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

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