Investing in a commercial surveillance system is a proactive way to protect your business, staff, and property. However, a poorly executed security camera installation can leave you with blind spots, underperforming equipment, or unusable footage—ultimately defeating the purpose of the investment.
At Garber, we’ve worked with businesses of all sizes to implement surveillance systems that deliver reliable, long-term performance. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid during business security camera installation, along with how our team ensures they don’t happen.
1. Poor Camera Placement
Improper camera placement is one of the most frequent—and costly—mistakes. Cameras positioned too high, too low, or in the wrong direction can result in coverage gaps and unusable video. It’s not enough to simply point cameras at doors. Businesses need coverage of entry and exit points, high-traffic areas, and vulnerable zones like loading docks or storage areas.
At Garber, we conduct a thorough site assessment before installation to ensure cameras are placed strategically for full visibility with minimal blind spots.
2. Choosing the Wrong Camera Type
Using the wrong camera for your environment can cause significant performance issues. Indoor-rated cameras placed outdoors are prone to weather damage. Cameras without infrared or low-light capability may be useless at night. Low-resolution models may fail to capture the detail needed in an incident.
Garber helps businesses select durable, high-resolution cameras with features that match each location’s lighting, environmental, and operational needs.
3. Inadequate Lighting Considerations
Even the best camera can’t record clear footage in complete darkness. Businesses often overlook lighting when planning surveillance systems, leading to ineffective coverage in dim or poorly lit areas.
Garber’s team accounts for lighting conditions at all hours, recommending either additional lighting or cameras with night vision and low-light enhancement as needed.
4. Underestimating Storage Needs
Many businesses fail to plan for appropriate video storage, resulting in footage being overwritten too quickly or key recordings being lost. The amount of required storage depends on camera resolution, frame rate, the number of cameras, and retention time.
Garber helps clients assess these variables to build a system that offers secure, scalable video storage—whether on-site or cloud-based.
5. Neglecting Network Capacity
Modern IP-based systems rely on stable networks. Overloaded or unsegmented networks can cause dropped video feeds, latency, and loss of footage. Garber works alongside internal IT teams or providers to ensure your infrastructure can support the surveillance system without compromising other operations.
6. Lack of Integration
Security cameras work best when integrated with access control systems, alarms, and life safety features. When systems operate independently, response times can be slower and management more complex.
Garber designs solutions that allow surveillance systems to work in tandem with other security technologies for comprehensive situational awareness.
7. Planning Without Future Growth in Mind
Your security needs today may not be the same in two years. Systems that aren’t scalable may require costly overhauls later. Garber designs with flexibility in mind, offering systems that support easy expansion.
Final Thoughts
Business security camera installation is more than mounting a few cameras. It requires planning, expertise, and a clear understanding of your facility’s unique needs. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your investment results in a system that protects what matters most.
Contact Garber today to schedule a site consultation and see how our commercial surveillance solutions can secure your business with confidence.