Newb looking for some advice on an 8 camera system.

[cemccall 0]

I am opening a subway like restaurant that is approximately 1300 sf. I would like to get a system that can intergrate with our POS system to give me the overlay on camera. We have a Radiant Aloha system. and in my research found this system: www(dot)camtechsurveillance(dot)com(slash)build-it(dot)html

 

Is this a decent system or a pile of crap?

 

Any suggestions for better components?

 

Where can I find the POS interface components?

 

Any other advice for an ignorant fellow looking for an education?

 

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[scorpion 0]

I am not familiar with the link that you posted so I will leave that to others.

 

If you are building a store from scratch, and you are getting a loan for the video system then spend what you can afford. If you are buying one, and doing an decor upgrade to be incompiance then you are on a tight budget.

 

When you install your cameras then use the most expensive ones that you can afford for the front door, and the back door, and the register. If you want to have other video shots then use these to cut your budget a little:

 

http://eclipsecctv.com/ECL-554_mini_camera.html

 

If you want to put cameras in the storage area, or office, but you want them to be covert then use these

http://eclipsecctv.com/ECL-CPIR_hidden_camera.html

 

If you can buy vari focal cameras. They will cost you more up front, but it will save you money down the road. Vari focal means that you can change the view of the camera. You can go to super wide angle to a zoom setting. This is a great way to solve a future problem that you do not anticipate without having to go and buy a camera everytime you have a problem.

 

I would put some kind of camera on the drop box area. You will want to make sure they are putting cash in to an evelope before they drop them in the safe.

 

Use the cameras for more than just theft protection. You can verify that your employees are taking food temps without just initialing the check sheet.

 

You can use the camera via remote view to make sure you do not have too many on staff. You might have 6 on staff for one customer, or you may have 1 employee for a line out the door!

 

You can put a camera on your freezer temp guage, and you can watch it from remote view from home.

 

Make sure you put a camera outside where they drop your food shipments. The vendors may drop, and break, or refridgerated food may sit out in the sun for more than it should dropping the temp to close to the threshold for storage standards.

 

I recommend audio, but there are many sticky issues doing audio, and you are better off not doing audio. It is great to have a back up to the video if a thief covers their face. It is great to have in an office so that a lady cannot accuse you of sexual harassment ect. You may have a manager, and an employee dispute, and you can actually follow the heated exchange to see what each was saying, and what each was meaning to say as they come to you to "back them up".

 

If you are going to buy/build more stores then make sure the DVR that you buy has a CMS software. This will allow you to watch all of your stores at one time from a remote location.

 

What do you think?

[cemccall 0]

Yeah the link above is written to avoid the rule of posting URLs for new members. You have to put the symbols into a webbrowser to see. The system the link points to includes the hardware I think I need (minus the audio and POS interface) I was just curious about the quality of products. I do appriciate the advice, I'm completely clueless when it comes to this...

[scorpion 0]

I caught the work around for the URL. I have never bought, installed, or serviced that product.

 

I was hoping that someone who has could give you the info you need.

 

Now that it is a work week perhaps more will respond to this post.

 

Scratch that. Today is a holiday, and we might have to wait another day for a responce.