Auditing analog-to-IP camera migrations

Many Charlotte commercial sites still run analog cameras on coax with a standalone DVR. That setup can work — until you need night image quality, remote access, or integration with access control and alarm events.

Audit before you buy cameras

• Map every existing view and mark which ones actually get reviewed after incidents
• Measure cable paths you can reuse versus runs that should become network homeruns
• Check PoE budget and switch placement before the first IP camera is ordered
• Decide retention and who is allowed to export clips — that drives NVR or VMS choice

The question is rarely “IP or analog?” — it is which views matter most, and what your network and retention policies can support.

We often keep usable analog channels online while high-value views move first. A site review walks head-end equipment, network capacity, and what belongs in this fiscal year versus the next.