Business Info - issue 138

01732 759725 19 magazine Business Info: What developments are having the biggest impact on the IP camera market? Paul Routledge , Country Manager, D-Link , highlights the impact of the cloud, particularly in relation to the remote control of cameras and the storage of video. “The introduction of cloud recording and cloud connectivity has changed the way we use cameras by allowing us to remotely control the devices to suit our needs and the environment and to integrate services with other IP- based technology, such as smart home applications. “No longer is there is a need to store the camera feed locally for consumer solutions, which saves storage capacity and equipment. Always-on connectivity provides a higher level of service for information – updating users the moment an event occurs when they are away from home or providing privacy when they are inside at the touch of a button.” Peter Currie , Key Account Manager at Axis Communications , points out that today’s more intelligent devices have applications beyond physical security. “What’s currently having a great impact on the IP camera market is a camera’s ability to provide more than just physical security. No longer just a device to protect a business and its employees, video data is helping firms derive intelligence from their surveillance technology, so that they can make informed business decisions, not just security decisions. “This shift has been enabled by new software that can be deployed on an IP camera at-the-edge. For example, in retail, video-based people counting software is enabling store operators to calculate conversion rates and evaluate the results of marketing campaigns, as well as prevent theft and keep customers and staff safe.” Karen Sangha , Field Marketing Manager for Panasonic Security Solutions , Taking a long view singles out the introduction of relatively cheap systems, pointing out that they can be attractive until you consider the total cost of ownership. “The attraction of cheap security systems from relatively new suppliers, which are improving in terms of quality, is obvious. “Most of the traditional suppliers have chosen not to get involved in a race to the bottom. Instead, we are asking end users to take a more holistic approach when considering any potential security system, including a thorough appraisal of the ongoing maintenance costs and the financial benefits of the ancillary features modern surveillance systems are equipped with. “One example is an installation at TCA, which manages the surveillance for North Lanarkshire Council. Because Panasonic cameras have ClearSight Coating, an invisible protective layer that allows water to sheet over the surface of the dome rather than form droplets on the camera cover, TCA has significantly reduced the frequency of cleaning and maintenance, equating to a £50,000 annual saving. “This is just one consideration; data and network costs, condensation suppression and quality of images in low light are all factors that businesses should take into account with any CCTV purchase.” Business Info: What do you see as the main benefits of IP cameras for small and medium-sized businesses? Karen Sangha says that CCTV cameras are not just about security but also provide a great way for businesses to gain insight into their customers. “Many SMEs view CCTV as a grudge purchase, but modern surveillance systems actually provide a great opportunity for them to gain valuable insight into their customers. Heat mapping, age and gender detection and facial recognition provide rich data that can provide a competitive advantage to those who utilise it. “One example is FacePRO facial recognition technology, which has been recognised by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the most accurate facial recognition technology on the market. In retail, such a system can generate a known persons list, which could be used to flag shoplifters or troublesome individuals when they arrive at the business. This allows companies to deploy security effectively, in turn reducing potential stock losses through theft.” Paul Routledge argues that when it comes to security, small and medium- sized businesses have very different requirements to consumers. “Small and medium enterprise requirements are very different to consumer ones. In most cases, there is a far higher need for local storage due to data protection requirements, such as GDPR, which bring tighter control on how data can be stored and accessed. Being able to control how that data is accessed on-site can be a big advantage while still providing a robust solution for security. “Networked video recorders (NVR) play a key role in the business sector. For example, a factory that produces food will likely wish for extended recording lengths to access footage so that if a batch has an issue they can track it to the warehouse, the factory and even to the creation of the product, allowing health and safety standards to be met. A warehouse manager can also monitor the safety of vehicles and drivers, improving performance in both areas. “Many small to medium enterprises have a data infrastructure that runs their local network and, in many cases, might already have the infrastructure in place to support power over Ethernet devices, such as wireless access points. IP surveillance can be easily implemented and integrated into the same network and work in unison. Anyone considering a network refresh of their core or wireless systems has the perfect opportunity to implement security solutions with the same technology.” Peter Currie says that with limited in- house resources smaller businesses Business Info asks three leaders in surveillance solutions about trends in the IP security camera market and what SMEs should look for when choosing a solution for their premises Continued... Paul Routledge, D-Link TCA IP SECURITY Always-on connectivity provides a higher level of service for information – updating users the moment an event occurs