Construction cameras are a must-have on today’s fast-paced construction sites, and most jobsites have more than one. In fact, three-fifths of construction companies use construction cameras on their projects, and 15% own more than 20 of them! Not only are construction cameras an essential part of a firm’s jobsite security strategy, but they also offer a plethora of additional benefits that can’t be denied:
- Advanced camera solutions enable 24X7 surveillance and complete visual documentation of projects from start to finish. This feature helps with compliance audits and security investigations.
- Cameras enable project managers to check in on projects via live-viewing, eliminating the need to travel to the jobsite.
- Cameras improve collaboration between crews, teams and stakeholders across locations. Everyone is on the same page, and decision making is accelerated, saving valuable time and cost.
- Footage and photos can be used to justify project scope and budget changes as well as provide insight into why the schedule might be delayed.
- High-quality photos, videos and time-lapses captured by strategically placed jobsite cameras can be used for bidding new projects and to promote as well as raise awareness for your firm’s great work.
But selecting the perfect camera or cameras for your jobsite can be a challenging task with many options on the market today. Not only do you have to choose between different types of cameras with different, often specialized features, other factors also influence your decision such as:
- Size, location and length of your project
- Your goals and priorities for capturing photos and video
- Whether or not you will need to integrate your camera systems with your project management software
Whatever your reasons for installing construction cameras on your jobsite, here are four important things to consider before making a purchase:
1. What are your jobsite requirements?
First, it’s important to define the requirements of the jobsite at hand. Some important questions to consider are: How large is the project? Will you need multiple cameras? Will you need wide-angle viewing and the ability to pan across a large area? Are there specific sections of the jobsite that need constant surveillance such as where materials are stored, or where crews punch in? Do you need interior and exterior coverage? All of these factors will influence your decision on what the camera choice and camera system is the best fit for your project.
2. Why do you need the construction cameras?
Among the many possible use cases for construction cameras, you probably have a few that are top priority. Are security and surveillance the most important functions, or are you more interested in capturing eye-catching time-lapses to promote your firm or inspire community support for your project? Since different cameras and camera vendors excel at different features and functionality, having a clear understanding of your top use cases will help narrow your choices.
3. Where will you put construction cameras?
Do you know where you’ll be installing your cameras? Will you mount them on poles or walls or perhaps on a fence? Is a powersource readily available? What about an internet connection? Fortunately, there are cameras appropriate for nearly every installation scenario — but it’s important to understand how and where you’ll mount and power the cameras before making your selection. Perhaps there’s no power source readily available such as in remote locations, and you’ll need a solar-powered option. Maybe you need a camera that’s extra rugged because of the potential for extreme weather conditions. Think these factors through ahead of time, and you’ll simplify your decision.
4. Which vendor is your best bet?
It’s important to work with a construction camera vendor who can support your needs over the short and long term. When evaluating vendors, make sure you know what to ask to determine the best fit. Cameras are a substantial investment, so find a vendor who openly and transparently provides answers to all of your questions — from cost structure and warranty stipulations, to technology and workflow specifics, to customer support and post-project data access options. Write your questions down ahead of time, so you can put the vendor to the test.
TrueLook’s updated Buyer’s Guide is designed to help you make an informed decision about what type of camera is right for you, based on your project needs. It contains all the information you need to get up to speed about the types of cameras available, what they’re used for, and how you can leverage advanced technologies to streamline back-office operations with access to high-quality photos and video from construction cameras.
Read the Guide before you evaluate available solutions — and feel free to reach out to our team for further discussion or assistance.
