Page 12 - Security Today, November/December 2023

Growth and Trends A Variety of Features By Chris Meiter In today’s world, the video management space encompasses a variety of features that are being influenced by market condi- tions and associated risks. Beyond the traditional, but still valuable, personnel and property security1196 and asset pro- tection, organizations are leveraging their video management platforms across many departments to gain business intelligence. Expanding the use of a VMS to improve operations and cus- tomer/employee experiences will be a game changer to businesses, whether aiding in compliance with regulations or simply reduc- ing workplace risk. A VMS provides unlimited possibilities for operational improvements. Here are just a few ways leveraging video with other technolo- gies 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 oc- curred and the people involved using rapid and efficient methods. Additionally, the ability to create real-time alerts using weap- ons detection analytics provides immediate insights to the securi- ty team of a potential predator or suspect carrying a weapon into a school, shopping mall, or grocery store. License plate recogni- tion 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 imple- mentation of smoke detection technology. In 2024, this technol- ogy 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 sur- veillance efforts. These advancements in video analytics are ex- pected 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 fa- cial recognition. This advanced technology is gaining immense popularity worldwide, enabling businesses to enhance their secu- rity measures and improve operational efficiencies. Facial recognition systems are being used to identify known shoplifters and prevent thefts in retail stores. By quickly recogniz- ing individuals with a history of theft, businesses can take proac- tive measures to mitigate losses and protect their inventory. alice-photo/Shutterstock.com 12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | SECURITY TODAY Additionally, facial recognition can help identify disgruntled past employees, allowing companies to terminate access and pre- vent 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 nu- merous benefits. These systems can analyze video footage to opti- mize 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 efficien- cy. 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 se- cure connection to the cloud and can assure the end-user that their data is safe and secure. The benefit is that there is no serv- er or appliance on-site to manage, update, secure, or have con- cerns with environmental conditions or malicious activity. The increased availability of bandwidth globally, bandwidth man- agement 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 uni- fied 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 be- coming a necessity in many municipalities. The ability to immedi- ately confirm an intrusion or event in progress with first respond- ers to hasten a high-priority response is becoming more of the norm. Police department staffing challenges combined with the VIDEO MANAGEMENT