Video surveillance

A critical infrastructure security system unifies high-assurance access control, scalable intrusion detection including video verification, perimeter protection, and lone worker safety into a single platform, helping operators of electricity, water, and gas networks protect distributed sites, support regulatory compliance, and maintain the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.  A loss of these services disrupts economies and endangers communities, which makes protecting them a national priority. It's also uniquely difficult, because critical infrastructure is rarely a single site. It's a distributed network of substations, treatment plants, and pipelines, often spread across vast and remote geographies.  Most demanding environments That challenge is now backed by strict regulations across in all sectors including energy, water, and sewerage. Responsible entities must maintain a Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program that addresses physical security alongside cyber, personnel, and supply chain hazards. For operators, strong physical security systems have become a compliance necessity. For over 38 years, Inner Range has purpose-built security solutions alongside critical infrastructure experts, protecting these vital assets with a multi-layered approach designed for the most demanding environments.  Multi-factor authentication Access control is the foundation. Inner Range ensures only authorised personnel reach a site, using access cards, mobile credentials, PINs, or biometric authentication. Multi-factor authentication combines these methods for stronger protection, while video surveillance, granular scheduling, and real-time logging give operators complete visibility over every access point.  The highest-risk zones demand more. Inner Range's High-Security solution has attained Class 5 accreditation which is the highest classification for intruder alarm systems under the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2201.1, built for Zone 3 high security environments. Where traditional alarms focus only on external intruders, Class 5 also defends against insider tampering, through two-factor disarming, faster polling, and end-to-end encryption. Inner Range’s High Security solution has also been deployed to secure defence sites and critical infrastructure throughout Europe, the Middle East and the America’s. Advanced video analytics For operators, this means genuine assurance. Every detector, cable, and message is encrypted, from the edge device right through to the control panel, so the system can be trusted to detect and report a breach even when someone is actively trying to defeat it.  For most sites, the perimeter is the first line of defence. Inner Range provides advanced video analytics for intruder detection that can scale across thousands of locations. Integrations with perimeter devices such as electric fences, beams, and other detection technologies provide the physical additional layers of perimeter security for large areas. Whether the protected area is an open expanse or a small building, smart analytics enable instant, automated threat responses. Distance is no barrier. The Multipath IP Cellular communication platform uses the internet and 4G cellular networks to transmit encrypted alarm messages to monitoring center's, ensuring first responders can act quickly no matter how remote the site.  Video surveillance systems Critical infrastructure work often happens at remote and dangerous sites where, sometimes, people work alone. Protecting these workers is both an operational and a duty-of-care priority. Inner Range supports duress alarms from fixed or mobile systems that integrate with lone worker systems featuring man-down detection and personal tracking. When an alarm is raised, guards and staff are notified instantly through the Communicator messaging application via SMS and email, while Real-Time Location Systems pinpoint personnel on site for a faster response and video surveillance systems provide the eyes and ears on the situation. Specialised key locking A single utility can span hundreds of sites and dozens of subsystems. Inner Range's Enterprise platform unifies access control, video surveillance, building management, intercom, environmental monitoring, and specialised key locking, all into one interface. Operators get a single platform to monitor people, assets, machinery, and site conditions, and to respond to incidents in real time. This centralised oversight is what turns a sprawling, complex estate into something manageable, visible, and defensible.  Unifying access control The real strength is in how the layers work together. Access control, video surveillance, intruder detection, perimeter sensors, facial recognition, location tracking, and lone worker safety operate as one coordinated system through a single pane of glass to detect, locate, and respond to threats automatically. Alerting the right people the moment an incident occurs.  Every deployment is backed by professional support, from software maintenance and cyber security updates to remote assistance and custom integration. With over 130 native integrations and more than 170,000 systems deployed globally, the platform scales from a single facility to a national network.  The infrastructure a nation relies on cannot afford gaps or guesswork. By unifying access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, perimeter protection, and worker safety into one coordinated platform, Inner Range helps operators protect what matters most, and keep essential services running, from the core to the edge. 

