CCTV Installation Project – Super store London

This document discuss about possible stages in a CCTV installation project life cycle.

Introduction to CCTV Project

A CCTV project requires equipments such as cameras, digital video recorders, cables, multiplexers, network servers, monitors, and video equipments and in some cases control room. It also requires soft ware’s such as monitoring system, a response or reaction system, video footage storage system and record system and an evidence control system. This makes surveillance systems often very costly to install and maintain, therefore installing a CCTV system can be a daunting task.

It is advisable that proper systematic approach is followed in CCTV installation projects and the project is managed from start to end.

Below case study is about a recently opened super store. This super store inherited CCTV infrastructure from the former owner and user wants to enhance the system with latest technology.

Problem background research

This explains the current system if they have one or security issues they may have at present. In this example there are four independent DVR systems using a mix of technologies managed by in-house staffs or sometimes by external contractors. The system is monitored and controlled by control room in company’s head office in London. It has been recognised that there are significant potential savings and improvements that can be achieved if the existing system is enhanced to British standards. Adding more cameras and having one centralised system with face recognition cameras are some of the improvements.

Project scope

  • To find out whether all existing cameras are compliance to British standards
  • To check whether the user requirements can be fulfil by existing camera specification
  • To check whether the user has full understanding about the existing system
  • Are all cameras are fit for purpose
  • Competences of the current DVR’s and possibility of installing a centralised system
  • Challenges in installing a new system

 

Project deliverable and outcomes

  • Optimising the benefit of the CCTV system
  • All cameras, recorders, system users are compliance to British standards
  • Improved evidential quality video footages to use in legal proceedings
  • Improved customer and user perception of ‘feeling safe’ in the store

 

 Key deliverable of the CCTV project

  • Fully integrated centralised CCTV system controlled and monitored by the company’s head office.
  • All users and stakeholders of the system are fully trained
  • Introducing high resolution cameras where identification is required

Key risk in CCTV project

All risks associated with this project will be managed by logging them in a risk log book. The following key risks have been identified in super store example:

  • Support from super store staffs is at minimum.
  • Unable to agree on a suitable financial model that will be accepted by the user and installer.
  • Changes to the specification after it has been agreed by both parties

Stage 1- Start-up and initiation of the Project

  • A full time project manager to manage CCTV project
  • Assign engineers for installation
  • Cost breakdown for each stages in project life cycle
  • Select suppliers to supply all materials
  • Identify user representative
  • Initial documentation for project

Stage 2 – Business case

  • Customer’s quality expectations of the new CCTV system as a written document
  • Floor plan and camera locations and customer expectations
  • Final drawing of the system and camera location with numbers
  • System specification final version agreed by customer and user
  • Project milestones with length for each stage
  • Start date confirmed

Stage 3 – Implementation of the CCTV project

  • Executing the project according to the plan
  • Reporting any unexpected crisis
  • Agreement on any changes from initial plan by customer and installer

 

Stage 4 – Final commissioning

All wires (cables), multiplexers, connectors, cameras and recorders should be commissioned

Signage should be provided and necessary checks should be taken to make sure it compliance with data privacy act.

Stage 5 – Testing

CCTV system should be tested. This includes cameras, DVRs, cables and etc

Stage 6 – User training and handover

User should be trained and it should be documented. In system handover, user is given with all fobs, tags, passwords, keys and manuals.

Stage 7 – Closing the project and lesson learned

Any lessons learned should be logged for future purpose. Ongoing maintenance contract can be signed at this stage.

Conclusion

It is always advisable that you have systematic approach in CCTV installation. If you looking to pursue a career in CCTV sector, please call contact us or email us at sales@cctvdvrsystem.co.uk

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