It is easy for us to lose track of the condition for our surveillance system since most of them can be controlled remotely nowadays and no one will really be alarmed until an incident or an emergency has taken place. Some of the more common problems that require our attention will probably be the sudden loss of connection, missing camera footages, presence of unwanted foliage or unidentified shades, and objects appearing on footages etc.
All these problems may seem minor or not worth the mention, however, do not underestimate their importance, as you will not want to be caught in the situation whereby what you want has not been captured. Do ask yourself the following questions to find out if your surveillance system is at its optimal at this moment.
First, am I paying what it is deserved for an overall maintenance? As many CCTV systems are connected via internet to mobile phones or computers, it is essential to make sure that electricity, mobile phone, and internet bills are duly settled. Do not jump into immediate conclusions that there is something wrong with the surveillance system immediately, sometimes solution to no new footages coming in, may be a result of no service.
Moreover, seek details from the company which installed your cameras. Find out if they are also providing maintenance services and care or you will need to engage separate parties. It is not uncommon for one company to provide basic check on the system to ensure day to day running while another provide product inspection and servicing. Do take note of the warranty of each component making up the surveillance system, it is your responsibility to ensure that products are up to date for change and engage in regular conversation or discussion with your surveillance agent to find out what are the latest technologies available.
Next, am I procrastinating my check? Regular servicing can be done every month, every six months, or annually. One can either pay for the service charge all at once or pay every time when the serviceman is available. Make sure that the customer support office is on 24 hours standby for any emergency and clarify if the maintenance services will be done remotely or on site.
Usually, a full inspection should include two parts – the overall functioning of the system and wellbeing of each machine making up the system. For the former, services should include a check if the current system is experiencing or had experienced any problem; a visual review of all system components; and signs indicating the system is undergoing certain damage or deteriorating. For the latter, services should include if the cameras are ideally connected; if there is a change in the positioning and angles of the cameras; if lenses are rightly focused; if lightings are sufficient, and if the infrared units are operating properly etc.
Last but not least, am I too remote from my cameras? Make constant effort to visit the site even if you are using remote monitoring. Ensure you are updated with the latest happening around the site, even though no emergency or incident has taken place yet or for a long time. Do have a backup plan, especially when you are away or when the company is no longer available to provide you with further services.
As easy as they may sound, these are questions one ought to ask and never taken for granted if they wish to enjoy the aftermath of an optimal surveillance system. Just like weight management, never get lazy for surveillance system maintenance too, so that things will not fall by the wayside.