Genetec Inc. (Genetec), the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, releases education-specific findings from its 2026 State of Physical Security Report. Based on responses from North American K-12 and higher education professionals, the data shows schools are prioritizing improved situational awareness, faster incident response, and unified security systems. Education institutions are primarily using physical security data to monitor and respond to incidents across campus. Monitoring and responding to incidents on campus was cited by 86% of higher education and 79% of K-12 respondents, making it the most common application overall. Faster incident response Nearly 80% of higher education and 77% of K-12 respondents said they rely on security systems to manage and audit building access for students, staff, and visitors. In addition, 76% of higher education and 80% of K-12 professionals use security data to investigate student or staff conduct issues. Emergency preparedness also remains a priority. More than half of higher education respondents (54%) and 59% of K-12 respondents said physical security data supports emergency response planning and drills, reinforcing the need for real-time visibility and coordinated response during critical situations. Together, these findings point to a need for more unified security operations, where video, access control, and other security data can support faster understanding and response across classrooms, buildings, and campus grounds. Physical security investments Despite increased reliance on security technology, budget limitations and funding constraints were identified as the top challenge facing education organizations, cited by 72% of higher education respondents and 74% of K-12 respondents. When asked which metrics are used to justify physical security investments, improved visibility and situational awareness across campus ranked highest, cited by 77% of higher education respondents and 64% of K-12 respondents. Compliance with district, state, or federal regulations was also a key driver, particularly in K-12, where 62% said meeting safety mandates is a primary justification for security investments. “Education institutions are under pressure to strengthen campus safety while managing limited budgets,” said Stephen Homrighaus, Vertical Sales Director, Education at Genetec Inc. “By unifying video, access control, and other security data into a single platform, schools can improve visibility, respond more quickly to incidents, and meet compliance requirements, all while making the most of their existing investments.”

Inner Range releases Inception 7.3, delivering new wireless compatibility and a range of usability improvements that further strengthen Inception as a unified access control, video surveillance and security management platform. Inception 7.3 prepares the platform for the upcoming IR Wireless RF Gateway and Remote Controls, due for release before the end of Q3 2026. Security management platform Once available, the solution will enable seamless integration of wireless remote devices into Inception. Administrators will be able to configure remote templates, assign actions to programmable buttons and enrol remotes directly to individual users, providing a simple and flexible way to arm and disarm areas, trigger automation functions and manage site operations without wired infrastructure. The Area Test Walk and Hardware Test functions have been streamlined to improve accessibility, reducing permission-related barriers during testing and commissioning. Operational workflows have also been enhanced with improved progress feedback during firmware updates and protected execution of critical actions such as mobile credential management. Mobile credential management For customers using IR Video, Inception 7.3 introduces easier device management, including the ability to remove video devices directly from the gateway interface. Additional refinements improve event handling, camera health management and overall integration reliability. Inception 7.3 includes an extensive list of performance enhancements across the platform, covering network resilience, credential management, system warnings, review events, reporting, language localisation, touchscreen operation, mobile access terminology, firmware management and access control functionality. Together, these improve day-to-day system performance and the overall operator experience. Mobile access terminology Key Highlights of Inception 7.3 Support for the pending release of the IR Wireless RF Gateway and Remote Controls Simplified testing and commissioning workflows Improved firmware update visibility and reliability Enhanced IR Video management and monitoring Extensive security and usability improvements throughout the platform Inception 7.3 is available now through Wesco in ANZ, APAC, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, USA, Canada and South America.

