TPM
The worst time to discover your cameras stopped recording is the day you need the footage. Most failures we’re called about gave some warning first: a camera that went offline weeks ago, a recorder drive that was reporting errors, a backup battery that had quietly died. A few minutes of checks prevents most of them.
Every month
- Play back recordings from every camera, not just the live view. Pick a random time from last week and make sure there’s video.
- Check the date and time on the recorder. Wrong timestamps make footage much less useful.
- Look at each camera view for dirt, spider webs, branches or a camera that’s been knocked out of position.
- Test a fob or card at each controlled door.
Every three months
- Review users: remove fobs, codes and app accounts for people who no longer need access.
- Test door hardware: doors should close and latch on their own, and exit buttons should release.
- Check battery backups: most UPS units and alarm panels report battery health; look for warnings.
- Clean camera domes and lenses you can reach safely, using a soft cloth.
- Check for software updates to recorders, cameras and apps, and apply them on a schedule.
Every year
- Professional health check: recorder drive health, storage actually achieved versus planned, network performance and a test of every device.
- Replace backup batteries that are reaching the end of their rated life. For many UPS and alarm batteries, that’s every three to five years.
- Change administrator passwords and confirm who has them.
- Review your recording policy: how long footage is kept and who may view it.
Keep a simple log
A shared spreadsheet with the date, what was checked and anything unusual is enough. It helps whoever looks after the system next, and it’s useful evidence if an insurer ever asks.
Short on time? At minimum, play back one recording a month and review your user list every quarter. Those two checks catch the most common problems.