For countless businesses across the country, CCTV security systems are essentially like the backbone of their loss prevention and safety strategies.
Business security systems are vital toward deterring theft, protecting employees, and providing invaluable peace of mind 24/7. But just like any other type of technology, CCTV systems aren’t infallible and are subsequently vulnerable to ongoing wear and tear.
We recently got in touch with the CCTV system repair specialists based in Ohio at Garber Electric to get a more in-depth glimpse into what regular business owners should be on the lookout for when gauging whether a repair or replacement appointment is their best option.
It’s always a critical decision when businesses are between repairing their existing CCTV system or completely replacing it, and below we’ll be delving into the several factors that’ll help you evaluate which option makes the most sense for your business!
When CCTV System Repairs Are The Right Choice
It’s important to remember that not every CCTV system glitch will require an intensive overhaul.
In fact, the vast majority of CCTV system repairs are cost-effective options when compared to replacement installations. This is especially the case when the repair issues are minor or isolated.
Here are some common scenarios in which CCTV repairs are a much better choice than replacements:
- Hardware Issues:Common CCTV system problems like faulty power supplies, loose connections and broken cabling can all be quickly repaired at a fraction of replacement costs.
- CCTV Camera Maintenance:Misaligned cameras, poor image quality and cloudy lenses often only need simple repairs like recalibration, cleaning and lens replacements.
- Software Updates: It’s common for aging CCTV systems to not sync correctly or run abnormally slow, and the good news is that firmware reconfiguration and updates can typically resolve these problems.
- Budget Constraints:For countless small businesses across the country, CCTV repairs can frequently extend a system’s lifespan until more available funds make future upgrades more feasible.
And if your company’s CCTV system is less than five years old, repair projects are usually a much smarter route in comparison to full-on replacements!
When CCTV System Replacements Are Your Better Option
Although repairs often do a wonderful job at extending a CCTV system’s functional life, there’s a certain point in which replacement projects are actually more practical for companies of all sizes.
By investing in new immersive surveillance technology, businesses ultimately obtain an improved long-term value that’s more cost-effective in comparison to frequent fixes.
Here are some common scenarios in which CCTV replacements are your better option:
- Outdated CCTV Technology:Older analog CCTV systems usually don’t meet today’s security standards and company needs, which is why countless businesses are currently upgrading to digital CCTV systems that provide remote access, high-resolution footage, Cloud storage and many other priceless features.
- Frequent CCTV System Breakdowns:If you feel as though your CCTV repairs are becoming a frequent dilemma for you and your business, these cumulative costs could potentially exceed the price of installing a brand-new system.
- Incompatible CCTV Parts:As commercial surveillance manufacturers phase out many of their older models, it subsequently becomes more difficult for businesses to find replacement parts and components—which could make repairs less reliable and more expensive.
- Evolving Business Security Needs:Businesses are always growing and changing, which is why your company might need to install security cameras or a CCTV system after you’ve expanded your property and now need wider coverage, more cameras or advanced system analytics.
The Cost Factor
For countless business owners, the decision between CCTV repairs and replacements ultimately boils down to cost.
So, as a general rule of thumb, business owners should keep the following cost factors in mind:
- If a repair ends up costing less than 50% of a system replacement, the repair makes financial sense.
- If CCTV repairs exceed this 50% mark, a replacement becomes a much smarter move.
Businesses also have to keep hidden downtime costs in mind when weighing out their best CCTV system options.
If your existing system is somehow faulty or leaving your commercial property vulnerable in one way or another, even a temporary gap in your surveillance strategy can lead to liability and theft issues.
Professional CCTV System Guidance Matters
It’s no secret how deciding between CCTV system repairs and replacements is never straightforward, but the good news is that pro security technicians can thoroughly evaluate your existing system’s conditions and help you estimate how much repair costs will be.
Pro technicians can also effectively explain the latest industry technology to you, which can ensure that your business remains protected when things go wrong.
And with this type of professional input, your team can take the best path forward and keep your business secure, safe and future-ready!
