A very interesting article, but in part it kind of overlooks a couple of key factors.

"This article provides an overview of the video surveillance system planning and implementation process, and focuses on end-user perspectives."

"In this way, managing a video system implementation can be successful for end-users who have a wide berth of security responsibilities, and for those who work only infrequently with CCTV."

With the best will in the world, you can have an absolutely expert level of knowledge on CCTV / IP Video imaging technology, and construct the most elaborate and impressive systems money can buy, but that's really only half the story.

Unless the project has had a proper System Profile developed, and hopefully as much emphasis was placed on applying the most appropriate techniques, and not simply choosing acceptable products, then the chances are that the eventual outcome may well look absolutely fantastic to the eye, but in practice prove to be less than ideal in fulfilling a disparate range of core functions.

Whilst overall costs are undoubtedly a key consideration, experience suggests that having an intimate understanding of the key operational objectives, then properly designing, deploying, operating and maintaining a video surveillance system to meet those needs, shouldn't require a PhD in advanced computing.

After all, a $5,000 video recorder counts for almost nothing if all the cameras are in the wrong places. It's sensible to start from the basis of detailing what is required from a video surveillance system, and then work through all the various stages needed to achieve those objectives within budget.

Jon
CCTV Advisor - U.K.

I tend to agree with Jon.

Many years experience in developing CCTV Surveillance systems in the United Kingdom has shown that the only approach which delivers the most effective design process is one that details the operational requirement for the system at the outset.

This process has been documented by the United Kingdom's Home Office and is used as a basis for many standards now being adopted by Governments and Police forces internationally.

Far too many systems fail to consider the abilities of the end user (or operator) to manage the system (too complex!) or do not produce images that could be used by the Criminal Justice system.

I would take issue with the comment in the article that “While most quality CCTV equipment may realistically last for 10-20 years”.

I would suggest that no modern CCTV system would be supportable in 10 to 20 years time, due to hardware not being available, media obsolesce, software not being supportable or due to changes in technology (i.e. moves to wide screen images, mega pixel cameras analytics etc)

You only have to look trying to replace hard disks that were purchased three or four years ago, replace old motherboards or to support operating systems e.g. Windows 2000 to recognize issues here.

Ilker Dervish
Consultant
Fairlink Systems Ltd UK

Jason, Great article!

You have included many of the items that Physical Security and Technology Consultants would include when developing the best solution for the client.

Vulnerability, Risk Assessments and Corporate Standards help identify the appropriate combination of technology, personnel and procedures. Documenting the requirements up front simplifies the process and identifies critical decisions.

We believe best practices for CCTV planning also include input from all stakeholders, a statement of objectives, complete system and infrastructure design, plans and specifications that identify the materials and services the installer / integrator is expected to provide. For example, quantities, mounting heights, lens focal length or pixels on target, lens speed, enclosure, mounting, (emergency) power, lightning protection, heat loads, commissioning process, redundancy, spare parts, response times, as built drawings, training, etc. all need to be addressed to assure a successful project.

Edward C. Heisler, CPP, PSP
President and CEO
Facility Control Systems, Inc.
St. Charles, MO USA
eheisler@facilitycontrol.com