Despite how it may be depicted on television or movie screens, reviewing surveillance footage to find evidence is a lengthy process. Sifting through hours, sometimes days, of footage is costly, time consuming, and, when done by humans, is rarely effective. Luckily, advanced technologies can save the day.
Originally, CCTV video footage was used to monitor retail stores or businesses to prevent theft, damage, or employee misconduct, and provide evidence if something were to happen. If nothing occurred, the storage would be overwritten because space was limited and the footage proved useless.
These days, storage capacity has increased and new data processing techniques make this footage extremely useful. The accessibility of recording devices with advanced features is changing the value of videos. And thanks to machine learning and video analytics, surveillance footage can be sorted and evaluated in a timely manner.
Video Analytics
Rather than wasting time and resources having humans evaluate footage, video analytics can take care of it. Video analytics is the process of extracting pertinent information from video footage. It basically works like image analytics, but goes a step further.
Image analytics can look at a still image to find patterns, anomalies, and identify faces. Video analytics can do the same, plus measure and track behaviors. Because of this, video analytics has a promising future within different industries.
The Use Of Video Analytics
Because this technology is great for identification, behavior analysis, and situational awareness, various businesses and industries can benefit greatly. Video analytics allows business owners to evaluate who visits their stores, identify peak hours, analyze customer behavior, and more. This gives businesses insight into how they can improve customer service and which deals or displays attract more customers. These types of insights can also benefit the marketing departments, as they can better understand customer demographic and tailor ads to those groups.
Video analytics can even be applied for security and law enforcement. Since body cameras for police are becoming widely adopted, these produce lots of video footage. Video analytics could make the recordings useful by adding rich tagging and indexing, making it easier to search through footage. Parsing through certain time periods and identifying persons with specific characteristics can help to develop leads and even recognize and predict different patterns.
For airports, stadiums and other major event and transportation venues, video analytics can evaluate footage and help to relieve congestion and lines. By monitoring these venues, more workers can be deployed to decrease wait times and improve customer service.
Video-Based Predictive Analytics
While still in the early stages, a new algorithm, as reported by MIT, allows a computer to predict human actions and interactions based on behaviors seconds before the action. The outlook for this algorithm is promising. As it develops, computers could eventually be taught to predict when a crime or injury may take place.
And as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics become more feasible in our everyday lives, this type of machine learning and predictive analytics will be necessary for robots to interact with humans naturally.
An excellent example of these video analytics in action is Veenome for marketing. Its YouTube analytics tool helps advertisers choose which videos are better suited for them to display ads. Another example is Prozone for sports analytics. By analyzing video footage of the field, players’ stats can be recorded and more effective plays can be planned and executed.
These video-based predictive analytics can also help with decision-making in industries such as aviation, air traffic control, ship navigation, power plant operation, and emergency services. Accidents and crimes can be prevented, thus, potentially saving lives.
Video Gray Area
Of course, as it goes with all surveillance, privacy concerns arise. Currently, analytics where data collection does not require consent is still a gray area. Until laws are in place to protect the public as well as businesses, companies should consider employing video analytics ethically, with respect and privacy to the data and its consumers alike.
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Video surveillance can be an invaluable asset for businesses. It helps to improve security, manage risks, and boost efficiency. Most benefits of video surveillance can be seen and measure, however, determining its financial return isn’t as easy.
In order to better understand the fiscal value of IP video surveillance, security leaders consider the impact and effect of a hypothetical security event. This gives them better insight to how effective their surveillance system is. And by understanding how IP video surveillance adds value to your business, you demonstrate your overall dedication to success. Here are some of the ways IP video surveillance can influence and improve your business.
Protection
A common reason to employ IP video surveillance is to protect your property, employees, and customers. It can help to minimizes losses when it comes to a security incident, however, it can go further. The application of IP video surveillance can also ensure cyber security, data protection, intellectual property and brand reputation. By protecting these assets, a cohesive approach to risk management can be achieved.