Matrix Comsec, a foremost provider of enterprise security and surveillance solutions, announced a technology partnership with Yotta Data Services, integrating its SATATYA IP Video Surveillance portfolio with Yotta’s Drishticam AI Powered Cloud Native Video Surveillance as a Service(VSaaS). The integration enables organisations to transform conventional video surveillance into a centralised, cloud-managed, AI-powered security ecosystem that simplifies operations across distributed enterprise environments. Matrix–Yotta integration As organisations continue expanding across multiple locations, security teams are increasingly looking beyond traditional on-premise surveillance systems toward cloud-native platforms that offer centralised visibility, remote accessibility, intelligent automation, and greater operational flexibility. The Matrix–Yotta integration brings together Matrix's enterprise-grade IP cameras and Drishticam's cloud-native Intelligent Video Management Platform (VMS) to deliver a comprehensive, future-ready, indigenous sovereign surveillance solution.  By combining trusted hardware with an intelligent cloud platform, this partnership empowers enterprises and government organisations to modernise their surveillance infrastructure, streamline security operations, and accelerate their digital transformation through a secure, scalable, and AI-driven video management ecosystem.  Matrix SATATYA IP Cameras Built on ONVIF standards, Matrix SATATYA IP Cameras seamlessly integrate with the Yotta Drishticam Cloud AI-Powered Intelligent Video Management Platform, allowing organisations to securely stream video to the cloud while managing geographically dispersed sites through a unified interface. The integrated solution delivers centralised device management, AI-powered video analytics, encrypted cloud recording, real-time event monitoring, and secure remote access—helping organisations respond faster to incidents while improving operational efficiency. Integrated solutions Key capabilities of the integrated solution include: Simplified Deployment: Automatic discovery and onboarding of Matrix IP Cameras using ONVIF standards for faster implementation. Centralised Cloud Management: Unified device registration, health monitoring, lifecycle management, and configuration across multiple locations. AI-Powered Video Intelligence: Advanced analytics including intrusion detection, human and vehicle classification, loitering, line crossing, crowd density, object left/removed detection, fire and smoke detection, PPE compliance, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), etc. Intelligent Event Management: Correlates AI-generated events with live video, recordings, snapshots, and alerts for faster investigation and incident response. Secure Cloud Operations: Encrypted cloud recording with configurable retention policies, remote access to live and recorded video, and intelligent real-time notifications across multiple communication channels. The solution is designed for organisations operating across distributed environments—including corporate campuses, manufacturing facilities, logistics and warehousing, commercial buildings, retail chains, healthcare institutions, educational campuses, critical infrastructure, and smart city projects—where centralised security operations and scalable cloud infrastructure are becoming increasingly important. Authority comments "Enterprise security is rapidly evolving from hardware-centric deployments to intelligent, cloud-managed ecosystems. Organisations today need surveillance solutions that are scalable, easy to manage, and capable of delivering actionable intelligence across geographically distributed operations. Through our integration with Yotta Drishticam, we are combining Matrix's enterprise-grade surveillance technology with cloud-native video management and AI-driven intelligence to help customers build more connected, efficient, and future-ready security operations." Tarun Sharma, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Matrix Comsec. "At Yotta, our vision is to make enterprise video surveillance more intelligent, accessible, and scalable through cloud innovation. Matrix's proven enterprise-grade IP surveillance camera portfolio complements Yotta Drishticam's cloud-native architecture, enabling organisations to deploy secure, AI-powered surveillance solutions that improve operational visibility while simplifying infrastructure management." Sashishekar Panda - Executive Vice President, Business Head, Cloud and Media Services, Yotta Data Services. Partnership benefits The partnership reflects the growing industry shift toward open, interoperable, and transformational  AI-driven security ecosystems, where enterprise-grade devices, cloud-native platforms, and intelligent analytics work together to deliver greater scalability, operational visibility, and faster decision-making. By combining trusted surveillance hardware with advanced cloud capabilities, Matrix and Yotta are enabling organisations to confidently accelerate their transition toward modern, cloud-enabled security.

