Assessment before installation
Site surveys
A site survey is a visit to your premises to understand the building, what needs protecting and what the installation will practically involve before any equipment is recommended.
Not every job needs one. A single camera or a straightforward replacement can often be handled from a description and a few photographs. Larger sites, unclear layouts and multi-system installations benefit from a visit.
What a site survey covers
The purpose is to replace assumptions with facts about the site. Depending on the premises, a survey may look at:
The premises
Layout, size, number of buildings, floors and boundaries that matter.
Security requirements
What you want watched, controlled, detected or deterred, and why.
Coverage priorities
Entrances, tills, stores, corridors, yards and blind spots.
Equipment positions
Where devices can realistically be mounted and what they will see or reach.
Cable and network routes
How cabling can be run, and where containment or trenching is needed.
Power availability
Existing supply points, distances involved and where backup power is needed.
Access points
Gates, doors and entry routes that may need control, intercom or monitoring.
Perimeter condition
Wall heights, fence lines, vegetation and existing perimeter protection.
Existing equipment
What is already installed, whether it works and whether it can be retained.
Installation constraints
Ceiling type, wall material, working at height, site access and working hours.
Survey scope depends on the size and complexity of the site. Small jobs may only need a short look at the relevant area.
Systems a survey can cover
A single visit can cover more than one discipline where the site needs several systems.
CCTV surveillance
Camera positions, viewing angles, lighting conditions and recorder location.
Access control
Doors and gates to be controlled, door type, locking method and power routes.
Electric fencing
Perimeter length, wall condition, zoning and energiser position.
Intruder alarms
Detection points, panel and keypad placement, and siren position.
Fire detection
Areas requiring detection, panel position and zone layout.
Intercom systems
Gate and door station positions, and monitor locations indoors.
Networking
Cable routes, switch positions and where PoE is practical.
Fibre optics
Distances between buildings and whether a fibre run is required.
When a site survey helps
- The premises is large, spread over several buildings or has an unusual layout.
- You know you have a security problem but are not sure what system solves it.
- Several systems are being considered together and need to work as one.
- Existing equipment is on site and it is unclear what can be retained.
- Cable routing, trenching or containment is likely to be a significant part of the job.
- Power is not readily available where the equipment needs to go.
- A previous installation underperformed and the reason is not obvious.
- A written quotation needs to be based on real site conditions rather than estimates.
For small or clearly defined jobs, photographs and a description are often enough — we will say so rather than arrange an unnecessary visit.
How a site survey runs
- 01
Initial discussion
You describe the premises, the concern and what you would like covered.
- 02
Decide whether a visit is needed
We confirm whether a survey adds value or whether photos will do.
- 03
Arrange the visit
A date and time are agreed with whoever can give access to the site.
- 04
Walk the site
The building, boundary, access points and existing equipment are looked at.
- 05
Record positions and routes
Practical device positions, cable routes and power points are noted.
- 06
Discuss findings on site
Constraints, options and trade-offs are raised while we are still there.
- 07
Prepare recommendations
Findings are turned into an equipment and installation proposal.
- 08
Issue a quotation
A written quotation based on what the site actually requires.
What to tell us when you enquire
None of this is mandatory, but the more of it you can share, the fewer questions we need to come back with.
Site location
The area or town, so travel and access can be planned.
Type of premises
Home, shop, office, warehouse, school, apartment block or similar.
Approximate size
Number of floors, rooms, gates or the rough perimeter length.
Main concern
Theft, unauthorised access, monitoring, staff attendance, fire safety or something else.
Existing equipment
Anything already installed, and whether it currently works.
Site contact
Who will be on site and can give access to all relevant areas.
Access restrictions
Working hours, security clearance or days when a visit is not possible.
Photos where possible
Pictures of the building, gate, boundary or existing equipment.
Related services
A survey normally leads into design and installation, and is often the first step in an upgrade.
System Design
System design is the step between knowing what you want and knowing what to buy. It translates a requirement into a specific, workable arrangement of equipment, cabling and power for your premises.
Security System Installation
Mounting, cabling, power, configuration, testing and handover for new and replacement systems.
Upgrades
An upgrade extends or modernises a system you already have — adding coverage, replacing what is failing and improving the parts that limit everything else, without discarding equipment that still does its job.
Technical Support
Technical support is the advice side of what we do: helping you choose the right equipment, check compatibility, get something configured, or work out why a system is not behaving.
Equipment and installer support
This service is advisory rather than product-led, but everything we advise on is equipment we supply from our Nairobi counters.
Next step
Want your site assessed before you commit?
Tell us where the premises is, what type of building it is and what you are trying to protect. We will confirm whether a site survey is worthwhile.