For businesses operating in Bahrain, a proper CCTV system will provide you with:

• Security against theft, vandals, and trespassers
• Proof in case of any incidents or disputes
• Ability to monitor your premises via mobile and desktop devices
• Improved accountability of your employees
• Reduced insurance rates in many cases
• Adherence to security standards

Step 1 — Assess Your Business’s Security Needs First

Before selecting any kind of camera or security system, consider first conducting a security assessment of your property.

Consider the following questions:

• What do you need to monitor? (entrances, car parking lots, counters, servers, stores)
• Would you require indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, or both?
• Would you require bright-light cameras or cameras capable of operating in low light and dark conditions?
• Is there a requirement for monitoring large open spaces, or do you require coverage of small precise areas?
• For how long do you need to keep video footage?
• Would you require real-time footage or footage viewed after an event?

These considerations will decide what sort of cameras and security system you require.

Step 2 – Understand the Different Types of CCTV Cameras

All CCTV cameras do not work similarly. Below are the various camera types used within business premises explained in simple terms.

IP Camera (Internet Protocol)

The IP camera sends footage through the network and internet. These cameras provide you with the highest image resolution possible, which is 4MP, 8MP, or even 4K. They are suitable for businesses that require remote monitoring from a smartphone or a PC.

Recommended for: Offices, retailers, banks, and other large companies.

AHD Cameras (Analog High Definition)

AHD cameras use HD technology to send signals through regular coaxial cables that can be found in old analog systems. As a result, AHD cameras can be easily implemented without additional costs when you already have the infrastructure of coaxial cables in place.

Recommended for: Businesses switching to HD technology from older analog cameras without needing any new installation and when the cost is a factor.

PTZ Cameras (Pan Tilt Zoom)

PTZ cameras allow horizontal rotation and vertical tilting. They can also be zoomed in and out to capture specific objects whether automatically or manually controlled. Just one PTZ camera could serve areas usually covered by several fixed cameras.

Recommended for: Big areas like parking lots, stores, shopping malls, hotels and everywhere you might want to track something or someone.

Speciality Cameras

These cameras are designed to be used in certain conditions – extremely low light, very high or low temperatures, explosive environments in industries, or very stealthy applications. They come equipped with special high-sensitivity imaging sensors that can shoot video in the dark without any need for lights.

Recommended for: Industries, outdoor perimeters, fuel stations, food processing plants, and covert operations.

Step 3 – Selecting the Proper Storage Technology: DVR or NVR

Cameras have to save their footage somewhere, right? Here is where DVRs and NVRs step in.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

The DVR system uses analog and AHD cameras through a coaxial connection cable. The DVR converts analog signals to digital video. It is typically cheaper than other technologies and an appropriate choice if you work on a budget.

Network Video Recorder (NVR)

The NVR system uses IP cameras through a network connection (LAN or PoE switch). Since IP cameras are able to convert video independently, NVR systems offer better image quality and are highly scalable and versatile.

Step 4 – Determine the Resolution

The resolution is one of the most crucial decisions that will be made. High resolution allows identifying facial recognition, license plate numbers, and other details, making this information useful.

In most cases, 4MP IP cameras represent the best compromise for the business premises in Bahrain. In special locations such as entrances or the area where cash is handled, a higher resolution of 4K should be chosen.

Step 5 – Camera Placement Planning

Camera placement is what really makes or breaks a CCTV security system. If cameras are placed poorly – even top-end ones – there will always be blind spots that ruin the entire installation.

Placement tips for commercial property owners:

• Entry and exit points – the most crucial positions for all systems
• Cash registers – especially vital for businesses that deal with cash payments
• Server room and other important places where valuable assets are stored
• Parking lots and loading bays – best covered using wide angle or PTZ cameras
• Outdoor perimeters and building exteriors – make sure to get some weatherproof cameras for these purposes
• Reception and waiting areas – important for tracking people’s movements

A CCTV survey conducted by professional installers such as the ones at Smart Controls will help you determine precise camera placements and angles.

Step 6 – Storage: What Amount Is Required?

It is safe to assume that the efficiency of your CCTV system would depend on how much storage capacity it offers. When storage space runs out, all the footage gets overwritten, which might mean loss of evidence for you.