For years, innovation in physical security has focused on what systems can do: higher-resolution cameras, AI-driven analytics, smarter access control, and cloud-based management. But across deployments, from residential systems to enterprise campuses, a more fundamental issue continues to undermine performance: Connectivity. It is increasingly clear that the effectiveness of modern security systems is not limited by sensors or software, but by the reliability, reach, and architecture of the networks that connect them. As security systems evolve toward real-time detection, automated response, and distributed intelligence, connectivity is no longer a supporting layer. It is the foundation and, too often, the weakest link. When security design is constrained by connectivity In theory, security systems are designed to maximise visibility, coverage, and response time. In practice, they are often designed around the limitations of network infrastructure. Nowhere is this more visible than in video surveillance. Cameras are frequently positioned not where risk is highest, but where connectivity is available. Dead zones in garages, basements, or perimeter edges force compromises in placement, reducing the effectiveness of the system. In some real-world deployments, traditional Wi-Fi has been shown to fail at a meaningful percentage of intended installation points, particularly in challenging environments or at the edges of coverage. This creates a disconnect between security intent and system reality. Instead of enabling proactive deterrence, such as detecting activity at the perimeter, systems are often relegated to recording events after they occur. The same pattern appears in access control. Many deployments rely on fragmented connectivity stacks, combinations of wired links, proprietary wireless protocols, and gateways, each optimised for a specific constraint such as range or power. While functional, these architectures introduce complexity, increase deployment costs, and create additional points of failure. Over time, these workarounds have become normalised. But as systems scale and expectations rise, their limitations are becoming harder to ignore. The hidden cost of fragmentation The consequences of unreliable or overly complex connectivity extend beyond performance. They impact the entire lifecycle of a security system. Advanced security features need consistent, reliable connectivity—not just bandwidthFor integrators, poor connectivity can mean longer installation times, more troubleshooting, and increased reliance on workarounds such as mesh networks or additional infrastructure. For vendors, it can translate into higher product return rates, increased support costs, and reduced customer satisfaction. For end users, the impact is more direct: systems that fail to connect reliably are systems that fail to deliver security. This is particularly critical as security solutions move toward more advanced use cases, including real-time alerts, remote management, and edge-based analytics. These capabilities depend not just on bandwidth, but on consistent, predictable connectivity across the entire deployment environment. Why traditional approaches are reaching their limits The industry has historically relied on a mix of connectivity options, each with its own strengths and tradeoffs. Wired infrastructure, such as Ethernet and PoE, offers reliability and performance but comes with higher installation costs and limited flexibility, particularly in large or distributed environments. Conventional Wi-Fi provides high throughput and seamless integration with IP networks but is optimised for short-range indoor use, where walls, distance, and interference can quickly degrade performance. Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) and cellular solutions extend range and coverage but often sacrifice throughput, increase latency, or introduce recurring operational costs. To compensate, many systems combine multiple technologies—layering gateways, protocol translation, and mesh architectures to bridge gaps. While effective in the short term, this approach increases system complexity and reduces long-term scalability. A shift toward simpler, more unified architectures In response, the industry is beginning to rethink connectivity, not as a patchwork of solutions, but as a unified foundation for modern security systems. The goal is straightforward: deliver long-range, reliable, and secure connectivity without adding architectural complexity. An example of this shift: Extending Wi-Fi beyond traditional limits One example of this shift can be seen in emerging Wi-Fi technologies designed specifically for long-range, low-power environments. Rather than replacing existing wireless approaches, these solutions aim to extend the familiar Wi-Fi model into new deployment scenarios where traditional networks struggle. Wi-Fi HaLow, based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, is one such approach. Operating in sub-GHz spectrum, it enables significantly greater range and signal penetration compared to conventional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, while maintaining native IP networking and established security frameworks. Wi-Fi trends reduce fragmentation and support data-heavy security systemsIn practical terms, this allows security devices, such as cameras and access control systems, to connect reliably across large properties, multi-building campuses, and outdoor environments without requiring dense access-point deployments or complex mesh configurations. It also supports higher data rates than many low-power wide-area technologies, enabling capabilities such as over-the-air updates, diagnostics, and increasingly, edge-based intelligence. At the same time, no single connectivity approach is universally optimal. Cellular remains essential for mobility, while LPWAN technologies continue to serve ultra-low-power sensing