Page 11 - Security Today, May/June 2025

Organizations must also consider privacy regulations like GDPR
or other regional data protection laws. A good VMS will allow for
privacy controls, such as data anonymization and automated video
retention policies, to ensure compliance with these regulations.
UNIFICATION
The terms unification and integration are often used interchange-
ably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Managing and integrat-
ing multiple disconnected systems can lead to inefficiencies and
security gaps in complex or multi-site organizations. Conversely,
a unified platform that centralizes video, access control, and oth-
er security systems in a single platform can dramatically simplify
monitoring and response activities.
Unified systems offer a comprehensive view of security opera-
tions, allowing operators to manage video feeds, alarms, and other
security events from one interface. Advanced VMS platforms often
come with built-in features like map-based visualization, real-time
alerts, native audio capabilities, and mobile access, further enhanc-
ing operational efficiency. Unification ensures that critical insights
from across the organization are accessible and actionable.
Unification goes beyond security by integrating building sys-
tems, IIoT sensors, and business applications into a single platform,
unlocking valuable operational insights. A unified platform with
intuitive data visualization helps teams optimize space, streamline
operations, and improve customer experiences, while also enabling
IT and SecOps to standardize and share data efficiently.
REAL-TIME CAPABILITIES
Centralized video access allows investigators to easily retrieve,
view, and analyze footage from multiple locations in real time.
Immediate access to all relevant video feeds, live and recorded
in the same view, streamlines the investigation process, enabling
faster responses to security incidents.
Smart video analytics enhance this further by automatically
identifying critical events, anomalies, or behaviors. These advanced
analytics help investigators pinpoint relevant footage quickly, sav-
ing time and allowing them to focus on the most important aspects
of the investigation. System tools can also ensure that sharing evi-
dence is both seamless and secure, maintaining chain-of-custody
protocols while facilitating collaborative investigations.
Choosing the right VMS goes beyond addressing immediate
surveillance needs. It’s a pivotal decision in building a scalable, re-
silient security infrastructure. An open architecture VMS ensures
adaptability and avoids the constraints of proprietary systems, of-
fering the freedom to integrate the best devices
and adopt emerging technologies seamlessly.
Charles Nguyen is the product marketing
manager for Video, Audio, and Analytics at
Genetec.
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