Security cameras have long been the cornerstone of surveillance and security services, but their role has evolved significantly. Companies are implementing more advanced forms of CCTV monitoring these days – systems with greater intelligence than ever that can improve response times and detect threats more effectively.

Alarm Receiving Centres need to ensure their alarm monitoring software is compatible with these changes – so, in this article, we’ll walk through the latest developments.

CCTV Monitoring Developments

AI-Enabled Security Cameras

AI-enabled security cameras are equipped with features like real-time video analytics, facial recognition, and object tracking. They can analyse footage to identify unusual activities, recognise known individuals, and detect specific objects or behaviours.

This functionality allows for intelligent threat detection and makes CCTV monitoring more proactive compared to traditional surveillance systems. It also means that the majority of footage (which would never have been watched) becomes a source of data that can be learnt from.

These advanced cameras are increasingly used in various settings for improved security and safety. In a survey from IFSEC Global involving 400 security professionals, 42% said they’d started using AI-enabled cameras within the preceding year. False alarm reduction, object classification and license plate recognition were cited as some of the main benefits.  

Cloud Connected CCTV Systems

Organisations are using a wide variety of software and hardware for surveillance, which points to the need for a simple, integrated ecosystem. Cloud technology is essential in this regard. In addition, cloud-based security systems are highly flexible and scalable; you can easily add more cameras without worrying about the physical storage capacity limitations that come with traditional systems.

Edge Computing

Edge computing enables the processing of data at or near the location where it’s captured, rather than sending it to a server for processing. In this context, the cameras (or other monitoring devices) carry out the processing instead of transmitting all the raw footage to a central server.

The volume of data generated by CCTV cameras, especially those with high-definition and AI capabilities, has grown exponentially, so edge computing allows complex tasks to be carried out with lower bandwidth requirements. As such, only processed data or key information such as alerts need to be transmitted.

Some more benefits of using edge computing for surveillance are as follows:

• Reduced latency: Local data processing significantly reduces latency. This is crucial for real-time surveillance and analysis, as it allows for a rapid response to incidents captured by CCTV cameras.
• Enhanced privacy and security: With local data processing, sensitive footage does not need to be transmitted over the network, reducing the risk of interception or leaks.
• Scalability and cost-effectiveness: Edge computing allows for a more scalable CCTV system. Since data is processed locally, adding more cameras doesn’t necessarily require a proportional increase in central processing or storage capacity, making the system more cost-effective.

Integrating CCTV with Alarm Monitoring Software

As mentioned, the true potential of surveillance lies in its integration with these advanced technologies. Cloud based software is the key to seamless integration, enabling ARCs to offer the most comprehensive alarm monitoring services to their clients.

Again, today’s innovations significantly reduce the workload on human operators and speeds up response times, and IoT integration further enhances operations by connecting various sensors and devices, providing a more comprehensive solution.

GeminiSense is compatible with virtually any CCTV monitoring system or IoT device, providing ARCs and their customers with a robust arsenal of threat detection mechanisms.  

Improving Operational Efficiency through Data Analytics

Data analytics plays a pivotal role in enhancing the operational efficiencies of ARCs. The data gathered from CCTV and other sources can be analysed to extract actionable insights that help improve incident response strategies.

For instance, analytics can identify high-risk areas requiring more frequent monitoring or detect patterns in security breaches, shedding light on where further preventative measures are needed.

Challenges in Implementation & Their Solutions

Despite their advantages, the adoption of these technologies in ARCs is not without challenges – but every seeming-obstacle can be solved with ease.

Cybersecurity Concerns

The IFSEC survey also revealed some concerns among industry professionals about cybersecurity. 74% of respondents said they were ‘very or ‘quite’ concerned about cyberattacks, with IP cameras presenting as a common challenge.

The main cause for concern was insufficient protections provided by manufacturers; others were installation problems and inadequate hardware protection. 30% of respondents said manufacturers should primarily be responsible for security, while 26% and 27% said the onus was on cybersecurity end-users and physical security end-users, respectively.

Carrying out due diligence regarding manufacturers and solutions providers is essential. Make sure any software provider is compliant with the relevant British and/or International Standards.

Integration Challenges

Technical complexities can pose a challenge when integrating new technologies with existing systems. The solution? Collaborate with technology partners who can provide expertise and support in the integration process. With GeminiSense, you can be up and running in no time.

Training

There’s always a learning curve when ensuring staff get the most utility from any new implementation. Training is therefore crucial to ensure personnel can effectively operate and leverage the new technologies to their full capacity.

Taking a Phased Approach

If the issue is about cost, a phased approach to technology integration could be the answer. In some cases, this would involve prioritising investments that offer the most significant operational benefits and answer the most pressing concerns. For example, the capability to filter false alarms is essential when it comes to regulation and certification, so it’s worth addressing first.

Future Trends in Surveillance and Alarm Monitoring

Surveillance could take many turns in the future. The use of biometrics, for example, is already common but the extent to which it can be applied is hard to say due to the ethical concerns involved. The same can be said of autonomous drones, which could provide more agile and extensive monitoring capabilities. Other possibilities include the following:

• Emotion recognition: Advanced emotion recognition algorithms could be used to detect individuals in distress or potential threats based on facial expressions and body language. This application could be particularly useful in crowded public spaces, airports, and other sensitive areas.
• Smart city integration: CCTV systems will play a pivotal role in the smart city infrastructure, integrating with traffic systems and the emergency services to create a cohesive, responsive urban monitoring system.
• Holographic displays: The use of holographic displays in the control room could provide an immersive and interactive way of monitoring CCTV footage. Security personnel could interact with 3D models of monitored areas, allowing for a more intuitive assessment of live situations.

Conclusion

CCTV monitoring is advancing thanks to AI, the cloud, and edge computing. These technologies enhance operational efficiencies, improve response times, and ensure a more robust alarm monitoring framework.

For an alarm receiving centre to keep up to speed with the tools its clients are using, it’s important to use monitoring software that’s equipped to integrate with any hardware.

GeminiSense is such a solution, trusted by high-profile security organisations around the world. To book a demo, contact us today.