The physical location of equipment and the customer’s needs are the two primary building blocks of a site survey. Reviewing the existing security procedures and rules with the customer can help us identify improvements that can be made. Performing a threat analysis to identify the need for surveillance is a requirement, but it will also help us identify what the customer is trying to prevent or protect against.
Other important pieces of the site survey include the overall storage requirements, areas to monitor and why, and the necessary levels of security. Another important aspect is the current infrastructure, such as existing equipment, available lighting, cabling, and camera mounting conditions.
A threat analysis considers points of entrance/exit from a building or area, and areas where accidents, crimes, or other points of concern are likely to occur. Performing a threat analysis helps you identify the most important areas of interest, some of them often overlooked by the customer.
Typical areas to monitor include the following: