Migrating a security systems and CCTV store from WooCommerce to Shopify (2026)

Security systems retail — CCTV cameras, NVRs, access control, intruder alarms, and related equipment — serves both consumer/residential and commercial/professional markets. The professional segment (installers, security integrators) often buys in volume with specific system compatibility requirements. Migrating to Shopify requires careful handling of compatibility data and the trade/B2B dimension.

Product categories

• IP cameras: Indoor and outdoor, fixed and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom). Resolution, field of view, night vision, and NVR compatibility.
• Analogue/HDCVI/TVI cameras: Legacy system cameras. Compatibility with existing DVR infrastructure.
• NVR (Network Video Recorder): IP camera recording. Channel count, max camera resolution, storage capacity.
• DVR (Digital Video Recorder): Analogue/TVI/CVI camera recording. Channel count, compression format.
• Access control: Card readers, keypads, biometric readers, electric locks, door entry systems.
• Intruder alarm systems: Control panels, PIR detectors, door/window contacts, sirens, communicators.
• Video doorbells: Wired and battery-powered. Cloud storage, local storage, subscription models.
• Safes: Home and commercial safes. Fire rating, burglary rating (EN grades), size.
• Cables and installation accessories: Network cable, coaxial cable, junction boxes, mounting hardware.

Camera specifications

product.metafields.security.camera_type = "Bullet / Dome / Turret / PTZ / Fisheye"
product.metafields.security.resolution_mp = "8"                    // 8MP = 4K
product.metafields.security.resolution_label = "4K / 5MP / 4MP / 2MP"
product.metafields.security.sensor_size = "1/2.8 inch"
product.metafields.security.fov_degrees = "102"                    // horizontal field of view
product.metafields.security.focal_length_mm = "2.8"               // or "2.8-12mm" for varifocal
product.metafields.security.night_vision_m = "30"                  // IR range in metres
product.metafields.security.colour_night_vision = "true"           // full colour in low light
product.metafields.security.ip_rating = "IP67"
product.metafields.security.protocol = "ONVIF Profile S"
product.metafields.security.poe = "true"                           // Power over Ethernet

NVR and DVR compatibility

A key purchase decision for cameras is compatibility with the buyer's existing recording system (NVR/DVR). Options:

• List compatible NVR brands in the product description or as a metafield
• ONVIF compliance indicates broad compatibility with third-party NVRs/VMS — highlight if applicable
• Brand-locked ecosystems (Dahua, Hikvision, Axis each have their own protocols in addition to ONVIF) — state clearly if a camera only works with same-brand recorders

product.metafields.security.compatible_nvr = "Hikvision / Dahua / Any ONVIF NVR"
product.metafields.security.channel_count = "16"                   // for NVR/DVR products
product.metafields.security.max_storage_tb = "10"
product.metafields.security.hdd_included = "false"
product.metafields.security.hdd_bays = "2"

GDPR and surveillance product considerations

CCTV surveillance in the UK is regulated by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) under UK GDPR. For retailers selling CCTV equipment:

• You are not responsible for how customers use equipment — but good practice is to note on product pages that outdoor cameras covering public areas or neighbours' property require appropriate signage and ICO registration (for commercial use)
• ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras: buyers processing vehicle data are data controllers and must register with ICO
• Biometric access control: fingerprint and facial recognition systems process biometric data — buyers must comply with UK GDPR biometric data requirements

Professional installer and trade accounts

Security installers and integrators are a significant B2B customer segment for security equipment retailers:

• Tag professional accounts ("installer", "trade") for trade pricing
• Installer discounts: typically 15–30% below RRP for volume purchasing
• Technical support and warranty: installers often expect different support terms than consumers
• SIA (Security Industry Authority) registered installers may need to verify installer status — consider a trade account application form

Installation services

Many security equipment retailers also offer installation:

• Installation service as a separate product (e.g. "Professional CCTV installation — day rate").
• Or as an add-on line item property: "Add professional installation (+£X)" on camera and NVR products
• Booking: post-purchase email with link to installation scheduling (Calendly or a dedicated booking app)

Post-migration checklist for security systems stores

• Camera resolution (MP and label), field of view, and night vision range as metafields
• IP weatherproofing rating as metafield on all outdoor cameras
• ONVIF compliance and compatible recorder brands as metafields
• NVR/DVR: channel count, max resolution, and storage capacity as metafields
• PoE support noted on all PoE cameras and switches
• GDPR guidance: noted on outdoor, ANPR, and biometric products
• Trade/installer accounts: tag-based pricing configured
• Installation service: configured as add-on or separate product