IP surveillance has long since graduated to a mainstream technology in the security industry – but if you’re still sitting on the fence as to whether or not it’s right for your application, the following list of IP surveillance benefits may help you to decide:
Improved Performance– Today’s IP cameras have significantly improved performance over earlier models thanks to breakthrough imaging technologies. High performance features such as advanced digital signal processing, optical zoom lenses, wide dynamic range, on-board analytics and auto image stabilizers provide more options to help security professionals meet their specific surveillance needs more efficiently.
In addition, the high resolution of megapixel cameras affords coverage of a larger area with fewer cameras, while the forensic zooming capability of megapixel cameras can reduce the need for traditional pan/tilt/zoom appliances. The detailed images are available in live or archived format at any time to any point along the network. This enables more and better identification of individuals and events to help deter, detect and prosecute in the case of an incident.
Unlimited Scalability– One of the key benefits of IP surveillance systems is the ease with which the system can be configured for current requirements and just as easily expanded or re-configured as needs change. Cameras can be added to the network in increments of one or more with no additional cabling or power requirements, and industry standard storage can be added as needed. Most important, these changes can be made without losing the investment in the original system.
System Configuration Versatility– Cost efficiencies can be readily gained with the system configuration versatility of IP surveillance implementations. Video can be recorded and viewed by authorized individuals from anywhere on the network and control of multiple locations can be centralized at one location. This eliminates the need to duplicate staff or equipment at each location with potential savings of thousands of dollars in salaries and equipment cost. Cameras can be re-located or temporarily installed anywhere on the network with minimal disruption. Maintenance and service expenses can also be reduced because IP-based systems can be adjusted, checked or even re-configured remotely without the need for on-site service.
Advanced Analytics– Commonly featured in both IP surveillance edge devices (i.e. cameras, NVRs, etc.) and at the central server, interpretive vision or analytic intelligence can be used to monitor, record, interpret, archive, retrieve and verify image data to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the security staff. Intelligent devices can improve the abilities of control room personnel by performing automated responses such as zooming in to an object which is creating an alarm or by only transmitting video that contains specifically identified activity, making it easier to search the recorded material. Advanced analytics such as face detection, license plate recognition or people counting/tracking technologies can also be used to help improve the security of a facility.
System Integration – The ability to tie together related physical security applications such as access control, alarm/intrusion, visitor management and so on, within the organization, makes economic as well as operational sense. IP surveillance systems provide users with a common view that can be sourced and/or managed from a central control room, an office cubicle or even from a mobile device – simultaneously by multiple users. Additionally, IP surveillance systems enable organizations to collaborate across different functional workgroups. For example, it is possible to verify abnormalities in POS transactions by coordinating data with IP surveillance images. It is also possible to integrate entry/exit access control data with maintenance and facilities information to improve building environmental operations.
Future Proofing– IP surveillance is a very flexible technology in that it can be implemented at any stage of a deployment. Existing analog systems can be upgraded to a hybrid configuration and either maintained as such or eventually configured to a fully networked system. Cameras can be added at any time, anywhere there is network capability, or as wireless technology develops, network cameras can be deployed virtually anywhere. Another important aspect of IP surveillance is adherence to industry standards. As technology develops, software/firmware upgrades can be implemented to keep the system current.
ROI and TCO– IP surveillance deployments can improve Return on Investment (ROI) and also help to lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). For example, megapixel cameras used for risk management in retail can help minimize incidents of theft or fraud because of the improved image detail; or, individual devices can take advantage of increases in computer power and improvements in network speed without having to be replaced. By making a clear positive impact on the bottom line, IP surveillance systems have more than proven their worth as tomorrow’s surveillance technology of choice.
