How Many Security Cameras Does Your Business Need, and Where?

It depends on the space, not a number

There is no magic count. The right number of cameras comes from what you need to see, not from a package deal. A small office and a warehouse with a loading dock have very different needs.

Start with the priority areas

• Every entrance and exit, so you see everyone who comes and goes
• Points of sale, cash handling, and reception
• Storage, inventory, and anywhere valuable items sit
• Parking areas and the approach to the building
• Server rooms and areas with sensitive records

Cover it properly

• Overlap views a little so there are no gaps between cameras
• Point cameras to capture faces at entry points, not just the tops of heads
• Mind the lighting, including bright doorways that can wash out a face
• Protect cameras from easy tampering

Do not over or under do it

Too few cameras leaves blind spots exactly where you needed a view. Too many wastes money and buries you in footage. A short walk-through of your space, thinking about what you would actually want to see after an incident, usually makes the right layout obvious.