Artificial Intelligence and Video Security

•  According to Genetec, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in video security technology is likely to continue in the coming years.
•  Machine learning enables computers to use data to help improve performance without being explicitly programmed, which means that, through the use of algorithms and training, a computer can be programmed to determine which features it should use in the identification process to efficiently produce the most accurate output.
• However, the actual deployment of AI in video security technology has lagged behind expectations. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are generating increased demand for specific use cases, such as automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) systems that employ machine learning. A more general implementation of AI technology in access control systems, however, is not likely to happen in the coming years, according to Genetec.

Video Surveillance in the Cloud

• Video security customers are increasingly demanding cloud-based solutions. Cloud-based video security is very appealing to customers as it provides major cost savings, heightened data security, remote access and maintenance, flexible storage and retention, scalability, increased stability, and disaster recovery.
• The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the need for cloud-based solutions, which are crucial for allowing workers to work remotely. "Cloud-based access control systems facilitate easier remote maintenance as well as remote administration and remote reporting."

Analytics and AI are Driving Video Security Business Intelligence

• Video surveillance systems are not just for security anymore, they’re also a valuable tool for business intelligence (BI). Even though AI has been touted as "the next big thing" for several years now, its deployment has lagged. Experts predict that AI will finally start to see increased practical adoption in video security technology in 2021.
• Enhanced integrated analytics are enabling organizations to use video security solutions to help inform their strategic decisions in other operational areas, and to improve business and operational effectiveness.
• The retail sector has been finding a lot of success with using advanced analytics in video security solutions to inform operational, and marketing, product placement, and advertising decisions. "By leveraging existing video surveillance footage, retailers are able to quickly extract and search for trends and patterns in customer behaviors related to operational issues, such as staffing at peak times, or for real estate evaluation purposes when leasing to third-party vendors."

Demand for Open Integrated Systems

• An open and connected ecosystem allows businesses and developers to integrate any number of applications on a single video management system (VMS) platform. The platform itself handles the processes of interfacing with the cameras, recording video, securely transmitting and storing video to the cloud, and making video available for use in the integrated applications. Therefore, vendors cannot afford to "lock" users into their cameras, or to require frequent upgrades to hardware anymore.
• Integrated security systems that combine traditional physical security with IT-based security platforms are seeing increased demand, which paves the way for advanced practices in information management. Network-based video, and cloud access to data sources will enable users to make faster, more proactive, and better informed decisions.
• The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for open architecture hardware support, as customers and system integrators need to use readily available hardware in their home market and hardware that may already be installed. Therefore, it is expected that access control and video security software that is not tied to proprietary hardware will continue gaining market share.

Changing Investment and Purchasing Patterns for Video Security Solutions

• Buyers appear to be transitioning from multiple suppliers to single vendors that can provide a comprehensive IP video solution. This is very similar to recent trends witnessed in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions.
• As the involvement of IT departments in the purchase decision-making process for video security solutions increases, more and more organizations are opting for a "single source for all their IP video surveillance needs". "This movement bodes well to the value of integrated security solutions in that they can help drive a more streamlined connection to PSIM systems, such as access control and other security subsystems."

Transition from Passive Analog Systems to Network-Based IP Video

• Passive analog CCTV solutions are getting replaced by network-based IP video solutions that can efficiently collect, manage, and analyze large amounts of video over networks.
• "The transition from analog systems to network-based digital video surveillance systems can help improve an organization's ability to detect security breaches, deliver video and data across the enterprise, and quickly provide outside agencies the information they need to address security threats, improve operational efficiency, and comply with cost containment mandates."
• It is important to note that this transition should ve viewed more as an update of existing processes. Many organizations using analog technologies will likely have to continue using their analog infrastructure in conjunction with IP-based video solutions, and vendors need to be able to support their customers through this transition.

Video Analytics Solutions

• Video analytics technology, which can help organizations make sense of huge volumes of information by automatically pinpointing activities indicative of security threats, is likely to continue gaining momentum.
• The initial excitement for video analytics technology might have waned due to the fact that early iterations have not been able to meet the high expectations of customers. However, video analytics are seeing great success with becoming a very important feature of an integrated video solution, instead of a stand-alone proposition as it originally started a few years ago.

Temperature Measurement and Thermal Imaging

• In a post-COVID-19 world, providers are likely to see increased demand for temperature measurement technology. In fact, some traditional mass-produced access control hardware companies are already marketing facial recognition terminals with some form of temperature measurement. These combine touchscreen displays with thermal cameras and/or infra-red contactless temperature sensors.
• The uptick in demand for temperature measurement and thermal imaging video security solutions is likely to occur, regardless of how effective temperature measurement is at curtailing the spread of COVID-19. This is because many countries and local governments will have a requirement for businesses to have such measures in place before they can re-open.

Facial Recognition Technology

• Facial recognition, and other contactless biometric technology, will become more popular as a credential type.
• While facial recognition might not be the ideal solution in a post-COVID-19 world, some manufacturers have already adapted their biometrics products to support the use of protective face masks.
• Other contactless access control credentials such as QR codes, Bluetooth access, finger swipe readers and number plate recognition technology will take the place of fingerprint readers and other contact biometrics.

Research Strategy