There used to be a time when tech-based security surveillance was the preserve of the rich. Over the years, that has changed, especially due to the price tag. Having tech-based security surveillance is now relatively affordable for most people. This is partly thanks to more players offering such products and services. There are several approaches to security, starting with the age-old security guards. However, today we want to look at closed-circuit television (CCTV) installation. Given the rise in criminal activity in Zimbabwe, CCTV installation now has room to thrive more. Let us explore how to start a CCTV installation business in Zimbabwe.

Approaches To The CCTV Installation Business

The general approach is to source installable CCTV components and/or whole systems. You can simply provide products or services that require you to install. However, sourcing and selling DIY CCTV products or services would also be smart. This will spread the price tag band across to accommodate more prospects. For instance, someone may be unable to install a whole home or business premises CCTV system. They may afford just a single CCTV camera; you need to be able to cater for such clients.

Understanding The Different Types Of CCTV Cameras

I always emphasise the importance of market research. For the CCTV installation business, this will partly involve this aspect. You need to understand the different types of CCTV cameras. The different types inform the kind of packages your CCTV installation business will offer. They also inform how a feed is captured and where it is stored. This also spans notification dynamics and lockdown protocols, amongst others.

You must also couple that with a considerable understanding of electronics, electrical systems, computer systems, etc. These are, of course, areas you can learn or get trained on. Alternatively, you can hire or outsource applicable expertise. Regardless you still must have a basic appreciation of how it all works. Anyways, here are some of the common types of CCTV cameras:

  • Infrared Cameras
  • Internet Protocol Cameras
  • Pan Tilt Zoom Cameras
  • Dome Cameras

Important Things To Consider

Striking Balance Between Cost & Quality

The kinds of CCTV cameras you install are an important subject we must explore. There is a balance you have to strike between cost and quality. The idea is to work with CCTV cameras with a high enough resolution to see what is on any footage. The best CCTV cameras are ones that typically:

  • Have high definition
  • Have motion detection
  • Have wide dynamic range capability
  • Have a wide field of view
  • Have a high frame rate

Your homework is to cater to clients who can afford such whilst you still make a profit. After all, poor quality CCTV does not serve the core purpose. That is why CCTV cameras with the above features are ideal. This goes to show you that market research is important. You cannot profitably serve a market that cannot afford quality.

Solar-Powered Or Battery-Powered CCTV Cameras

You must know that load shedding is rampant in Zimbabwe and seems to continue for a while. Thus you have to look into sourcing CCTV products and systems that can run on batteries or solar energy. This is a question that most prospective clients ask. As in, can the CCTV run on some form of backup power? Most prospective clients do not have electricity, so you must provide what the market needs.

Acquiring The Needed Knowledge And Skillsets

For the CCTV installation, I will mention the CCTV Training Institute Zimbabwe. It falls under IPCS, which develops and rolls out automation training for professionals, corporates, companies, and colleges. They provide certified training programs in many countries, including Zimbabwe. They offer a CCTV & Security Systems program with a duration of 90 hours. You can register online. For more details, you can check them here. There are also many other relevant courses for this line of business, e.g. Electronic Security Systems. Then, of course, you should attend strategic events and read insightful publications to stay ahead of the trends.

Registration And Regulation

As a matter of principle, you must register your CCTV installation business. Then I would advise that when installing CCTV systems, do proper due diligence. For instance, the systems you install must be in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others. Otherwise, anyone is entitled to get CCTV systems installed on their properties. CCTV installation policies are still a blurry area in Zimbabwe and Africa. There are concerns that no clear-cut policies or regulations govern it.

The CCTV installation business is worth a shot in Zimbabwe. The general security services market is currently at a compound annual growth rate of 13 percent. This will continue to be so over the next 7 years. The prospects are there, especially in Zimbabwe. The trick is to source and avail the kind of hardware or systems that are affordable for many. That way, you can push revenue volumes and realize sustainable profits. There are many CCTV installation businesses in Zimbabwe. You can learn a lot by closely studying those businesses. You will aim to identify gaps that you can capitalize on.