. Cameras require monitoring and alerts to the right people in order to respond to incidents as they occur. Intelligent security cameras, alarms, sensors, and useful applications of AI in video surveillance can help with proactive monitoring and alerts for better incident and emergency response.

However, this still requires having the right systems in place beyond just security cameras, as well as the right integrations, configurations, alerts, etc. If your cameras are not equipped with the capabilities to keep, it’s a sign that it’s time to upgrade your security cameras and get the supporting systems you need for comprehensive security and more proactive monitoring.

Get Comprehensive Security For Your Facility With NEPPS

These are a few reasons why you need more than security cameras to secure your property and facility. Every facility will have unique needs, and the right mix of security products and systems to meet those needs will vary.

Partnering with an experienced security systems integrator can help you get the comprehensive security your facility needs, along with the peace of mind that comes with top-of-the-line products, quality installation, and top-notch integration. These are key benefits of using a full-service security systems integrator. If you need to review or update the security of your facility, contact NEPPS at 1-800-736-1456.