How Many Security Cameras Does a Warehouse Need?
How many security cameras does a warehouse need?
A simple zone-by-zone way to count cameras for a warehouse or distribution center, with real coverage distances and a worked example.
Count by zone, not by square feet
Square footage alone gives a poor answer, because racking, docks and doors decide what each camera can see. Go zone by zone instead:
| Zone | Plan for | Good Silarius pick |
|---|---|---|
| Entrances and exits | 1 camera per door, aimed to catch faces | XD5MP28AU dome or SIL-XT5MP28AU |
| Loading docks | 1 camera for every 1 to 2 dock doors, plus 1 overview | PB8MP28AU panoramic or SIL-XB8MP28AU |
| Aisles and racking | 1 camera at the end of each long aisle, looking down it | SIL-XB5MP28AU or SIL-XB8MP28AU |
| Open floor and staging | Panoramic cameras at corners and crossings | SIL-PD5MP28AU or SIL-XMS32MP |
| Yard, perimeter and parking | Corner panoramics, a PTZ for large yards | SIL-PB8MP28AU, SIL-XPTZ5MP30X |
| Gates | 1 plate camera per lane | SIL-XLPR4MPAU |
| Office, cash and server room | 1 dome per room | SIL-MD5MP28AU |
How far each camera reaches
Use this to space cameras along aisles, fences and docks. The distances come from the camera resolution and lens angle.
| What you need to see | 5MP camera, 2.8mm (96° view) | 4K camera, 2.8mm (105° view) |
|---|---|---|
| General view (about 20 pixels per foot) | up to ~57 ft away | up to ~74 ft away |
| Recognize a person (about 40 pixels per foot) | up to ~29 ft away | up to ~37 ft away |
| Identify a face (about 80 pixels per foot) | up to ~14 ft away | up to ~18 ft away |
Example: a 50,000 sq ft warehouse
Six dock doors, two entrances, ten aisles, a fenced yard and one gate:
| Zone | Count |
|---|---|
| 2 entrances | 2 |
| 6 dock doors | 4 (3 dock + 1 overview) |
| 10 aisles | 10 |
| Open floor, 4 corners | 4 panoramic |
| Yard corners | 4 panoramic |
| 1 gate lane | 1 plate camera |
| Office and server room | 2 |
| Total | 27 cameras |
That system fits a 32-channel NVR with PoE switches, or Silarius Cloud for the Silarius X cameras. Your count will differ: use it as a starting point.
Popular warehouse cameras
Plan it on your own floor plan
The free Silarius Site Planner lets you place cameras on satellite imagery and your own floor plans, shows each camera's real coverage and prices the whole system.
Questions
How many cameras does a warehouse need?
Count by zone: one per entrance, one for every one to two dock doors, one per long aisle, panoramics for open floor and yard corners, and a plate camera per gate lane. A 50,000 sq ft warehouse often lands between 20 and 30 cameras.
What camera is best for warehouse aisles?
A bullet camera at the end of the aisle, looking down it. A 4K bullet like the Silarius SIL-XB8MP28AU recognizes people at up to about 37 feet.
Should a warehouse use an NVR or the cloud?
Either. An NVR keeps video on site; Silarius X cameras can also record straight to Silarius Cloud with no recorder.
Are Silarius cameras NDAA compliant?
Yes. Silarius cameras and recorders are NDAA compliant.
What warranty do Silarius cameras have?
Every Silarius camera and recorder has a 3-year full Silarius warranty (solar products have their own terms).
Do Silarius products ship free?
Yes. Every Silarius-brand product ships free in the US, at any order size.