Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

• By Mark Johnson
• Mar 11, 2025

The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces.

With projections indicating that nearly 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050, the need for smart, connected infrastructure has never been more pressing.

Building the Foundation of Connected Cities
A smart city, at its most fundamental level, is a connected city powered by edge computing and comprehensive data integration. This interconnected ecosystem relies on a sophisticated network of IoT devices, sensors and cameras, all unified through open platform VMS technology.

Whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud, these systems form the backbone of smart city operations, enabling real-time data collection and analysis across various urban services.

For smart cities to function effectively, they require robust and secure network infrastructure. Private wireless networks serve as the foundation, providing dedicated connections for the vast array of smart devices throughout the city. These networks incorporate both traditional wired infrastructure like fiber optics and ethernet, as well as advanced wireless technologies such as cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and mesh networks, ensuring seamless connectivity and data exchange across all city systems.

Edge computing has emerged as a critical component in this infrastructure, processing data closer to its source. This approach significantly reduces latency and bandwidth requirements, enabling real-time decision-making crucial for applications like public safety and traffic management. The combination of reliable networks and edge computing creates an agile foundation that can adapt to changing urban needs and support the growing demands of smart city initiatives, particularly in areas requiring immediate response capabilities.

Enhancing Infrastructure Monitoring with an Open Platform VMS
Modern infrastructure management demands smart, integrated solutions. An open platform VMS extends the capabilities of Building Management Systems (BMS), SCADA/PLCs, and IoT devices, creating a unified approach to monitoring, security, and operational efficiency.

Building Management Systems. Integrating video with BMS enhances visibility into technical events, automates responses such as adjusting lighting or climate controls, and provides real-time alerts for critical building issues. This ensures safer and more energy-efficient operations.

SCADA/PLCs. Video integration improves industrial oversight by offering enhanced anomaly detection, video-based training for employees, and streamlined troubleshooting using established protocols like OPC UA.

IoT Devices. IoT sensors paired with video enable proactive maintenance by finding issues early, while innovative messaging protocols like MQTT facilitate seamless connectivity and real-time insights.

By combining video data with these platforms, an open platform VMS empowers organizations to optimize performance, ensure safety, and proactively manage critical infrastructure challenges.

IoT Integration for Smarter Cities
Combining IoT devices with an open platform VMS offers transformative benefits for urban operations. Real-time data analysis and automation empower cities to respond swiftly to emerging situations, optimize resource allocation, and reduce operational costs.

Enhanced public safety. Real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and AI-driven analytics improve law enforcement response and proactively address potential security threats.

Optimized traffic management. Integrating traffic cameras, sensors, and analytics reduces congestion, enhances public transportation, and improves urban mobility.

Infrastructure monitoring. Continuous oversight of utilities and critical infrastructure ensures optimal performance and early issue detection.

Environmental management. Sensors tracking air quality and water levels help inform sustainable policies and practices.

Resource optimization. Smart monitoring enables better allocation of city personnel and equipment, minimizing waste and improving services.

Emergency response coordination. Centralized systems streamline communication and data sharing, enabling faster and more effective responses to emergencies and natural disasters.

By serving as a centralized hub for data and analytics, an open platform VMS enhances infrastructure monitoring, streamlines urban management, and empowers cities to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and securely. Whether integrating with BMS, SCADA/PLCs, or IoT devices, this technology drives the evolution of smarter, more resilient urban environments.

Transforming Urban Operations Through Technology
The practical impact of integrated smart city technologies is already revolutionizing urban operations worldwide. In Vicente López, near Buenos Aires, the implementation of data-driven video solutions with advanced analytics has transformed public safety operations. The city's system automatically detects suspicious behaviors, monitors traffic patterns, and alerts authorities to potential security threats in real time, enabling a shift from reactive to initiative-taking safety measures.

This approach includes automated monitoring of crowding and loitering in public areas, speed analysis for traffic management, detection of stopped vehicles in restricted areas, and identification of wrong-way drivers on one-way streets. The system also checks for abandoned objects in public buildings and potential perimeter breaches, creating a comprehensive security environment that has significantly improved public safety outcomes.

The integration of behavior analysis algorithms has enabled the system to learn from historical data, helping find patterns that might indicate potential criminal activity before it occurs. This predictive capability has proven particularly valuable in high-traffic areas and during major public events.

Similarly, in Hobart, Australia, the city's integrated system combines license plate recognition, pedestrian monitoring, and environmental sensors to optimize everything from parking management to public lighting control. The implementation of these technologies has transformed the city's security network into a comprehensive smart city platform that delivers multiple benefits beyond traditional surveillance.

The system's success has led to expanded applications, including automated flood monitoring through integrated water level sensors and smart waste management through fill-level sensors in public waste bins. These additional capabilities prove how initially security-focused systems can evolve to address broader urban management challenges, creating a more efficient and responsive city infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As technology continues to advance, the future of smart cities looks increasingly promising. Innovations in 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity will significantly shape the smart cities of tomorrow. The rollout of 5G networks will provide faster, more reliable connectivity for IoT devices and edge computing applications, enabling cities to deploy more advanced sensors and analytics for greater insights into urban operations.

However, cities must address significant challenges as they embrace these technologies. Cybersecurity is still a critical concern, requiring robust measures to protect against threats and ensure the privacy of citizen data.

Additionally, cities must carefully plan their infrastructure investments to ensure scalability and flexibility for future growth and technological advancement. This includes developing strategies for managing the increasing volume of data generated by smart city systems and ensuring that all technological implementations align with citizens' needs and privacy concerns.

The success of smart city initiatives ultimately depends on the robust integration of compute power and network infrastructure. These fundamental elements enable the transformation of raw data from countless sensors and devices into actionable insights that drive meaningful improvements in city operations and citizen services.

As urban populations continue to grow, the integration of IoT technology and open platform VMS will become increasingly vital for effective city management. From enhancing public safety and improving traffic flow to monitoring environmental conditions and optimizing resource allocation, these systems provide the foundation for smarter, more responsive urban environments.

By embracing these technologies and ensuring proper infrastructure support, cities can build sustainable, efficient and livable urban spaces that serve the needs of current and future generations.

This article originally appeared in the March / April 2025 issue of Security Today.