If you have a legacy surveillance system, you may wonder if it’s time to replace it when it breaks. Investing in repairs for your older security camera setup can be the right choice in certain cases, but for most business owners, a surveillance system isn’t just a one-time investment.
Technology evolves at a rapid pace, and deciding whether or not to repair or replace your older system means taking several considerations into account. Here’s what you need to review before you spring for a new system or call your repair professional for the legacy one!
Your Goals for the System
Your current surveillance system may meet your needs now, but may not be able to for much longer into the future. When considering whether or not to repair or replace an older system, you need to think about what your goals are for your surveillance setup.
Does your current system have the ability for expansion; can you add onto it easily? Many legacy systems lack the ability to incorporate newer technologies and analytics due to their age, or even to easily add on items without significantly altering hardware and software.
The Quality of Your Video
Is your existing video quality sufficient enough for what you need it for? If so, repairs may be a viable option. If not, it could be time to upgrade to a newer surveillance system.
For example, if you need facial recognition technology, you may need a higher quality video to support these analytics [1]. Technology improvements can play a big role in whether or not you choose to upgrade or repair your system.
Technology is always changing, and investing in a newer surveillance setup can help you more clearly see what’s going on even without added analytics.
Online Access
Can you access or manage your surveillance system online? If not, you may consider investing in a newer arrangement that supports wireless access and enhanced security.
In the past, wired systems were the only way to utilize surveillance technology. However, wires can be cut or otherwise manipulated. While wireless networks aren’t without their security challenges, they are more difficult to manipulate.
Although wired and wireless surveillance camera setups have their respective pros and cons, wireless cameras can provide better flexibility and more advanced security options, although your choice to repair or upgrade will ultimately come down to your personal preferences [2].
Legal Liability
If your legacy system has its shortcomings—and all of them do—what’s the cost you could face if an incident occurs due to the vulnerabilities of your system?
Whether it’s a security flaw or a fuzzy video quality, your older security system may not be meeting the standards you need to stay in compliance and reduce your legal liability. In addition, surveillance setups usually require a layered approach to security, something legacy systems can’t always deliver [3].
It can also be costly to maintain these older structures, especially after numerous repairs. As your system gets more dated, replacement components can become obsolete. At some point, you’ll have to decide if you want to keep repairing your components or replace your setup.
The Choice Is Yours
Whether or not you repair or replace your older surveillance system all depends on what you’re using the surveillance for. If your system currently meets your needs and allows you to stay in compliance, a repair can be a more cost-effective solution. However, if you’re finding that your system is increasingly failing to meet your goals or even exposes you to potential liability, it’s time to upgrade!
At Surveillance Secure, we can help you determine the best way to move forward with your surveillance arrangement. Our team has experience spanning decades and can work with you to repair your legacy system or identify a potential new match in the event that you want to upgrade. Contact us today at (877) 388-1248!
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Virginia DCJS Private Security Services ID #11-6085