Every business owner in Chicago understands the importance of keeping employees, customers, and property safe. After all, whether you run a restaurant, warehouse, school, or auto dealership, you’re constantly trying to protect against everything from theft and vandalism to workers’ compensation claims and liability issues.

For homeowners, meanwhile, the concern is even more personal: How do I keep my family, home, and belongings safe? Fortunately, a video surveillance system can be a powerful tool for keeping you informed, deterring crime, and helping prevent loss. However, with so many systems and options available today, what’s the best solution for your business or home?

At Alarm Security Inc., we’ve been helping Chicago-area businesses and homeowners install professional video surveillance systems for over 40 years. As a Bosch Authorized Security Dealer located in Des Plaines, Illinois, ASI provides high-quality, commercially available security cameras for projects of all sizes—from a single home to multiple commercial buildings.

Video Surveillance: What Every Chicago Property Needs to Know

Whether your property is in a suburban neighborhood or downtown Chicago, every business and home requires proper video surveillance to help protect against potential threats. Without surveillance cameras—or with a poorly designed surveillance setup—you could miss important visual evidence if something happens on your property.

For example, without video surveillance, a Chicago property owner may not be able to:

• Identify and resolve an incident or threat that occurred
• File an accurate or timely claim with an insurance company
• Respond to potential liability issues involving employees or customers
• Identify individuals or vehicles involved in trespassing or theft
• Monitor activity on the property remotely

By comparison, a modern video surveillance system helps you see what’s happening on your property in real time and records what occurs when you can’t be there. Moreover, today’s advanced camera systems do much more than simply record video. In fact, they can help detect suspicious activity, send alerts, and even prevent incidents before they occur.

Analog vs. IP Cameras: Is Your System Up to Date?

Most older or lower-end commercial surveillance systems use analog cameras. Unfortunately, these systems tend to have several drawbacks, including low video resolution, limited recording time, and no ability to access footage remotely from a phone or tablet. Therefore, it’s important to ask: How well do your current security cameras perform in terms of picture quality?

To capture clear details such as faces and license plates, you’ll need a modern IP camera system featuring high-definition or 4K video. Additionally, the system should provide dependable low-light and night-vision capabilities.

With an IP camera system, you can securely view live or recorded video from your computer, phone, or tablet. Furthermore, IP-based cameras can include AI analytics that distinguish among people, vehicles, and animals. As a result, your system can generate fewer false alarms.

Other key benefits of an IP camera system include cloud storage, scalability, and the flexibility to integrate with systems such as access control and intrusion detection. Consequently, an IP system can grow and adapt as your security needs change.

However, even high-quality equipment may underperform if it is installed incorrectly. Likewise, consumer-grade equipment can result in subpar camera performance and an unreliable system. For this reason, professional installation makes a significant difference when it comes to getting the most from your investment.

Why Choose ASI for Your Video Surveillance Project?

Every commercial and residential property has its own layout and security needs. That’s why ASI designs every video surveillance system specifically for the property it will protect.

First, our video surveillance design process begins with a site visit and a thorough evaluation. During this assessment, we examine building entrances, exits, loading docks, parking areas, and other potential blind spots.

Next, our technicians determine the best placement for each camera. We then develop a detailed camera plan that identifies the type of camera required for every location. Additionally, we use only Bosch video surveillance products, which are known for their high-quality and reliable commercial cameras.

Once the design is complete, ASI installs the cameras and cabling professionally and in accordance with industry standards. When appropriate, we also integrate our video surveillance solutions with intrusion detection, access control, and monitoring systems. Finally, we provide training and ongoing support to ensure you get the most from your system.

Video Surveillance Systems for Every Setting

Commercial and Industrial Video Surveillance

Whether you’re running a retail store, warehouse, automotive dealership, school, or cannabis dispensary, video surveillance can improve both security and operational efficiency. For instance, here are several ways Chicago-area businesses can use a professionally installed surveillance system:

• Retail: Monitor sales floors to discourage shoplifting and watch cash registers to help prevent employee theft or fraud. Additionally, recorded footage can document incidents or accidents on the premises.
• Warehouses: Monitor loading docks, track inventory movement, and oversee worker safety. As a result, managers can gain greater visibility into daily operations.
• Schools: Increase visibility at entrances, hallways, and other common areas across the campus. In addition, surveillance can help staff respond more quickly when an incident occurs.
• Auto dealerships: Monitor vehicle inventory and track customer interactions in the showroom and service department. Furthermore, cameras can help protect large outdoor lots after business hours.
• Financial institutions: Meet regulatory and security requirements by monitoring teller stations, ATM activity, and building entrances.
• Cannabis facilities: Comply with Illinois recording and retention requirements for licensed cannabis businesses.
• Hospitality properties: Monitor public guest areas, parking lots, and back-of-house activities. At the same time, surveillance can help protect employees and improve incident documentation.

