You’ve heard the marketing pitches: “Cloud video management is the next big thing!” “AI-enhanced cameras are a must!” “Location analytics are the key to life.” But as you’ve probably already learned, there’s a lot of fluff out there. That makes finding the best business video surveillance system a pain in the you-know-where. Instead of digging through a bunch of marketing brochures and listening to dull demo webinars, we’ll guide you through the essentials of business video surveillance. In this article, you’ll learn the trends in video management, the best types of security cameras for businesses, video management platforms, and the immediate benefits you’ll see from investing in business video surveillance.
In this Article
- Industry Overview: The Growth of Video Management
- The Basics: What do I Need?
- Trends: Nice-to-have Video Surveillance Features
- Types of Security Cameras and Features
- Checklist: How to Effectively Set Up Commercial Video Surveillance
- Benefits of Video Surveillance for Enterprises and Multi-Location Businesses
Industry Overview: Fast Growth for Video Management Until 2035
At this point, it’s become cliche: the physical security industry is changing…and fast. More money is being pumped into the industry than at any other time, with estimates of the physical security market growing from $120.79 billion in 2025 to $151.50 billion in 2030. That means that – at least in theory – new technology is rapidly developing and transforming how businesses manage their security. Among those technology niches experiencing fast growth is video security.
Video security uses cameras, video management systems (VMSs), and CCTV to protect businesses and their employees against crime. What was once a few cameras sending black and white footage to a control room with multiple monitors has transformed into multiple cameras connected wirelessly to a single software dashboard that records and streams video in real-time and tracks people using AI-enhanced, facial recognition. Not only that, but the video surveillance industry doesn’t have any sign of slowing, with one estimate that it will grow from $56 billion in 2024 to $132 billion by 2034. Folks, the future is here.
The Basics: What Do I Need in a Business Video Security System?
Ok, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about how this growth will impact your security and how you can ensure you’re investing in the right video surveillance now and for the future. Here is a list of the basic components all modern business video surveillance systems include:
- Security cameras/Surveillance cameras- Wired or wireless cameras that come with a large variety of features, including night vision, zoom, tilt, HD, 4K, etc.
- Video Management Software– Computer software that provides oversight across every camera in your system and advanced analytics. This is where you’ll monitor your cameras.
- Storage– Your video needs to be stored somewhere. Businesses can use on-prem or cloud-based servers with their video surveillance.
- Integrations– A standalone video system slows emergency response, adds inefficiency to security workflows, and leaves your business vulnerable to crime. Integrations help you respond faster and save time by connecting alarms, access control, motion sensors, visitor management, and more.
These are the essential components any commercial business or enterprise needs when investing in a current video management system. We’ll cover some of these categories in more detail later in the article.
Trends in Business Surveillance: Nice-to-Have Features
Remote Video Monitoring
Remote video monitoring helps security teams do more with less. At a time when many companies are pinching their proverbial pennies, remote video monitoring is helping businesses reduce operating costs. Instead of hiring a whole security team, remote monitoring allows multi-location businesses to keep an eye on every building in real time from anywhere. No longer do security guards need to be physically present on-site. With a centralized surveillance system, managers can review live or recorded footage across stores, offices, or warehouses, whether they’re sitting at home or halfway around the world.
Cameras in More Areas
A growing trend is to place more cameras in the workplace. Wireless networking and smaller cameras are making this trend possible, offering businesses wider coverage by reducing blind spots and improved employee safety. However, adding too many cameras may result in significant drawbacks, including employees no longer feeling comfortable at work.
Gun Detection
Gun detection is becoming easier with video surveillance. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), video systems can analyze live camera feeds to detect firearms and send automated alerts that speed up emergency response. While challenges remain due to weapon variety and concealment, the technology continues to improve.
AI Cameras
Cameras with AI enhancement provide advanced analytics that reduce false alarms and highlight meaningful events. The cameras can read license plates, leverage facial identification technology, and filter false alarms. They also conserve network bandwidth by only passing on video when events occur rather than all the time.
What Types of Surveillance Cameras and Features are There?
There are many types of surveillance cameras for commercial businesses. Cameras can be categorized by shape, power source, or feature set. To figure out which camera surveillance is right for your business, make sure you read our checklist below, “Checklist: How to Effectively Set Up Commercial Video Surveillance.”
| Type of Surveillance Camera | Shape | Power Source | Feature |
| -Turret cameras
-Dome cameras
-Bullet cameras
-PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras
-360-degree cameras | -Wired/IP (network) cameras
-Wireless cameras
-Analog (CCTV) cameras | -Thermal cameras
-Night vision cameras
-License plate recognition cameras
-Covert (hidden) cameras
-Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced cameras |
Let’s examine the differences between a few of these security cameras.
