BY RHODIUM SECURITY · BUYING GUIDE
Updated
For a workshop, a useful CCTV plan needs to work around vehicles, roller doors, tools and the physical conditions of the site. Start with the security events you need to review and the obstructions normally present. Choose the equipment and mounts for those jobs, with safe access for installation and maintenance.
Plan vehicle arrival, customer handover and tool access
Mark the vehicle entrance, pedestrian reception point, approved tool-storage approach and rear access. Define the required detail at each: a vehicle arriving, an interaction during collection or movement through a restricted door. Avoid expecting a broad workshop overview to show every small tool or document.
Sketch hoists, tall vehicles and equipment at their normal operating positions. Include whether roller doors are open during the day. A view that looks clear in an empty building can be blocked through most working hours, so assess it against the occupied layout.
Check open doors and after-hours lighting
Bright daylight through a roller door can make an indoor subject hard to see. Ask to assess a walking person or normal vehicle movement at the required distance in recorded playback. Consider a separate closer entrance view when the overview is too broad for the detail needed.
After dark, inspect lighting, headlights and reflective vehicle surfaces. Confirm the exact camera’s night modes and whether visible lighting or sound would be appropriate near neighbouring properties. If plate detail is a requirement, specify that independently and test equipment suited to the lane and conditions.
Match placement to dust, vibration and cleaning
Identify exposure to dust, vibration, sprays, heat and impact before choosing mounts. Check the exact model’s operating limits, environmental rating and installation instructions. Do not treat a general outdoor rating as approval for every workshop process or cleaning method.
Keep mounts and cables away from moving machinery and vehicle paths. Include safe access to inspect and clean lenses, and choose a recorder location protected from spills and excessive heat. Confirm any necessary protective hardware and contractor work in the scope; a camera specification alone does not solve site hazards.
Check existing wiring and recording before an upgrade
If reusing equipment, bring the recorder and camera model numbers and have existing connections assessed. Confirm what the new recorder supports, including resolution, recording modes and the required playback features. Do not assume a new IP camera can use an old connection without a compatible design.
Agree the business’s staff information, privacy, footage access and retention arrangements before use. Size storage around the chosen settings and required recording hours. Keep audio out of the default plan unless separately authorised. Assign responsibility for accounts, updates and routine checks that footage is actually being retained.
Compare complete scope and test with normal obstructions
Take an empty-site drawing, entrance distances, current models and typical working hours to Rhodium Security in Lynbrook. Discuss Dahua, Hikvision and HiLook by exact camera and recorder configuration. Include mounts, storage, cabling and setup in the same comparison, with installation work itemised.
At handover, replay approved test movements with a representative vehicle or obstruction in place. Check timestamp accuracy, authorised export and the image at the customer handover point. Agree a lens-cleaning and recording-health routine, then reassess coverage when hoists, stock or reception arrangements change.
- Vehicle, customer and tool-access tasks separated.
- Hoists, vehicles and roller-door states included on the plan.
- Day and night recorded detail demonstrated.
- Environmental limits, cable protection and safe access checked.
- Storage, accounts, playback training and maintenance agreed.
Related planning guides
- How to Choose Security Cameras for Warehouses ↗
- How to Choose Security Cameras for Car Parks ↗
- Commercial security checklist: cameras, recording and handover ↗