IoT has huge scope in surveillance

According to Sudhindra Holla, IoT sensors complement camera-based security solutions as they allow users to monitor not just threatened areas, but monitor environmental factors as well. Excerpts:

DQ: How is video surveillance going beyond surveillance and used for analytics?

Sudhindra Holla: We live in the age where data is more valuable than oil. People have started realizing the importance of having an infrastructure that takes care of the massive volume of data generated without getting compromised.

Video surveillance does it all; it is no longer restricted to monitor crime, but gather data, analyze them, and provide intelligence, all in one single device. That is the power of analytics! It gathers data through video cameras, and provides customers with valuable insights pertaining to their businesses through analytical applications. These data in turn can extend a hand to the police department in case any untoward incident takes place.

In smart city installations, the built-in analytics in video surveillance is the new star of all products as it goes beyond just traffic management. It provides the advanced intelligence to monitor historical monuments, crowd management during festivals, and detect the air pollution levels, amongst others.

Additionally, industries such as retail, critical infrastructure and education benefit by using a video surveillance system that provides them a hand in not only reducing crimes, losses and theft but also fulfilling customer problems.  IP cameras can be used for heat mapping. This data, when analyzed, provides retailers with valuable insights such as which part of the store receives maximum footfall. This data provides retailers with valuable insights pertaining to the layout of the store.

DQ: How is Axis integrating audio and video surveillance for retail sector?

Sudhindra Holla: Retailers today have realized the fact that lack of merchandising and poor customer service, affects their business. Today, retailers are investing heavily in surveillance for loss prevention and protection of their stores, assets and employees. However, in the retail space customer experience plays a major role in the success of a business. Apart from protection of goods and services IP cameras can be used for people counting to keep count of the footfall the store, receive and identify the parts of the store that receive maximum footfall. This data when analyzed, provides the retailer with valuable insights on how to improve or arrange products in the most profitable way so that their business objectives are also met.

For effective surveillance, we also recommend using audio-enabled and -based system, and a video-based system. Using a surveillance system that uses audio and video surveillance allows the surveillance system to work as the eyes and ears of the building. They have the ability not only to detect intrusions in harsh environment conditions but also broadcasts announcements, but it can also be used to create an in-store ambience by playing music; thereby enriching the experience of the customer.

DQ: How are cities implementing Axis’ solutions for crime prevention?

Sudhindra Holla: From congestion due to serious accidents and unpredictable weather, everyday traffic management and traffic violation are the biggest challenge faced by the city police.

Another challenge is the evolution of smart transportation. The biggest threat of implementing high end technology in smart city projects is the increased level of cyber threat. Expansion of digital systems creates more areas of vulnerabilities since it is an interconnected system and susceptible to potential threats, if not properly secured. This could affect the public safety services, disrupt data records and shake the confidence of citizens.

The blurring boundaries between private and public companies could only accentuate the risks of attacks, which may affect smart cities at large. Due to the partnerships of both public and private entities, there is a greater possibility that the private companies may try to embezzle or misuse some of the public-sector information as they gain access to them. In India, another threat that the smart transportation sector faces are that of National highway security.

Since there are many cross-city road travels, road safety should extend beyond the limitations of the smart ‘city’ to cover the surrounding towns. Surveillance installations on the highways between cities are a national priority in India securing states on the borders. Some of the cities that have implemented Axis’ solutions are Nanded, Karnal, Kolhapur and Junagadh.

DQ: What are the tech trends in surveillance?

Sudhindra Holla: Owing to the recent tech advancements, there have been marked new trends and changes in the security, and surveillance landscape.  Deep technologies like AI and the IoT have given way for new developments in the field of security and surveillance. With this advent, there are a few surveillance systems that come with features that will change the Landscape of security industry. Some of the key trends that we will shape the sector in 2019 – 20

Analytics: Video analytics enable proactive surveillance, providing technological extension to the security staff by protecting the premises and alerting and deterring crime. The applications can, for example, detect trespassers or loiterers and automatically notify a guard or broadcast a message over an IP audio speaker. The edge-based applications are scalable and help reduce bandwidth and storage use by sending and recording only video that is of interest.

Thermal cameras: These cameras create images based on the heat that radiates from any object, vehicle or a person. A thermal camera is less sensitive to light conditions, such as shadows, backlight, darkness and even camouflaged objects; and delivers images that allow operators to detect and act on suspicious activity – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is best suitable for high-end industry installations like manufacturing, critical infrastructure, defence, etc.

Facial recognition: Facial recognition helps improve customer service and protect assets by identifying repeat customers or potential perpetrators. Facial recognition when used in applications like retail is a perfect complement to existing surveillance system, enhancing security and customer experience in real time.

Perimeter defender: A surveillance system, which covers blind spots in the perimeter. AXIS Perimeter Defender provides an effective security system for critical sites such as chemical plants, power plants, prisons. The video analytics application, together with Axis network cameras, provides a highly effective system that automatically detects and responds to people and vehicles intruding on your property.

IP audio: IP audio is another emerging trend in the security industry. Audio system provides additional security as it can be used to trigger alerts and broadcast live or scheduled announcements. Can be extensively used in educational institutes, retail and manufacturing plants where it can also be used for a varied purpose. In retail, use it as in-store ambiance with background music or in education where it can be used to make announcements pertaining to student safety and in day to day activities, such as Morning Prayer, and Assembly.

IoT has a huge scope in the field of surveillance. For example, an IoT sensor can detect even more than humans, such as level of pollutants, noise level and vibrations. These sensors complement camera-based security solutions as they allow users to monitor not just threatened areas, but monitor environmental factors as well.

DQ: Why are high-end sectors like oil & gas, ports, airports, chemical industries & defense vying for Axis?

Sudhindra Holla High-end sectors realize the importance of an integrated security system.  They have sensitive information that they need to keep secure and out of harm’s way.

The Axis Perimeter Defender is the ideal solution for the security needs of critical sectors. The analytics application, paired with Axis network cameras, provides a highly effective system that detects and responds to people and vehicles intruding on such critical sites automatically. It reinforces physical access controls and is suitable for high-security sites such as chemical plants, power plants, oil & gas, ports, airports and prisons.

In such implementations, having smart and flexible surveillance systems can improve productivity and profitability. Axis intelligent and safer solutions address all these concerns with a single integrated system. In these cases, scalable and flexible systems are needed as there can be multiple sites to be monitored from single location.

• Aanchal Ghatak