applications. Emerging Wi-Fi-based approaches highlight a broader industry direction: reducing fragmentation while supporting more demanding, data-rich security systems. From coverage to deterrence: A new security model One of the most significant implications of improved connectivity is the ability to rethink how security systems are deployed in the first place. Historically, limitations in wireless performance have pushed devices inward, closer to access points, inside buildings, and away from the perimeter. As a result, many systems are optimised for detection after the fact, rather than prevention at the edge. With more reliable long-range connectivity, this model begins to shift. Cameras and sensors can be placed where they are most effective—at entry points, along property boundaries, and in previously hard-to-reach areas. Combined with edge-based analytics, this enables earlier detection, faster response, and more effective deterrence. In this context, connectivity is not just an enabler of performance, it is a driver of fundamentally different security outcomes. Designing for the next generation of security systems As the industry moves forward, organisations deploying security systems should reassess how connectivity is factored into system design. Several principles are emerging: Prioritise reliability over peak performance Design for the perimeter, not just the interior Reduce architectural complexity Validate real-world performance, not just lab specifications The next wave of innovation in security will not be defined solely by smarter devices or more advanced analytics. It will be defined by whether those systems can connect, reliably, consistently, and at scale. Connectivity has long been treated as an invisible layer in security architecture. Today, it is becoming clear that it deserves far greater attention. As the industry rethinks its approach, one thing is certain: solving the connectivity challenge is not just a technical upgrade. It is a prerequisite for delivering on the full promise of modern security systems.

In security, vision is paramount. The surveillance camera serves as an unwavering digital eye—the foundational source of truth. Yet a critical vulnerability persists: what happens when these “eyes” falter without warning? Corrupted footage or unexplained gaps in recorded evidence can render an entire system unreliable, turning trusted video into questionable data. Relying on chance is no longer a viable strategy. Traditionally, ensuring the health of a video surveillance system has been a manual, reactive burden. Periodic human checks are inherently flawed—prone to fatigue, oversight, and inefficiency. By the time an issue is discovered—whether a disconnected camera, a defocused lens, or a corrupted video file—the damage may already be done, compromising investigations, regulatory compliance, and public safety. This paradigm is shifting. Modern surveillance platforms are now embedding proactive intelligence directly into the video infrastructure. As an illustrative example, consider a system like SVMSPro , which operates as an automated guardian through two core, continuously running capabilities: 1. Proactive System Health: Automated Video Quality Diagnostics Imagine a dedicated technician for every camera, working in real time. The Video Quality Diagnostics module on the video surveillance management system SVMSPro does precisely that—not by merely displaying video, but by actively analysing the live incoming stream. Signal Integrity: Instantly detects cameras going offline or suffering connection failures. Image Clarity: Automatically identifies blurring caused by tampering, misalignment, or environmental factors such as lens condensation. Color Fidelity: Flags abnormal color casts that could obscure critical visual details—like the color of clothing or a vehicle. Upon detecting any anomaly, the system generates a precise diagnostic log. This enables operators to locate and resolve issues—a loose cable, a dirty lens, or a misconfigured encoder—often before end users even notice a problem. This is proactive surveillance health management at scale. 2. Verifiable Evidence Integrity: Automated Recording Integrity Check The reliability of recorded footage is non-negotiable. A complementary capability—such as the Automated Recording Integrity Check found in systems like SVMSPro—provides certified assurance by performing a daily, meticulous audit of all video recorded in the past 24 hours. It validates the front-end recording stream to ensure: Seamless Continuity: Confirms there are no hidden gaps, dropped frames, or missing segments in the timeline. Perfect Integrity: Verifies that every stored video file remains uncorrupted and fully playable, safeguarding each frame as potential evidence. The result is a clear, tamper-resistant audit trail. For compliance reviews, forensic analysis, or legal proceedings, organisations gain verifiable proof that their video evidence is complete, authentic, and court-ready. The Transformative Impact Unprecedented Reliability: Drastically reduce blind spots by ensuring your entire camera network remains fully operational. Operational Efficiency: Eliminate hundreds of hours spent on manual verification, freeing personnel for higher-value security tasks. Forensic Confidence: Build investigations on a solid foundation of verified, trustworthy video. Proactive Maintenance: Address minor anomalies before they escalate into system-wide failures. Maximised Investment: Extend the lifespan and performance of existing surveillance infrastructure through intelligent oversight. Move beyond uncertainty. With intelligent capabilities like those exemplified by SVMSPro—namely, real-time Video Quality Diagnostics and automated Recording Integrity Checks—organisations no longer need to wonder whether their surveillance system is functioning correctly. They can know, with confidence, that every frame counts.