Various Applications
Again, video surveillance goes beyond security and safety. It has become a fundamental aspect when building a business. Aside from monitoring on-site and remote locations, surveillance footage can be analyzed to improve employee productivity and help to measure the success of marketing campaigns. This data can be valuable across different departments, which adds to its value and merit.
Demonstrate ROI
There are different ways you can evaluate and determine the total cost of ownership for your system. For example, by investigating liability claims with video footage, you can save money and prevent future slip-and-fall claims. Some cases may be proven false, while others may bring to light new or unnoticed safety risks that can be addressed.
The stronger your system is, the more money you can potentially save. The most effective systems are comprised of enough cameras to cover all areas and detect crimes in progress, with highly trained staff to monitor the different feeds. A system that can do this as well as integrate the technology into all manner of law enforcement activities will demonstrate true ROI to security leaders.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring is an excellent luxury of IP video surveillance. When alarms go off or unfamiliar activity is detected, rather than sending managers or guards to investigate, you are provided with alerts and can respond quickly and appropriately.
Building a system that meets these standards will be a great addition to your business. What other benefits do you enjoy with your video surveillance system? If you don’t have one now, are you considering implementing an IP video surveillance system for your business? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
We carry a great selection of IP video surveillance cameras, equipment, packages, and more. Visit SecurityCamExpert.com to browse our inventory or call 1-888-203-6294 to speak with a representative.
Surveillance in retail has a primary role in preventing theft and ensuring safety among staff and customers. However, as retailers make the switch from analog to IP camera systems, a multitude of new features are at their fingertips and can help provide advanced business insight.
While retail analytics are available and being used in some stores already, the potential for improving these technologies promises benefits for both the retail and security industry. Network cameras are being manufactured with intelligent analytics and video management systems can take these analytics further.
Things like hotspot detection and facial recognition give retailers data about the age range and in-store behavior of their customers. This information can help to improve the store layout and target promotions to maximize sales.
The solutions are ready to be applied, but there is hesitation for rollout. Marketing, IT, and security will need to understand how these technologies will benefit them before they decide to invest.
Because the systems are fairly scalable, retail analytics can appeal to various types of businesses. Companies can take a “build your own” approach by investing in the individual components and evaluate its value over time. From there, they can decide to potentially build out their system. For example, simply monitoring foot traffic can produce great benefits. Retailers can tailor events, promotions and new product displays to high traffic periods. This can also help with staffing, allowing more workers on the floor at busier times, and potentially improving customer service.
This can assist small business, as budgets may not allow for large scale retail analytics systems. And larger retailers can build from basic systems, adding any advanced features as they see fit. Things like heat mapping and inventory alerts enable managers to understand which areas attract customers for longer periods of time as well as how often products need to be restocked.
The most important detail is to ensure that all components can work together seamlessly. Manufacturers realize this and are working across industries to ensure compatibility. For example, Canon and NETAVIS have partnered to provide comprehensive and compatible surveillance cameras and video management software.
Since online stores have somewhat of an upper hand when it comes to customer data, retail analytics play an important role in keeping brick and mortar stores alive. In your opinion, how do you think retail analytics will help the customer experience? If you own a business, have you considered employing retail analytics? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can find us on Vine, too!
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It used to be common to see security guards monitoring public areas such as parking lots or building entrances, but, these days, the prevalence of security cameras is growing. Our means of surveillance is transitioning from human surveillance to networked devices. While some areas have added security cameras to complement their guards, others rely on comprehensive security systems.
There are numerous reasons why network security cameras are becoming more widespread. Aside from the covert nature of security cameras, technology allows us to do more with fewer risks. Rather than potentially putting a person’s life in danger, you can monitor your surveillance feed remotely and be aware of what is going on in various places. This will enable you to react in a timely manner and as safely as possible.
Some may oppose the implementation of security cameras for fear of an invasion of privacy, but they fail to acknowledge that other platforms that are seen as more acceptable can pose a threat. For example, loyalty programs often track and record your purchasing history and can be linked to your image through facial recognition technology. And think about how ads are becoming more tailored to the viewer’s interests. Common things like mobile phones, social media, credit cards, and more can offer data and insight about a person.
