1. Take Inventory of the Current Technology Infrastructure
Look at your existing hardware and wiring to determine what can stay and what needs to go. The more of your current infrastructure you can use, the more you can either save on costs or invest in additional technologies. Make sure everything is in good working order and is compatible with any new equipment.
2. Assess the Campus Landscape
Evaluate physical variables that might influence where you can place cameras. It may seem ideal to mount a camera on the corner of a building, until you notice that there’s a tree blocking the view. Also, if the site isn’t wired, consider the work required for technicians to pull a cable. It might make better sense to pick a new position if it will shorten the cable run or avoid having to dig up the street.
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3. Consider Current Pain Points and Identify Ways to Fix Them
Catalog the reasons you’re pursuing an upgrade. Maybe some of your cameras are mounted too high or lack modern features such as license plate readers or analytics. Perhaps your campus has grown, and you need more cameras to cover new facilities. Once you’ve acknowledged the shortcomings of the current system, you’ll be better equipped to implement what you need.
4. Involve All Stakeholders in the Process
Ensure that everyone with an interest in the project all have an opportunity to provide input. This could include campus security, facilities management, technicians, IT leaders and even faculty, staff and students. A diverse range of perspectives could identify issues not previously considered as part of the project and help better inform the site assessment process.