Storage needs will differ based on:

• The number of cameras in the system
• Higher resolution and frame rate requires higher storage space
• Continuous or event-driven recordings
• Required duration of retention

Recommended storage amount:

• Small business (4-8 cameras; 1080p, 30 days): 2-4 TB
• Medium business (8-16 cameras; 4MP, 30 days): 8-16 TB
• Large business (16+ cameras; 4K, 60 days): 30 TB+

With the latest range of NVR devices available today, such as those offered by Hikvision, you can configure RAID storage and have footage backup in the cloud to ensure there is no data loss.

Step 7 – Remote Viewing and Mobile Access

A significant benefit of current IP CCTV systems is that you can remotely view your surveillance cameras through your mobile phone or computer from anywhere in the world.

Smart Controls offers remote viewing capabilities such as:

• Static IP / DDNS to connect directly with the cameras 
• Use of mobile applications (with support for Hikvision, Bosch and more)
• Monitoring of multiple sites from one place

So wherever you are, you will be able to monitor your business premises remotely.

Step 8 – Integration with Other Security Systems

Businesses with the best security configurations are those where CCTV is not the only element in play. These systems incorporate different systems into one integrated whole.

CCTV integration by Smart Controls includes:

• Access Control Systems – triggering recording whenever a door is opened
• Intruder Alarms – activating cameras upon detection of movement when the business is closed
• Intercom and Video Door Phones – viewing visitors prior to allowing them entry
• Video Management & Analytics Software – Artificial Intelligence software for facial recognition, people counting, and zone notifications
• Barriers/Gate Automation – monitoring vehicular entry in real-time

Such an integrated system ensures that your business is secure through the provision of a fully-fledged security ecosystem.

Step 9 – Selection of Brands to Use

The brand of products that you select affects reliability, customer service, software used, and the overall value of the purchase. Our partnership at Smart Controls includes some of the finest brands of surveillance equipment:

• Hikvision – World’s top supplier of CCTV cameras featuring reliability and artificial intelligence.
• Bosch – Provides premium cameras and recording systems for business premises.
• Samsung/Hanwha – Suppliers of top-notch IP systems with superior software analysis.
• Honeywell – Reliable company providing solutions for commercial and industrial safety.
• Sony/Panasonic – Brands recognized worldwide for their high picture quality and clarity.

All brands from Smart Controls come with manufacturer’s warranty, installation services, and continuous technical assistance.

Step 10 – Budget Planning: CCTV System Cost for Your Business in Bahrain

For Small Businesses (shops and cafes)

• Number of cameras needed: 4-6 cameras
• System: AHD DVR system, 1080p
• Budgeting level: Low budget investment

For Medium-Sized Businesses (offices and showrooms)

• Number of cameras needed: 8-16 cameras
• System: IP NVR system, 4MP
• Budgeting level: Moderate budget investment

For Large Businesses (warehouses, malls, and hotels)

• Number of cameras needed: 16-32 cameras or more
• System: IP NVR, 4K/PTZ cameras
• Budgeting level: Enterprise investment

Smart Controls offers custom system design — so you get exactly what your business needs without paying for unnecessary extras. Contact our team for a site visit and free quote. 

Reasons to Go with Smart Controls for Your CCTV System in Bahrain?

As one of the most reliable ELV and security system suppliers in the country, Smart Controls started in 2015 to offer solutions in Manama and other areas in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Here is why you should choose our company:

• Professional on-site surveys – we conduct surveys prior to making a recommendation
• Tailored solution development – we do not sell ready-made systems but customize them depending on your requirements
• Top brands – Hikvision, Bosch, Samsung, Honeywell, and many more
• Extensive product offering – from IP cameras to AHD, PTZ, specialty cameras, DVR/NVR, video analytics and integrated security solutions
• Professional installation – only certified and highly experienced specialists perform installations
• Round-the-clock support – receive technical support at all times
• Security integration – install CCTV and integrate it with access control, alarm, intercom, and other services

From small shops to large industrial facilities, whatever size of an organization you have, our company can provide you with comprehensive protection of your assets.