.
- Wired Cameras- Wired security cameras deliver video via an Ethernet or coax cable. These cameras can be connected to a recorder where high-resolution footage is stored – without any Wi‑Fi interference. Their reliability makes them a top choice for sustained indoor surveillance.
- Wireless Cameras- Wireless cameras use batteries as their power source. The advantage of wireless cameras is that you can put them anywhere, without limitation. For this reason, wireless cameras are often used outside. However, for some business security teams, wireless cameras are inconvenient as regular battery replacement is required.
- Bullet cameras- These are long and cylindrical, making them ideal for targeted monitoring, such as around the perimeter and in lobbies and parking garages. Bullet cameras are typically mounted to walls or ceilings and offer a fixed viewing angle. They can capture high-definition footage, and their visible presence can act as a deterrent to intruders.
- Pan, Tilt, Zoom Cameras- Businesses often love PTZ cameras because they can be controlled remotely. If an intruder enters your property when you are away from your home, you can track them using a PTZ camera. These cameras can pan side-to-side, tilt up and down, and zoom in for detailed views, making them ideal for monitoring large areas like building exteriors or in hallways.
Security integrators or resellers can help assess your building, office, or other facility in which you’re considering video surveillance. However, if you decide to shop for security cameras on your own, here are some other features to consider:
- Resolution: HD, 2K, 4K
- Zoom
- Night Vision
- Infrared
- Day/Night Mode
- App compatible
- Records audio
- Two-way intercom
For a more thorough look at the different types of security cameras available in 2025, take a look at our blog article.
Checklist: How to Effectively Set Up Commercial Video Surveillance
- Lighting
Is it too dark, too bright, or just right? Those big windows in the lobby – those will be a problem for your surveillance cameras when the afternoon sun blasts through them. The same goes for those dark storage rooms housing your company’s most sensitive files.
As you begin to plan your security, take a look at your sites during the day and again after dark. If the places you need to secure get too dark, you’ll want cameras with night vision, or you might need to add a light. If glare is an issue, look for cameras that can handle bright spots and shadows. The key is simple: you want a clear picture, no matter the time.
- Camera Power Source
Now let’s talk about power. If you’ve decided to use Ethernet-powered cables (e.g., CAT5 or CAT6), you’ve got a bit less to worry about. As long as your electricity is on, these will stay on. Just make sure that you dress the cabling appropriately. This will help protect your video security from vandalism…and tackiness.
Wireless cameras are another story. Though solar-powered cameras are becoming more popular, there’s a good chance you’ll be using cameras that run on battery. Make sure someone is checking and swapping those out on a schedule so you don’t end up with dead cameras.
- Placement
Strategically place cameras at doors, exits, and storage/file rooms. Don’t forget hallways or areas where folks move through a lot. Walk the site and look for blind spots. Additionally, it can be beneficial to discuss camera placement with all stakeholders involved.
- Storage
Decide how your video footage will be stored. With one or two sites, you might be fine storing video locally on a recorder. But if you’ve got multiple locations, cloud storage starts to make sense because you can see it all in one place. Just remember, cloud-based systems depend on the internet to function and also come with regular fees. Decide how long you need to store your video, since the more video you store the pricier your storage will cost.
At the end of the day, your video system should work the same way across all your sites. Make sure you create a maintenance schedule to perform things like cleaning lenses, updating software, and testing camera functionality.
Benefits of Video Surveillance for Enterprises and Multi-Location Businesses
Security teams who decide to upgrade to a modern video surveillance system benefit in several ways, including improved safety and reduced inventory shrinkage.
Protect People & Property
A safe workplace is a productive workplace. People who feel safe take more satisfaction in their jobs, which means better productivity and less employee turnover – two cost benefits.
However, too much security equipment is a bad thing. The U.S. Government Accountability Office stated that in workplaces heavily surveilled, “workers increasingly reported feeling that they cannot voice concerns or share suggestions out of fear that their digital footprint will bite back.” This is just as much a problem as an underfunded video security system. Over one-third of all respondents report some form of negative mental health consequences from surveillance, the leading consequence being an invasion of privacy.
Multi-location businesses must strike a balance between the security equipment they install and giving employees privacy.
