5 Reasons to Adopt an Integrated Surveillance System

1. Unified data

Traditionally, disparate security and surveillance systems haven’t communicated, and accessing information may require different logins and dashboards. This takes time and resources and runs the risk of operators ‘missing something’.

With an integrated solution, data from any IP-based third-party system, device or sensor can be monitored and managed from a single platform, improving operational efficiency, data insights, and security. These can include:

• Access control
• AI sensors
• Communications
• Emergency systems
• GIS data
• Perimeter detection
• Point of Sale
• Process sensors
• Video

2. Simplified upgrades

An open architecture system makes adding other systems and individual devices easier. This means you can scale up your security solution and implement new technology without major infrastructure change.

This is beneficial for organisations wanting to leverage technology innovations – developments in AI and analytics being a prime example. Moreover, AI and analytics used to interrogate data from multiple sources will likely deliver more powerful results, as they will quickly learn data combinations from disparate systems and devices that suggest risk or threat.

3. Improved situational awareness

Access to live video footage is essential for effective incident management. Access to that, in conjunction with real-time information from other systems vital to operations, is better.

It delivers a more unified view for complete situational awareness, where one changing factor may have an important impact, even those that seem insignificant. This is hugely beneficial for complex settings where understanding the ‘bigger picture’ is vital for identifying threat levels and response.

4. Informed decision-making

When data is unified and paired with workflows, this unlocks huge potential for incident management. Informed decisions can be made quickly and in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, always with a clear audit trail showing who has done what.

Tasks can also be shared more easily and worked on collaboratively by a mix of individuals and teams (including authorised external parties), especially where remote access capabilities are employed. When everyone has a real-time view of an incident and data relevant to their role at their fingertips, incidents can be resolved quickly.

5. Improved customer service

Finally, it is important to remember that integrated surveillance isn’t just beneficial when something goes wrong. It can also help things go right. Improving customer service is a great example.

For instance, by integrating facial recognition, gameplay information and hospitality data, a casino can better tailor services to VIPs and members. A transport operator applying analytics to people counting data, incident reports and other intelligence can better plan their service provision, including passenger assistance teams.