CCTV audit checklist 2020 – A CCTV is crucial for businesses nowadays. In the case of CCTV malfunctioning, the business risks losing a lot and becomes more vulnerable. This is why it is very important to carry out a CCTV audit from time to time.
In this way, you can identify the weaknesses that make the system work less effectively. Here is a CCTV audit checklist 2020, where you can find the actions you must perform to make your system work.
Table of Contents
A functioning camera doesn’t mean an effective camera. Even if the camera operates perfectly, its wrong location makes it useless. This is why you need to ensure that the location of all cameras serves the needs of your business.
For example, if the camera doesn’t look directly to the entrance of the store, the security of the store is reduced. A camera looking in the ceiling will not be able to catch the appearance of store’s visitors.
So, in case of a robbery, finding the perpetrator will be not easy. You should also check the location of the sensors. If they are oriented in another direction than needed, they will give no results.
Alongside cameras, alarms are extremely important for ensuring the business’ security. However, the alarm system functions not always well. During the audit, you need to check if the alarm response is prompt and loud enough.
It may be that the alarm responses slower when you activate it. This can make the police arrive later, and increase the damage to your business. This is why, you should never forget to verify the functionality of your alarm system.
In this way, you ensure an enhanced security of your business.
During the audit, you can find out that some of the CCTV equipment is broken. Sometimes it is impossible to identify the broken sensors, cameras or cables without carrying out a holistic audit. It can help you find the equipment that is either broken or malfunctioning.
In this way, you will be able to replace the broken equipment and repair the malfunctioning elements. For cameras, make sure that all functions are in order. Especially, pay attention to the zoom feature.
If the camera’s zoom is low-quality, it will be hard to identify shoplifters and robbers.
The wiring is one of the most vulnerable parts of a CCTV. There are many factors that can make the wiring and cables perform badly. This is why, you need to check them as often as possible. The first aspect is wear and tear.
Unlike cameras, wires are more prone to wear and tear, which affects the way they function. This is why you need to inspect this aspect to ensure that cables don’t need replacement. Another factor is the loose cables.
If they are not in the right place, they increase the risk of accidents. Just check, and if you notice a loose cable, bring it in its initial position.
Don’t forget about insulation. A poorly insulated wire or cable can be dangerous for the health of people. Moreover, it raises the risk of electrical failure. In this way, a single poorly dressed wire can cause a failure of the entire CCTV system.
This is why you have to inspect the wiring frequently and fix it immediately. For this task, you may need the help of a professional. If you lack an understanding of how the wiring system works, let an electrician do the job for you.
Many people forget about control equipment during a CCTV audit. Although they are not security devices, they help control the whole CCTV system. This is why, you must always take a look at the screens, switches, and control panels.
Ensure that the screens show clearly what does the camera record. If the image is vague or distorted, you will not be able to identify the thief. Also, try to see if the AC plugs work properly and if the keyboard buttons respond well.
If you identify a malfunction, it would be better for you to address a computer expert to solve the issue.