Exclusive: Four key advantages of video management systems
James Thorpe
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While video surveillance has been around for decades and is considered a mainstay in most companies’ security measures, video management systems have been steadily evolving due to the increased usage and dependence of cloud-based technology, as well as the world’s need to connect and streamline business operations. To quantify this evolution and rapid growth, it’s estimated that the global video management software market was valued at US$1,487,000 in 2018 and is expected to grow by 18.8% from 2019 to 2025 as video management systems become more popular as a way to manage security systems and add an extra layer of digital protection and data backup for companies.
In essence, a video management system is software that operates on a closed server and collects data from all cameras and other recording sensors within the secured environment or footprint. This software is essential for security as well as data collection and storage. After collecting these video and sensory streams, the software organises and catalogues them on an interface for a user to view for reference. While the purpose of the video systems software never fundamentally changes, it can be customised based on the needs of the individual or company being monitored across various markets and verticals. For example, a video management system for a bank will have different requirements than one for a school or a government facility. These systems integrations enable users to build contextual evidence based on data that is collected to create a comprehensive picture of an incident or security breach.
The primary advantage of video management systems is that they enable companies to unify their approach to security by leveraging technology. It’s critical to take a 360-degree approach to security and risk assessment. Many companies are monocular in their focus, only specialising in one type of security, which can put their clients at risk if they are large facilities with lots of moving parts and access points. To be successful, a security company like Prosegur must look at its entire security footprint and develop an individualised plan based on the threat areas. This includes the implementation of various technologies as well as the reallocation of personnel. Video management systems help companies do just that by providing a central hub where all security data gathered through video, sensors, etc. must pass through and be analysed, leveraging this data to fill in gaps and allow physical security to work seamlessly with technological integrations.
Four key benefits
Here are four key benefits a business should consider when it comes to video management systems.
Global unification of security systems. With the advancements of the cloud and robotic technology, video management systems can be utilised to link security operations globally. All the data that is collected by and passed through the software interface can be accessed internally by a company’s security from wherever they are located, creating a comprehensive look at suspicious behaviour and scope of a potential threat. For example, if a breach occurs in a single location, personnel can not only review all video and sensory data for that location, but they can also refer to security at other plants, buildings and security operation centres at the same time to determine whether the threat is individualised or a company-wide problem.
Embracing new technology to diversify security operations. Video management systems leverage emerging and evolving technology, including the cloud, advanced robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. These technologies streamline the collection and organisation of all the information gathered by other various forms of security and provide a comprehensive look at security visibility and analytics, which can then be used to create an appropriate threat response plan. This high-level view of security should ultimately be an amalgamation of people, processes and technology that work efficiently together to mitigate risk and reduce silos and gaps in the security footprint.
Provide a quicker and smarter threat response. Once a threat has been identified, whether it be physical or cyber, human operators can use their expertise and the data provided by video management systems to quickly execute the proper response while not wasting time on false alarms or slow collection of security threat intelligence. Additionally, the machine learning component of the video management system software also helps operations personnel identify areas of weakness based on the data gathered, strengthening security operations and preventing future threats from occurring.
Data collected helps fill in security intelligence gaps. Despite the progression of the security industry due to technological advancements, more growth and data are needed to fully combat the increasing number and complexity of potential security threats. The community as a whole lacks intelligence on potential threats, which is a general trend in security. The data provided by surveillance cameras, intrusion sensors and video management systems aid in closing the intelligence-gathering gap, resulting in a more effective and comprehensive method of protecting citizens, personnel and assets.
Overall, the need for security professionals to take a 360-degree approach to security and risk assessment will become increasingly important in the coming years. By implementing a surveillance solution that incorporates real-time data and provides an additional layer of digital protection, security professionals will be able to stay one step ahead of the competition, as well as potential threats and provide the best opportunity for security visibility and analytics possible.
By Greg Kuhn, Prosegur Director of IoT
Greg Kuhn is the Director of IoT at Prosegur USA, where he specialises in the intersection of digital and physical security elements to provide clients with comprehensive security solutions.