In mobile surveillance, remote sites, and environments with unstable networks, video recordings often suffer from "time gaps" due to network interruptions, a longstanding technical challenge for security systems. Under traditional architectures, central servers rely on real-time streams for storage. Once the network connection is lost, the recording timeline experiences an irrecoverable interruption, leading to the loss of footage of critical events. This creates a fundamental flaw in post-event auditing, forensics, and operational analysis. Recording Completion feature The "Recording Completion" feature was created precisely to address this deficiency. This feature aims to ensure the integrity of recordings by uploading locally stored video to the central server. Even during network instability or complete outages, video can first be stored on the local storage of front-end devices, such as the camera's SD card.  When the network is restored, these local recordings are uploaded to the central server, filling in the previously missing segments. This ensures that surveillance video remains complete and continuous in the central storage, thereby technically solving the problem of recording loss. SVMSPro platform Taking the SVMSPro platform as an example, its technical principles and workflow are as follows: The core of this feature lies in the intelligent enhancement of the "Edge-Center" collaborative storage architecture: Dual-Path Recording Guarantee: During normal network conditions, the video stream is simultaneously written to local storage on the edge device (e.g., the IPC's SD card, NVR/IVR's hard drive) and the central server. Handling Network Outages: When the system detects a network interruption between the edge device and the central server, the real-time stream recording on the central server automatically pauses. However, the local recording on the edge device continues without any interruption. During the network outage, the front-end edge device continues to record video. Gap-Filling Synchronisation: After the network connection is restored, the SVMSPro central platform proactively initiates a "handshake" communication with the edge device. It searches for the recordings on the edge device and then uploads the corresponding video files from the local storage of the edge device to the central server, inserting them into the correct timeline position. During the network outage, the front-end edge device continues to record video Key Technical Advantages and Value: Ensures Data Integrity and Builds a Trustworthy Audit Trail: Fundamentally eliminates video loss caused by temporary network failures, ensuring an absolutely continuous and complete recording timeline from edge to center. This meets the stringent requirements of judicial forensics and compliance audits for data originality and continuity. Enhances System Robustness in Harsh Network Environments: This feature is specifically designed for mobile scenarios (such as rail transit, patrol vehicles/vessels) and remote sites with weak network infrastructure (such as mines, oil fields, and mountainous base stations), freeing their surveillance systems from dependence on network availability. Unifies Centralised Security Management with Local Reliability: All recorded evidence ultimately converges on the central platform, which is protected by physical and network security measures, facilitating unified management, analysis, and long-term archiving. Simultaneously, it reduces the risk of permanent data loss due to theft, damage, or tampering of edge devices. Provides Flexibility in Deployment and Operation: Users can flexibly choose incremental or full synchronisation strategies based on actual business importance, network bandwidth costs, and storage planning, achieving an optimal balance between cost and benefit. Typical Application Scenarios: Rail Transit: Ensures seamless indoor and outdoor surveillance footage on trains when entering/exiting tunnels or stations. Mobile Policing and Emergency Vehicles: Ensures the entire journey of车载 video is traceable during patrols or while en route to incident sites. Energy and Infrastructure: Overcomes the instability of public wireless connections (e.g., 4G/5G) at unattended remote sites such as transmission lines, pumping stations, and wind turbines. Temporary and Event Security: Addresses potential network congestion or temporary outages in temporary deployment scenarios like large-scale events or construction sites. Conclusion The introduction of the "Recording Completion" feature marks a new phase for video surveillance systems in facing uncontrollable network environments, transitioning from "passively tolerating interruptions" to "actively ensuring continuity." It is not merely the addition of a single function but represents a substantial reinforcement of the overall reliability and data trustworthiness architecture of surveillance systems.

