CCTV Camera Placement Guide for Warehouses
- Strategic Coverage : Position cameras to eliminate blind spots and capture critical zones like loading docks, high-value storage, and RTO points.
- Digital Edge : Leverage EdgeOS for real‑time analytics, automated alerts, and seamless integration with inventory & shipment workflows.
- Cost‑Effective ROI : Reduce shrinkage, improve compliance, and lower insurance premiums—especially vital for Tier‑2/3 hubs handling COD and high‑volume RTO returns.
Introduction
In India’s bustling logistics ecosystem—think Mumbai’s freight corridors, Bangalore’s e‑commerce hubs, and Guwahati’s emerging distribution centres—warehouse security is no longer optional. With cash‑on‑delivery (COD) payments, high‑frequency Returns‑to‑Origin (RTO) operations, and the ever‑present risk of internal theft, a well‑planned CCTV system is the first line of defense. This guide walks you through data‑driven camera placement, integrating Edgistify’s EdgeOS platform to turn raw footage into actionable intelligence for Indian warehouses of all sizes.
H2 – Understanding the Threat Landscape
| Threat | Frequency in Indian Warehouses | Typical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Internal theft (employees, contractors) | 45% of shrinkage | ₹50–₹200 k/yr per store |
| External vandalism | 12% | ₹30–₹80 k/yr |
| Theft during inbound/outbound | 30% | ₹70–₹150 k/yr |
| Process inefficiencies (RTO delays) | 25% | ₹40–₹90 k/yr |
Key Insight: 78% of losses are preventable with proper surveillance.
H2 – Core Zones to Cover
- 1. Receiving & Docking Area – Monitor dock seals, pallet placement, and driver compliance.
- 2. High‑Value Storage – Use 4‑K cameras with infrared for night visibility.
- 3. Picking & Packing Stations – Capture picking accuracy and packing speed.
- 4. RTO / Returns Zone – Track return inspections, labeling, and repackaging.
- 5. Access Points & Perimeter – Control entry/exit, guard doors, and fencing.
H3 – Problem‑Solution Matrix for Camera Placement
| Problem | Solution | Implementation Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Blind spots near corners | Use 360° panoramic cameras | Mount at 3–4 m height, angle 45° |
| Limited night vision | Install IR‑enabled PTZ cameras | Configure IR cutoff at 30 m |
| High data bandwidth | Deploy EdgeOS analytics at edge | Process motion alerts locally, stream only events |
| Inconsistent coverage of RTO | Place dual cameras on both sides of return bay | Redundant view, reduce missed thefts |
| Over‑budgeting for cameras | Prioritize zones by risk score | Allocate 70% of budget to high‑risk zones |
H2 – Step‑by‑Step Placement Blueprint
| Zone | Camera Type | Placement Height | Angle | EdgeOS Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Docking | PTZ 4‑K | 4 m | 30° downward | Live motion detection |
| High‑value | Fixed 4‑K IR | 3 m | 90° horizontal | Heat‑map analytics |
| Picking | Dome 1080p | 3.5 m | 45° | Real‑time pick‑rate monitoring |
| RTO | Dual PTZ | 3.5 m | 45° each | Automated return‑audit alerts |
| Perimeter | Infrared PTZ | 3 m | 90° | Intrusion detection & GPS tagging |
EdgeOS Advantage: By processing video locally, only alerts and compressed clips travel to central servers, saving bandwidth—crucial for Tier‑2/3 cities with limited 4G/5G coverage.
H2 – Integrating Edgistify’s EdgeOS in Your Workflow
- 1. Real‑time Alerting – EdgeOS flags suspicious activity (e.g., unauthorized entry during off‑hours) and pushes alerts to the warehouse dashboard.
- 2. Automated Reporting – Compile daily shrinkage reports; EdgeOS correlates camera logs with inventory changes.
- 3. Dark Store Mesh Compatibility – For dark‑store fulfilment hubs, EdgeOS can act as a node in a Mesh network, ensuring continuous coverage even when a single camera node fails.
- 4. NDR Management – EdgeOS supports Network Detection & Response, automatically quarantining rogue devices that might tamper with camera feeds.
H2 – Cost & ROI Analysis
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost | ROI Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cameras (50 units) | ₹1,250,000 | 15% reduction in shrinkage |
| EdgeOS licenses | ₹250,000 | 10% reduction in incident response time |
| Installation & Cabling | ₹300,000 | 5% improvement in operational efficiency |
| Maintenance (annual) | ₹150,000 | 2% decrease in insurance premiums |
Total Investment: ₹2,050,000
Breakeven Point: 18 months (based on ₹300,000 annual savings in shrinkage and insurance)
H2 – Implementation Checklist
- [ ] Conduct a risk audit of all zones.
- [ ] Procure cameras with proven IR and PTZ specs.
- [ ] Install EdgeOS nodes at strategic locations.
- [ ] Configure camera angles per the blueprint.
- [ ] Test motion detection and alert workflows.
- [ ] Train staff on responding to alerts.
- [ ] Perform quarterly reviews of camera coverage.
Conclusion
A meticulously planned CCTV system—backed by Edgistify’s EdgeOS—transforms a warehouse from a passive storage space into an active, data‑driven security hub. For Indian warehouses juggling COD, RTO, and tight margins, the right camera placement is not just a cost but a strategic investment that safeguards revenue, enhances compliance, and builds trust with logistics partners like Delhivery and Shadowfax.