Physical security solutions are making their way into the sky as well, with on-premise Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and other highly complex and inefficient solutions falling out of fashion. The benefits of cloud-based security cameras with integrated analytics are obvious: remote control of footage, secure cloud storage accessible from anywhere, automated software updates, and business insights. Lots and lots of insights. Insights like location heatmaps, intelligent search, machine learning-based custom rules, occupancy counting, and more. In fact, security is no longer just security: cloud cameras are sensors in the new suite of business tools. And these tools can now be tied together as one.

However your security camera deployment looks today, if it’s not cloud-based, you’re probably thinking about how to get there. The transition can loom on the horizon a bit, with expensive overhauls and time-consuming replacements. That’s exactly why an open video security platform is perfect for anyone looking to slowly but surely revamp their physical security. Open platforms let companies transition to the cloud at their own pace, by integrating a cloud solution with their existing third-party cameras. Control is under a single pane of glass, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, even for the existing on-prem cameras.

This upgrade can be expensive and stressful—and often solutions are all or nothing overhauls, instead of at-your-own-pace. Open solutions let you bring what you have to the table and complete the puzzle to fill in gaps, whether those be in cloud analytics, remote management, or limits in monitoring spaces.

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Third-party integration promotes multiple technologies coming together—allowing various tools, sensors, cameras to work seamlessly under one umbrella. The conventional video management system (VMS) has evolved to increase business efficiency and ROI across the organization, functioning in tandem with other cloud-based tools to make the most of feature updates sent directly from the cloud. And these features all work together to save your team time and reduce headaches.

Cloud cameras are often deployed in minutes—you can have a totally modernized intelligent, physical security solution in a day. Integrations also snap together quickly with APIs (application programming interfaces) exchanging data between systems. Existing cameras don’t have to fall by the wayside; instead, they provide the backbone to an upgraded security system. They still keep watch while you steadily ramp up to the cloud.

Physical security isn’t just vision—other technologies like access control and sensors also play a major role in keeping your spaces safe. Traditionally, these solutions operate separately and are unified at the end user, such as a security guard monitoring camera feeds, badge access, and more. With the advent of integrated security, all monitoring devices are linked before the end user, freeing up time for staff and supplying business data.

From there, it’s just a matter of exploring and experimenting. See how mixing and matching your tools can create operational efficiencies in your business. Some examples of what we’ve seen include:

● Automating parking access with license plate recognition, so a set list of approved numbers will be automatically allowed to enter a garage
● Using sensors to alert to changes in temperate and humidity in a museum, letting security know they need to take a look and see who left the door open to a collection after hours
● Integrating with Slack to alert staff when a delivery truck is detected by a camera outside of a loading dock
● Pinging security when a repeat trespasser is detected on a different campus (under the same network)

The possibilities are limited by the imagination, but one thing links them together: they combine various technologies and systems to work as one. The modern business is integrated. It’s automated. And it uses data in the environment to make informed choices and grow faster than ever before.

It starts with the cloud, and whether the transition is one leap or a steady climb, taking the first step is often just finding the solution that works best for what your business has deployed today.

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Ava Security is a Motorola Solutions company that delivers better, smarter security in the cloud. Organizations use the Ava Aware Cloud® open video security data platform to protect people and operations, allowing them to optimize for their evolving business needs, giving them more time to spend on the possibilities ahead.

Questions or interested in learning more? Reach out to your Northland rep to ask about how you can begin your ascension to the cloud.