Reduce Inventory Shrinkage
If you want to cut down on shrinkage, video surveillance can make a big difference. Cameras alone don’t stop theft, but when people know they’re being watched, they’re a lot less likely to try something.
Scalability
If you have invested in cloud-based video management, your business will be able to scale more quickly. When a new building is added to the portfolio, you won’t need to worry about buying more physical server space. With the cloud, all your data is hosted off-site, so you’ll never have a problem. Additionally, if there’s an uptick in crime, you can quickly add a new camera without the challenge of running more cabling.
Installing Security Cameras for Business
You’ve purchased your camera equipment and settled on video management system software – now you’ve reached the installation stage. Small and multi-location businesses typically have two choices when it comes to installing security cameras: self-installation or hiring a security installer.
Self Installation
- Mounting– You’ll need to securely attach your cameras to the building’s walls or ceilings. Make sure you have a tape measure, permanent marker or pencil, and a drill (with properly sized drill bits). Start by determining where you’d like to place your camera. Then, mark the points where the camera will be screwed into the hall or ceiling. Create pre-drilled holes. Finally, attach the cabling and screw the camera into place.
- Adjust Camera Angle- Once you’ve mounted the camera, you’ll want to adjust the camera angle. How you optimally adjust your camera depends on the type of camera you have. For example, bullet cameras can be adjusted by unscrewing the ball joint and adjusting the arm or base. On turret and dome cameras, the housing can be removed with hardware tools, and the components inside can be adjusted manually.
- Connecting to VMS- After positioning your cameras, it’s time to connect them to your video management system (VMS). The steps for connecting security cameras depend on whether they’re wireless or wired cameras. Wireless cameras will need a strong Wi-Fi or data connection. Next, in your VMS, look for the IPv4 or IPv6 address of the device. You’ll need this information to sync the camera to your VMS. Finally, configure the camera in the VMS using the manufacturer’s instructions.
For wired cameras, you’ll need to run and secure cabling. After the cabling is attached, you will log into your VMS platform and search for the device.
- Customizing Camera Settings- You’ve successfully connected your video management software to your security cameras and tested them. Now comes the fun part of security camera installation – customization. Some of the most beneficial first steps of customization include: syncing cameras to door access control for instant alerts, developing virtual floor plans that map your cameras to CAD drawings of your facility, and specifying where video footage gets logged.
Choosing a Security Installer
Solely relying on an in-house IT or security department to install your video surveillance system may be more trouble than it’s worth. Security installers, like SafeTouch, provide expertise and service that goes beyond installing equipment. The best installers take time to understand your business’s unique security risks, then tailor solutions that integrate cameras, alarms, and access controls into a seamless system. If a problem arises during installation, reputable security installers can leverage existing relationships with manufacturers to get it solved quickly.
Responsiveness makes a big difference and can be the difference between meeting your budget or exceeding it. Make sure if you choose a third-party security integrator for your video security installation that they offer transparent pricing, warranties, and ongoing support – that’s what separates professional installers from those who just sell hardware.
Advanced Monitoring and Virtual Guarding
Security monitoring services are often used in businesses. These services are operated by a third-party organization and used to remotely monitor the client’s facilities.
Why Consider Virtual Guarding?
There are two reasons multi-location businesses and commercial enterprises consider virtual guarding. These reasons include:
- Replacing onsite security guards– Cuts costs; 24/7 monitoring
- Supporting onsite security teams- Fastest and most failsafe way to respond and mitigate emergencies; provides extra management and monitoring
Aside from these factors, virtual guarding comes with several benefits, such as cost savings. The cost of hiring and training an in-house security guard can be expensive. Businesses must pay the guard’s salary, onboarding, and continuous training. Additionally, it assumes liability if any accident should happen while on the job. If 24-hour security is required, multiple guards must be hired.
Conversely, virtual guards are trained by a third-party organization. The third-party works as a team, meaning businesses will have 24/7 security without paying for extra guards.
During emergencies, SafeTouch’s direct connections with first responders allow for faster response times and prioritized attention. While virtual guarding may not be the perfect fit for every business, it’s a valuable option to consider for enhancing safety and emergency preparedness.
Multi-Location Security Customized by You
You know your business’s needs better than anyone. Make sure you get a security system designed and customized specifically for your unique property. Safetouch experts can help you assess, purchase, install, and monitor your business video security system. With over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve got the knowledge to guide you through home surveillance cameras, smart sensors, and more. Plus, our security team will monitor your system 24/7, and with a guaranteed response time of 45 seconds or less, we’ll always have your back. Give us a call at 888.895.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!