SJUK Exclusive: Forever developing the world of surveillance

April 14, 2022

Paul Gillings, CEO & Co-Founder of Monatrix Limited analyses modern day video surveillance and what the future holds for it.

It’s hard to believe a world without video surveillance. This sector has evolved significantly and has drastically changed the way in which we live and work – and, all of this has happened without us noticing. Not only has surveillance been instrumental in the detection of criminal behaviour and the investigation of criminal incidents, it can even be used to help park your car and speak to the person delivering your parcel.

With every year that passes, video surveillance undergoes incredible technological advancement, many of which that could not have been imagined in years gone by. There is no doubt that its constant development will continue to further impact how we live and work.

Manufacturers are working closely with security consultants and end users to ensure that the latest technology is ready for the future. From a security installation perspective, we are aware of the need to work closely with these manufacturers, consultants and end users to ensure that fully-rounded security solutions are there for the general public and businesses across the UK.

Working with our global security partners, we have been able to analyse the modern ways of video surveillance and what the future holds for it.

A secure, hybrid future

‘Hybrid’ is possibly the new buzzword for 2022. From cars to the way we work, hybrid is the future and electronic security is no exception. A recent study conducted by Rhombus Systems showed that over 80% of respondents have a balance between remote and on-prem security management, with 64% saying that they have an even balance between the two as opposed to heavily remote or heavily on-prem.

It’s clear that there is friction between virtual and on-prem electronic security management and it’s vital that a company’s electronic security strategy is designed to support this ‘hybrid’ reality in a virtual world. Companies typically address this by either developing effective workflows and processes and choosing technology solutions that integrate and ‘play-nice’ together.

Integration is key

Integration will allow the majority of organisations to use both remote access and on-prem management, both cloud and non-cloud and a combination of many different types of business solutions. Moving forward, it’s crucial to look for platforms and solutions that support integration, customisation and flexibility.

As an integrated security specialist, we are all too aware that integrations between platforms and environments is critical to client success. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to managing site security, with each organisation having its own unique needs and priorities. An integrated system allows you to operate and control all your systems from one place, monitor real time events via surveillance and allow seamless control to access via doors, turnstiles and car park barriers.

Integrated security systems have been a major trend in the security and facilities management industries for the past few years. Whilst we could argue that this has been pushed forward by the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been signs pointing towards this transition. During the pandemic, these integrated systems were seen to support organisations’ COVID-19 procedures by creating a contactless and flexible system.

Video surveillance and access control integrations are some of the most common requests that we receive, however we are seeing an increase in the demand for integration of video surveillance with intruder detection systems. It’s clear to us that manufacturers and installers must work together to ensure that we implement the integrations that most benefit the end user.

The cloud is the way forward

After years of hesitancy, cloud-based electronic security solutions are now becoming a staple within the security industry. Boosted by the pandemic, we saw requests for cloud-based security solutions which highlighted a need for flexibility and remote management.

Cloud-based systems offer a host of benefits including increased scalability, centralised management and easier installation. So, it’s not hard to see why they are proving to be favourable with security managers and installers.

As with traditional methods of electronic security, we see that cloud-based security will also require strategic integrations. We have seen some of these taking place over the last year or so, notably with Motorola Solutions companies, including Avigilon and Pelco, which can now integrate with Openpath’s access control Solution to provide a fully integrated cloud-based system. 

Security professionals are considering strategies for 2022 and beyond and we are noticing that cloud solutions are a crucial and growing part of the conversation.

Cybersecurity: A critical component

Cybersecurity was a top priority for enterprise organisations in 2021 and it rightfully continues to be a key concern in 2022. It’s crucial for companies to shore up digital defences before there’s a cyberattack. Many organisations have already taken this to heart and have implemented new technology related to cybersecurity over the past year.

Traditionally, cybersecurity related to online threats and electronic security took care of employees and an organisations’ physical assets. This is no longer the case for one nor the other – instead, cybersecurity and security professionals must work together to create a comprehensive strategy.

For installers and integrators, the relationship between cybersecurity and electronic security is ever-increasing, most recently shown when the NSI confirmed that all NACOSS Gold, Systems Silver and ARC Gold approved companies and applicants would need to have Cyber Essentials Certifications in place by April 2023.

When it comes to video surveillance, cybersecurity does not typically spring to mind, but as advancements with AI, IoT, integrations and the cloud take place, there will be more focus around keeping the network infrastructure safe – this is done by ensuring software and firmware updates are completed as required.

AI and the human development

Looking ahead, there will be many industries and sectors that AI influences, including security. These sectors will adopt everything from crime prevention cameras which scan video streams to form estimations of “suspicious” behaviours to overoccupancy AI that identifies the occupancy percentage of one or more areas inside a location.

Today’s AI in video surveillance eliminates the need for people to spend hours staring at screens and scanning old video. Instead, intelligent connected sensors, networking storage and AI-enabled systems can keep an autonomous, high-definition eye on things 24-7 and provide the interpretation and alerts of incidents.

In 2021, Monatrix took part in the Security & Safety Things App Challenge. We were blown away by many of the entries for the competition which included a Virtual Surveillance Assistant that can isolate anomalies in footage and send them to a dashboard so CCTV observers can focus on what’s important.

Other entries included a Flood Cam that works in real time, in both urban and suburban areas, giving quick and valuable alerts to authorities of flooding incidents so that actions needed can be taken quickly.

An essential part of everyday life

It might seem simple, but it bears repeating that different organisations have different electronic security needs; this highlights the importance of customisation when it comes to physical security platforms. Over the years, we’ve seen movement in the industry towards more flexibility – for example, an increase in integration-friendly platforms and open APIs.

It is also worth noting that smart surveillance at home may be heavily influencing the way we work. It has been reported that 40% of British homeowners now have some form of security camera installed on their property, using video surveillance to deter burglars and monitor who is coming and going. Could the trend to make your home smart be spilling into business and industry? The data certainly suggests so.

From detecting and preventing criminal behaviour to monitoring flood levels, video surveillance and the technologies that surround it have become essential to our daily lives. As we navigate the digital age there will be new challenges that security professionals face. Here at Monatrix, we believe that new technology will only help increase security and safety opportunities, but we will work with key and strategic partners to ensure that the technology is also developed in line with client requirements.

To discuss this article further with an expert at Monatrix or to discuss your surveillance requirements, email [email protected] or visit: www.monatrix.com

This article was originally published in the April edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.

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