We’ve all seen the numerous ‘Systems in a Box’ in all of the Big Box Stores like Sam’s Club and Home Depot, as well as the Large Consumer Electronics Shops such as Best Buy. While they seem like a great deal, there are several factors that any Business Owner should be aware of before purchasing one of these systems to protect their assets. For less than you would think, you could get a fully customized, better security camera system by calling Ellipse Security Distributors.
Every business operation is very different. When you factor in the number of employees, lighting conditions, management structure (on site, etc.) you have an incredibly diverse set of applications. By calling Ellipse Security before you decide on which system is best, you can insure that you know what options are available to help you run your business and still stay within the budget. We will customize a scalable security camera system that can grow with your business and still be in budget!
Here are the issues that will leave you feeling short changed with a Big Box Store System (BBS):
Limited Hard Drive (Storage) Space
With most security cameras offering higher and higher resolutions and megapixel images, recording space can be used up very quickly, leaving you with an inadequate amount of recording time. Most BBS systems come with 1TB or 2TB Hard Drives which is not sufficient especially when you are using 10-16 cameras, or your business is open for more than 10 hours a day.
One Size Fits All, Won’t Fit All
BBS Systems generally come with cameras that are all the same or very similar. The camera that you use over your cash register and the camera you use to cover your parking lot would normally be very different, right? Some business applications require longer night vision or audio surveillance. The Camera cable lengths are all generally 60 foot with BBS Systems. This can obviously be a drawback. Most Security Camera Systems for business require longer or custom length CCTV Cables.
No Support or Limited Support
Many of the systems sold in these Big Box Stores are lacking in technical support if they have any at all. Try calling the store? Nope, they know absolutely nothing about your system. Many of the tech support numbers have astronomically long hold times, that make you wait forever just for the privilege of speaking to someone who still does not understand your question.
Cheap Hardware
Most of the BBS Systems focus on price point rather than quality. The failure rate of cameras on some of these systems can be down-right frustrating AND expensive if you are paying someone to install them. The Warranty may cover the camera, but certainly will not pay for having to take down the bad camera initially and then re-installing the replacement later on. That money you thought you saved? Poof! Gone.
Firmware Upgrades are Rare
The majority of these systems are not supported beyond the initial sale. There are no firmware upgrades or bug fixes, etc. With technology changing rapidly, you may get a system that was rushed to market and has a glitch. Sadly, there is almost never a fix for that with BBS Systems.
Proprietary Equipment
Possibly the most insidious issue on the list. A business owner who has made the mistake of buying a BBS system that has proprietary cameras will find out later there are no replacement cameras or cables available for their system, or, if available, they are extremely expensive. We have had many people call us searching for the non-existent replacement camera for a proprietary system that is no longer supported. Look for a Security Camera System that is NOT proprietary.
Not Customizable
If there are (8) Dome Cameras and (8) 60 Foot cables in the box, that is what you will pay for. Even if you need (6) Domes (2) Bullets and (4) 150 foot cables. They are a Big Box Store, its about moving SKU’s., not about service. If you purchase from a company like Ellipse Security, you can get exactly what you need. Mix and match, switch out cables, we’re on it!
At Ellipse Security, we can customize a reliable, scalable system that works for you. By investing just a bit more, we can save you money and headaches in the future, as well as providing a system that works for YOUR Business. You can also talk to us about applications that many people don’t think of such as: Employee Training, Vendor Theft, Customer Service and more! For more information about what CCTV Cameras can do for your business, see our article: Why CCTV Cameras?
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Massive article Security Camera System, really useful.
Glad you liked it! Thank you for your comment.
Informative and useful information. Secure your home and office by installation of CCTV camera