In comparison, surveillance cameras would simply be used to monitor public areas to improve safety. When crimes occur, footage can provide evidence, as well as paint the picture of events leading up to the incident.
Mass CCTV coverage has been achieved in cities like London and Melbourne. In some British cities, traffic light operation has been used to prevent criminals from escaping by car. This shows that networked devices can work together to increase safety and security.
There are obvious risks and benefits when it comes to networked devices and data collection. What are your thoughts on the use of connected devices and the Internet of Things in terms of security and surveillance? Do you think more cities will follow London and Melbourne’s lead and adopt a mass surveillance system? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Vine, and Pinterest.
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New technologies are always emerging, and consequently, businesses can benefit in many ways. One of the benefits comes in the form of improved video surveillance. New imaging technologies help to enhance our monitoring capabilities. Discover the different ways that these new technologies can impact business surveillance for the better.
Situational Awareness
In order to cover a large area, businesses may opt to install multiple cameras. However, the implementation of numerous cameras can become costly. Using PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras can be helpful, but over time, coordinates may become inaccurate and, thus, ineffective.
However, things like panoramic cameras, increased megapixel resolution, and digital PTZ help to improve image quality and viewing range for more comprehensive monitoring. Surveillance video becomes more effective with the use of video analytics and smart motion detection. As a business, you are able to extract useful customer information and be alerted of unusual activity.
Applications
These new technologies improve both indoor and outdoor surveillance. In the case of varying backlight conditions (ex. near entrances or windows), there is wide dynamic range (WDR) and super dynamic range (SSDR) to enable better images. With optical zoom, digital image stabilization, and even fisheye cameras, security cameras are able to capture more. The fisheye cameras are especially helpful in transportation as they can oversee passengers or watch the road ahead. The distorted images can be adjusted for different views and angles.
Cost
Budgets are always a concern, so when it comes to security systems, users look at the total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI). With so many options available, and more emerging frequently, it’s hard to determine which is best for your business. When deciding between upgrading to a full IP system or a hybrid system, it may be wise to go with the latter. Hybrid systems enable you to utilize your existing equipment while trying out new equipment. The new 1280H analog security cameras boast CMOS megapixel sensors and may be reason enough to choose a hybrid surveillance system.
Integration
With advanced technology comes compatibility with a number of third-party apps to enhance your system. There’s an app for nearly anything you can think of, and if there isn’t, it won’t be long. With that said, if your surveillance system is missing features and functions that you wish you had, you can find apps that enable these functions and are compatible with your system. Aside from adding to your system, apps can help with analytics, alerts, and business strategies.
Have you taken advantage of these new technologies yet? How has your business benefited from it? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
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Hospitals work hard to ensure that they provide a clean and safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff alike. From emergency room visits to hospital admissions, safety precautions are in place to protect everyone involved in the process. While these safety measures are valuable and mostly effective, the addition of security camera technologies can have a positive, lasting impact.
Introducing closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) in hospital and health care settings helps to enhance the safety of patients and workers. One obvious benefit is that being monitored often influences behavior for the better. Workers will be more conscious of their job, helping to eliminate potentially life-threatening mistakes. Unfortunately, unintended retention of foreign objects (URFOs) and hospital acquired infections (HAIs) occur more than they should. However, with video surveillance, these instances can be greatly minimized.
Another useful tool is third-party remote video auditing (RVA). Real-time RVA can help to ensure that hand hygiene and surgical safety checklists are being properly performed and executed. The cleaning techniques of medical devices must be done thoroughly and correctly to minimize the transmission of germs. For example, improperly cleaned duodenoscopes helped fuel the outbreak of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections earlier this year. With real-time RVA, cleaning and sanitation techniques can be monitored to ensure that another outbreak does not occur.
RVA technology introduced into the ER can increase patient flow to intensive care units (ICU), labor and delivery/C-section areas, and endoscopy. The ability to monitor protocols, address issues, and improve patient services will eventually lead to happier, healthier patients and more lives saved.
What are your thoughts on video surveillance technologies being used in hospitals or other health care settings? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!
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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-aronson/video-surveillance-can-sa_b_8371392.html