A Variety of Features

• By Chris Meiter
• Nov 29, 2023

In today's world, the video management space encompasses a variety of features that are being influenced by market conditions and associated risks. Beyond the traditional, but still valuable, personnel and property security, and asset protection, organizations are leveraging their video management platforms across many departments to gain business intelligence.

Expanding the use of a VMS to improve operations and customer/employee experiences will be a game changer to businesses, whether aiding in compliance with regulations or simply reducing workplace risk. A VMS provides unlimited possibilities for operational improvements. 

Here are just a few ways leveraging video with other technologies will continue to expand in the coming year.  

Analytics. Today, VMS platforms can layer or integrate analytics for forensics research much more quickly, optimize the operator's ability to review the situation, and understand what may have occurred and the people involved using rapid and efficient methods.

Additionally, the ability to create real-time alerts using weapons detection analytics provides immediate insights to the security team of a potential predator or suspect carrying a weapon into a school, shopping mall, or grocery store. License plate recognition can instantly alert officials of unwanted trespassers within their campus or corporate property.  

It is anticipated that video analytics will continue to advance significantly. In the near future, video analytics will provide a wide range of alerts, both at the edge embedded on cameras and through sophisticated server-based products integrated into VMS systems. This means that businesses and organizations will have access to more advanced and accurate surveillance capabilities. 

One specific example of enhanced video analytics is the implementation of smoke detection technology. In 2024, this technology will offer preemptive alerting within buildings, enabling early notification before the sprinkler systems activate. This proactive approach not only prevents potential damage to inventory and property but also avoids lengthy shutdowns that can last for weeks, or even months. 

Analytics capabilities will also empower security teams to track individuals or vehicles across multiple cameras and various locations in a matter of seconds, which will greatly enhance surveillance efforts. These advancements in video analytics are expected to be major technology trends in 2024, changing the way businesses and organizations approach security and surveillance.   

Facial recognition. One of the prominent video technology trends we will witness in 2024 is the widespread adoption of facial recognition. This advanced technology is gaining immense popularity worldwide, enabling businesses to enhance their security measures and improve operational efficiencies.  

Facial recognition systems are being used to identify known shoplifters and prevent thefts in retail stores. By quickly recognizing individuals with a history of theft, businesses can take proactive measures to mitigate losses and protect their inventory.

Additionally, facial recognition can help identify disgruntled past employees, allowing companies to terminate access and prevent potential security breaches. Moreover, facial recognition technology can be leveraged to identify VIP clients as they enter a property, whether it is a high-end retail store or a casino. 

Integrating facial recognition capabilities into VMS offers numerous benefits. These systems can analyze video footage to optimize product placement and marketing strategies. By understanding customer behavior and preferences through facial recognition data, businesses can make informed decisions about product displays and promotions, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. 

Furthermore, leveraging facial recognition for analyzing video footage can also improve traffic flow management and streamline future project designs. Businesses can identify congested areas or bottlenecks and make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency. This not only enhances the overall experience for customers but also helps businesses optimize their operations.   

Camera to cloud. Another emerging trend is the "Camera to Cloud" deployments. “Camera to Cloud” offerings provide a secure connection to the cloud and can assure the end-user that their data is safe and secure. The benefit is that there is no server or appliance on-site to manage, update, secure, or have concerns with environmental conditions or malicious activity. The increased availability of bandwidth globally, bandwidth management technologies within cameras today, and cloud VMS platforms allow this to be a much more cost-effective and viable solution than ever before. 

Other benefits of “Camera to Cloud” deployments are a unified experience across the global enterprise. A platform hosted in the cloud also provides flexibility in retention storage, security, resilience, very quick deployment and scalability in the future.   

Video verification. The integration of response centers is becoming a necessity in many municipalities. The ability to immediately confirm an intrusion or event in progress with first responders to hasten a high-priority response is becoming more of the norm. Police department staffing challenges combined with the rising demand for services makes video verification essential.

Video verification will continue to enable first responders to swiftly assess and respond to high-priority situations with accurate information. By having real-time access to video footage, responders can better understand the threat they are facing, allowing them to prepare and act more effectively, enhance their overall response time, and improve situational awareness for a more targeted and efficient approach.

Also, video verification systems provide valuable insights into potential bystanders or personnel present at the scene. This information helps reduce risks to individuals who might be caught up in the event and ensure their safety. By identifying and analyzing the presence of bystanders or personnel, responders can take appropriate measures to protect and guide them away from harm.

The adoption of video verification technology in 2024 will play a crucial role in enabling immediate confirmation of intrusions or ongoing events. This technology empowers first responders to better prepare for threats while mitigating risks to bystanders and personnel.    

Drones. Traditional camera installation and maintenance in remote areas can be expensive, challenging, and often lacks reliable connectivity to command or monitoring centers. However, with drone security patrols, vast areas can be monitored efficiently, providing real-time high-quality images and video footage. This advanced monitoring capability also has the potential to reduce the number of on-site security officers required to protect a site or property.  

Deploying drones can save time and cost especially when it comes to large industrial facilities, campuses, oil and gas sites, solar farms, storerooms, or securing pipelines where proper video surveillance is critical to reducing risks of damage, leaks and protecting against theft of equipment and raw materials.

Drones can also be deployed very quickly and are much faster than a patrol vehicle or a security officer, which allows them to reach the scene of the incident quicker and provide a rapid remedial response and information. 

The integration of drone technology for security purposes in 2024 will revolutionize surveillance practices. Drones offer swift deployment, cost-effectiveness, and real-time monitoring capabilities, which will enhance security measures, reduce risks and improve incident response.

The landscape of security is rapidly evolving, with VMS at the forefront. The year 2024 promises significant advancements in analytics, facial recognition, and more, all contributing to enhanced security measures and operational efficiencies. By leveraging these technologies, businesses can not only protect their assets but also gain valuable insights for business intelligence and operational improvements. As we move forward, it's clear that these trends will redefine the way businesses and organizations approach security, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

This article originally appeared in the November / December 2023 issue of Security Today.