Residential Video Surveillance Systems

Most do-it-yourself video surveillance systems don’t consistently deliver what they promise. For example, homeowners may experience unclear images, unreliable connections, limited storage, or delayed notifications.

Moreover, getting a notification on your phone may not be enough when you’re facing a real emergency. ASI’s residential systems, by contrast, offer:

• Professionally installed high-definition video cameras
• Integration with an alarm system that can automatically trigger recording when something is amiss
• Secure remote access to live and recorded video
• Two-way audio capabilities
• A clean, professional installation that looks good in your home
• Fast, local service whenever you need assistance

Together, these features provide a more dependable security solution for your home and family.

How 24/7 Alarm Monitoring Elevates Your Security

A system that only records video provides passive protection. With ASI’s 24/7 alarm monitoring, however, your surveillance cameras become part of an active defense system.

If an alarm goes off because of an intrusion, fire, or other emergency, our trained operators can see the alert right away. They may then view live camera feeds to confirm what’s happening. From there, they can contact the appropriate authorities and provide important details.

As a result, professional monitoring can help minimize false alarms and speed up emergency response times. Ultimately, this level of protection goes far beyond what a typical DIY system can offer.

Why Location Is Critical for Video Surveillance in Chicago

When you need someone to repair or service your system, you need a provider who can get there quickly. Since ASI is located in Des Plaines, we can provide prompt, local service. Therefore, you won’t have to depend on a distant provider or wait for assistance from a centralized call center.

Being local also provides several important advantages:

• Faster response times: We’ll try to be at your home or business the same day or the next day.
• Familiarity with Chicago-area requirements: Our team understands the codes, regulations, and security concerns affecting local properties.
• Ongoing maintenance and support: Because we’re nearby, we can continue servicing your system after the initial installation.
• A proven local reputation: Our A+ BBB rating since 2000 reflects our ongoing dedication to customers.

In short, choosing a local security provider means receiving faster assistance and more personalized service.

What You Gain—and Keep—with a Professional Installation

There are numerous benefits to installing a professional-grade surveillance system. Most importantly, you gain a dependable security solution designed specifically for your property.

Additional benefits include:

• A visible deterrent to criminal behavior
• High-quality evidence for investigations or insurance claims
• Improved oversight for businesses
• Protection against fraudulent claims
• Potentially lower insurance premiums
• Peace of mind from knowing your property is being watched 24 hours a day

Furthermore, professional installation helps ensure that cameras are positioned correctly, recording settings are configured properly, and important areas are not left unprotected. As a result, your surveillance system can continue delivering value long after the installation is complete.

Ready for More Security?

For over 40 years, Alarm Security Inc. has been protecting residential and commercial properties throughout the greater Chicago area. Whether you want to install a new surveillance system for your business or create a custom solution for your home, our Des Plaines team can put together the right package for your property and budget.

Call us today at (847) 390-9600 to schedule a free security consultation. During the consultation, we’ll inspect your property, identify areas of vulnerability, and recommend a professional video surveillance system designed to keep your assets safe.

Common Questions

How many cameras do I need for my business or home?

The right number of cameras depends on the size and layout of your property, as well as the level of security you want. During your free consultation, we’ll help you select the appropriate number of cameras and determine the best locations. That way, we can minimize blind spots and provide effective coverage.

Can I access my video feeds remotely?

Yes. All of our systems include a secure way to access live and archived video from your smartphone or tablet using our app. Therefore, you can see what’s happening on your property from virtually anywhere you have internet access.

How long is video footage stored?

Storage time depends on the size of your system and how it is configured. Typically, commercial systems retain footage for 30 to 90 days. However, cloud and hybrid storage options are also available if you require a shorter or longer retention period.

Do you service camera systems installed by another company?

In many cases, yes. First, we can evaluate your existing setup. Afterward, we’ll advise you on whether the system can be enhanced or integrated—or whether it needs to be replaced.

Is your camera system compatible with my existing alarm or access control system?

Yes. In fact, one of our specialties is integrating video surveillance with burglar alarms, access control, and fire protection systems. As a result, you can benefit from one coordinated and highly effective security solution.