Start with outcomes, not camera count
Good CCTV design starts with questions: what events do you need to verify, where do incidents happen, and who needs access to footage?
Key areas to cover first
Prioritise entrances, loading points, till areas, and vulnerable perimeter routes before adding extra camera positions.
Image quality over quantity
A smaller number of well-positioned cameras generally performs better than a high camera count with poor angles.
Retention and storage
Match storage settings to operational needs. Too little retention can limit investigations, while excessive settings increase cost without benefit.
Access and privacy basics
Restrict footage access to authorised users and keep user permissions tidy. Clear internal procedures are as important as hardware choice.
Maintenance expectations
Even strong systems need checks for lens condition, recording health, and remote access reliability.
Final takeaway
For small businesses, the right CCTV setup is practical, maintainable, and aligned to real operational risk.