Convergence Channel: It’s Time to Reassess Analytics
Video analytics has been both one of the most exciting and maligned technologies applied to security applications. Find out why its promise of automatically detecting events and generating alerts based on surveillance images is no longer fraught with shortcomings.
Technology and software applications are like raising children. Both require nurturing, care and attention. In addition, basic discipline must be used so they don’t get out of control and financial resources are needed to ensure they become productive members in society. Photography ©istockphoto.com/Jens Carsten Rosemann.
On the edge analytics — This is probably the simplest way to wrap your head around video analytics from an application and technology standpoint. Like the old Prego commercial, “it’s all in there” in terms of the camera platform. It contains the IP imager, processor, software applications (analytics) and storage. If there is a specific security or business “behavior” that video analytics can accurately identify and notify with high confidence, you have an edge solution worth investigating.
An intelligent migration platform — This scenario typically incorporates two strategies for your customers. The first is cost effectively migrating away from a standard analog solution toward IP megapixel video performance. The second is having video analytics available on a selective basis to identify and respond to “behaviors” that create risk or improve business performance for your customers.
The enterprise system — For specialized needs that include a wider scope of locations, such as chain stores, banking or high risk facilities like federal facilities, as well as infrastructure assets. This application was the poster child for video analytics and created customer expectations that fell short of delivering on the promise. These initial software applications have improved the past few years; however, the finances required to “raise” the application to maturity are still challenging.
Technology Is Ready Today
What makes video analytic applications worth revisiting these days? Here are three reasons to consider:
- We have learned lessons the hard way where video analytics can work and where they don’t work well due to a variety of environmental issues.
- Manufacturer training is much better than it was in the past to help guide designers of systems and those that sell the solutions to customers.
- Technology, software, communications, storage and hardware improvements enable more stable application performance at a lower price with greater reliability.
I think this technology is now ready to become a more mainstream and productive member of our security society. I do recommend whatever technology platforms you propose, they have the ability to add video analytic software packages easily and cost effectively in the future. Everybody deserves a second chance!
Paul Boucherle, Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Certified Sherpa Coach (CSC), is principal of Canfield, Ohio-based Matterhorn Consulting. He has more than 30 years of diverse security and safety industry experience and can be contacted at [email protected].
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About the Author
Paul Boucherle, SSI Contributor
Paul C. Boucherle, Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Certified Sherpa Coach (CSC), is Security Sales & Integration’s “Business Fitness” columnist. A principal of Matterhorn Consulting, he has more than 30 years of diverse security and safety industry experience including UL central station operations, risk-vulnerability assessments, strategic security program design and management of industry convergence challenges. Boucherle has successfully guided top-tier companies in achieving enhanced ROI resulting from improved sales and operational management techniques. He is a charismatic speaker and educator on a wide range of critical topics relating to the security industry of today and an accomplished corporate strategist and marketer whose vision and expertise in business performance have driven notable enterprise growth in the security industry sector.
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