7 things to consider before choosing a Vehicle Camera supplier
With an increasingly crowded list of suppliers it can be a minefield choosing the right camera system at the right price. There are a huge number of differences regarding the reliability, quality, ease of use and functionality with a varying degree of customer service levels and support.
Installing cameras on a fleet is a significant investment and requires careful consideration to ensure that the solution chosen is of high quality, fit for purpose and backed up with strong customer service and support.
Providing these boxes are ticked, you are highly likely to receive a return on your investment within the first twelve months of having cameras installed on your fleet.
The Questions to ask when choosing your supplier...
How good is their customer support? Do they have customer testimonials?
Checking out other fleet owners success stories can be a strong reassurance in addition to any useful insights into how Vehicle Cameras could work for your business. It’s important to ensure you are partnering with a supplier that is the right choice for your business. Their are enough challenges in the day without having to worry about your camera or telematics systems! Check that the supplier can ensure their systems work flawlessly for years and back this up with a relevant warranty. In the event that an issue should occur, ensure that they have the capability to be able to resolve it straight away.
How good is the playback software?
It’s important that all your data is stored in one place rather than having multiple systems that use various different platforms. Ensure that all live, local and evidence is downloaded and reviewed through one software and that the software is suitable with all dash camera and multi-camera system.
What is the product lead time?
Ensure that the supplier you choose keeps a high volume of systems in stock. There is nothing worse than purchasing additional vehicles in the fleet and upon your request to purchase an additional camera system or two, be told that you need to wait over a month for the product.
Does the system record all cameras in high definition? (AHD 720P)
Analogue cameras are gradually being phased out and replaced with the latest AHD cameras. This gives customers the opportunity to capture images of far greater quality and clarity than ever before. It is also advised to check that you can lower the resolutions of certain specific cameras should you wish to do so where the quality of the video is less important as this will give you the opportunity to increase the storage capacity should you wish to do so.
Do they offer a wide range of cameras?
Every fleet is different in terms of vehicle make and model so make sure your preferred partner has a comprehensive range of cameras that meet your exact requirements.
Is the system GDPR compliant?
All camera systems should be fully lockable to prevent prohibited access to hard drives, SIM cards and SD cards. In addition, the video footage on the device should be encrypted to ensure that only authorised users can access it using approved software.
How long do you want the video footage to store on the system for?
This is a critical step to clarify with your preferred supplier. Your supplier should determine your typical running hours of the vehicle and be able to give you an indication as to what the storage on the system is likely to be, based on your desired resolutions. Ensure with your supplier that the storage capacity on the system will be large enough to meet your requirements. AHD cameras record up to three times the quality of traditional analogue systems, therefore perfect, if fleet operators are looking to take advantage of this enhanced quality, however the storage capacity on their systems will need to increase. Ask the right questions up-front and you won’t have any nasty surprises regarding your storage.
Here at Centrad we are exceptionally proud of our customer testimonials...
We are known for our customer service, efficiency, attention-to-detail and for going the extra mile.
If you’d like to discuss your CCTV requirements for your fleet vehicles, simply call 0121 696 4784 and we’ll be happy to help.
Alternatively, have a look around our website and drop us a message if you have any questions.
You can see what our customers have to say about us below:
“Excellent customer service”
The system works very well covers passengers avoids bogus claims, which happened to be why I started with CCTV, since I install the system it has foiled 10 claims internal and external in the last two years alone. Drivers initially hated the idea but after it helped in a couple in their defence they are now more than pleased to be covered. With Centrad’s excellent backup service, any vehicle operator these days would in my view be falling behind and leaving themselves wide open to bogus claims.
– Richard Gwynne, Laguna Travel
“An accurate eye witness”
In the event of an accident CCTV provides you with an accurate eye witness. Centrad’s CCTV solution has helped a number of our clients reduce their exposure to fraudulent accident claims and has ultimately improved their overall claims experience.
– David Hull, Wrightsure Insurance Group
“Fast and efficient”
We were initially attracted to Centrad on price and were really impressed with the quality of the equipment Centrad provided. In an industry that cannot afford downtime the Centrad team also provide fast and efficient customer support.
Nothing is too much trouble for them.
– Stuart Frost, Notts & Derby Buses (Part of Wellglade group)
“Already saved us £15,000”
Within a matter of months we were able to prove a claim we had received from a 3rd party was fraudulent – the value of which was £15,000.
– Stephen Collier, Selwyns
“GPS tracking function is invaluable”
The GPS tracking function that is included as standard now on Centrad systems is invaluable. I wasn’t sure we would benefit at first as we have telematics installed on our trucks already, but being able to view the footage in sync with a map showing the location and speed of the truck has been extremely useful
– Paul Berrow, Bendi
“My favourite supplier”
We’ve been working with Centrad a number of years now and nothing is too much trouble. We needed to make an urgent order which we made at 4pm and the goods arrived with us by 9am the next morning. Centrad are without doubt my favourite supplier.
– Perry Dean, Stephensons of Essex
