Analytical decisions

October 2011 Surveillance

Video analytics? Yes, but be sure to find the right service provider.

There is a lot of talk and not enough walk in the video analytics arena at present. Uptake of the technology is growing and will continue to do so as vendors push to get their products to the mass residential and other markets, but there are a number of challenges frustrating users at present.

The immaturity of the technology and lack of skill of implementers and service providers have a lot to do with it.

There is any number of video analytics software vendors out there, some of them highly credible. However, since these solutions are still in rapid development phases, there is a lack of standards. Nor have vendors adequately developed their to-market channels, failing to ensure channel partners selling and implementing solutions have appropriate skills and training. In addition, user expectations are not being met – video analytics is not the install once, run forever kind of solution sometimes advertised. It is all adding up to a lot of client unhappiness, especially since the outlay can be expensive, with each channel (or camera) coming in at approximately R5000.

The answer, in large part, lies in identifying a solution provider who has the product and industry knowledge, as well as the experience, to make the technology meet the unique needs of your organisation. The other part of the puzzle is understanding the limitations of video analytics.

Limitations and fine-tuning

Sophisticated software algorithms analyse incoming video streams to enable, among others, perimeter intrusion detection, object detection, licence plate recognition, facial recognition and behavioural recognition, along with advanced archiving and retrieval capabilities. For government, retail, industry, transport sectors, health, education and even residential sector needs, the potential applications are endless.

In a busy airport, however, a video analytics solution is unlikely to identify an abandoned suitcase or detect a change in crowd behaviour – it is just too busy an environment. And, regardless of the environment you install it in, the solution is very likely to need ongoing fine-tuning, including factoring in recognition of seasonal environmental changes.

Jasco Security has done installations at mines, financial institutions, detention centres and power generation facilities. In each instance, the design of the solution was vital to its success and required insight into industry processes and practices, deep product knowledge and considerable technology and integration experience. From start to finish none of these installations took less than eight weeks to get right.

De Beer advises the following for someone considering adding video analytics to their security arsenal:

* Pick a proven product with a good pedigree and a well-defined development roadmap.

* Select an experienced implementation partner with a good track record and the right capabilities.

* Ensure your service provider has successfully delivered on industry solutions similar to what you want.

* Do a pilot and assess the feasibility of implementation.

* Ensure your service provider has ISO certification or an appropriate quality management system in place.

* Ensure you understand and have in place the right technology.

* Be willing to fine-tune the solution as processes, drivers and risks change within the business and installed environment.

For more information contact Jasco, trading as Multivid, +27 (0)11 894 7127/8, [email protected], www.jasco.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Safer spaces through smart surveillance
NEC XON Surveillance
Advances in facial recognition technology are transforming surveillance from a mere recording tool into an intelligent, integrated system that enhances real-time safety, moving beyond the traditional expansion of CCTV efforts.

Read more...
Next generation of AI-powered video telematics
IoT & Automation Surveillance Transport (Industry)
Webfleet, Bridgestone’s fleet management solution in South Africa, has launched Webfleet Video 2.0, an AI-powered solution designed to enhance fleet safety, security, compliance with local regulations and operational efficiency through real-time video insights.

Read more...
Key design considerations for a control room
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
If you are designing or upgrading a control room, or even reviewing or auditing an existing control room, there are a number of design factors that one would need to consider.

Read more...
Smart cities and the role of video security
Surveillance Integrated Solutions
As cities around the world continue to embrace smart technology, including IoT that not only connects to people, but also the surrounding activity, the integration of advanced video security systems is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency in environments.

Read more...
How intrusion protection helps secure O&G operations
Surveillance Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Industrial (Industry)
For O&G operators in Africa, physical security remains one of the biggest considerations, particularly when it comes to perimeter protection and the ability to mitigate intruder-related incidents.

Read more...
Axis secures the Waterfront
Surveillance Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry) Retail (Industry)
Axis Communications shares insight into its longstanding partnership with the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier retail and mixed-use precincts, through its latest, updated customer success story.

Read more...
Advanced surveillance storage from ASBIS
Infrastructure Surveillance Products & Solutions
From a video storage solutions perspective, SkyHawk drives, designed for DVRs and NVRs, offer high capacity, optimised firmware, and a reliability workload rating of hundreds of terabytes per year.

Read more...
Open and collaborative logistics systems
Hikvision South Africa Surveillance Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
E-commerce and other high-volume logistics operations need open and collaborative technology ecosystems that drive efficiencies, throughput and digital transformation. Hikvision discusses the benefits of harnessing open and collaborative systems in the logistics market.

Read more...
4K HDR camera for mobility
Surveillance Transport (Industry)
e-con Systems has introduced a 4K HDR front-view camera, engineered to deliver reliable, long-range imaging for mobility applications such as delivery robots, autonomous vehicles, and off-road vehicles.

Read more...
The future of the surveillance channel
Duxbury Networking Technews Publishing Elvey Security Technologies SMART Security Solutions Surveillance
The video surveillance market has evolved from camera-based specifications to integrated solutions that solve customers’ problems. Moreover, the growth of AI and cloud has changed the channel even more, with more to come.

Read more...