Combining VIVOTEK’s branded video security business with March Networks paves the way for the combined brands to meet customers’ increasing appetite for integrated solutions rather than individual components. The merger brings VIVOTEK's branded video security business together under one operating structure with March Networks’ enterprise-grade video surveillance, AI analytics, and cloud-managed security solutions. Customers now have access to a broader, more integrated portfolio spanning enterprise video management, advanced cameras, edge artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, recording platforms, and business intelligence, says Net Payne, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at March Networks and VIVOTEK. Distinct product strategies Given the combined companies, product development, sales, marketing, and customer support can move in step rather than in parallel. March Networks and VIVOTEK were already both part of the Delta Electronics family, but they previously operated as separate businesses with distinct product strategies, teams, and routes to market. March Networks and VIVOTEK announced the merger of their branded video security businesses last spring following Delta Electronics' acquisition of remaining VIVOTEK shares. “Aligning our complementary capabilities lets us innovate faster, simplify engagement, and respond more quickly to a market moving toward AI, cloud and intelligent video,” says Payne. This merger reflects a broader shift across the physical security industry, adds Payne. “Customers no longer see video purely as a tool for reviewing incidents after the fact,” he says. “They expect it to help identify risks earlier, simplify investigations, improve operations, and support better decisions across the organisation.” Cloud video management Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems. Rather, it requires cameras, edge intelligence, recording, software, cloud services, and business data working together as one coordinated platform. “By bringing March Networks and VIVOTEK together, we combine deep expertise across the full video technology stack while preserving the relationships, sector knowledge and customer focus both companies have built over many years,” says Payne. “Our goal is to make intelligent video more integrated, scalable, and practical for customers and partners worldwide.” Both entities bring strengths to the combined companies. March Networks brings experience in enterprise software, cloud video management and large-scale deployments; while VIVOTEK brings strength in imaging, camera technology and edge intelligence. Together they seek to ensure more choice when designing systems, a clearer path for future expansion, and technologies that work together more effectively without compromising the reliability, cybersecurity, and support customers expect from both companies. Advantages for channel partners Channel partners gain a broader portfolio to address a wider range of customer requirements, combining components as each deployment demands. Channel partners also benefit from expanded geographic reach, deeper technical expertise, and greater investment in training and enablement. “Importantly, this is designed to be a seamless transition,” says Payne. “Partners keep working with the teams and relationships they already know, while gaining access to new capabilities and certification opportunities. Over time, that alignment should make it easier to design, deploy and support complete solutions.” Because they are established and respected brands, March Networks and VIVOTEK branding will continue to be used. Rebranding is not a goal, and neither identity is being replaced by the other. Coordinated decision-making “The immediate priority is organisational alignment by making it easier for customers and partners to benefit from the combined portfolio,” says Payne. Product branding will continue to reflect the relevant portfolio and market context. As product roadmaps become more closely coordinated, customers can expect greater interoperability and a more cohesive experience, says Payne. Any future branding changes will be managed carefully and communicated clearly. Combining the businesses reduces duplication and enables coordinated decision-making across product strategy, engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and customer support. “Instead of developing capabilities independently, teams can share their expertise, align roadmaps, and direct investment to where it has the greatest customer impact,” says Payne. Combining specialised knowledge globally The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries The combined organisation includes more than 300 research and development (R&D) engineers across four Centres of Excellence in Canada, Taiwan, Italy and Poland, thus bringing together a substantial base of specialist knowledge. The unified network also sharpens the ability to prioritise global opportunities, respond to regional needs and bring innovations to market faster. The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries, supported by more than 1,100 certified channel partners. That footprint provides greater capacity to support multinational customers while staying responsive to local market needs. Looking ahead, future growth will increasingly come from helping customers turn video into useful, actionable intelligence. “The market is moving beyond conventional surveillance toward solutions combining AI, cloud services, edge processing, video management and operational data — and our new structure brings these together as one connected solution rather than several isolated technologies,” says Payne. Broader technical expertise There will also be closer collaboration among specialists in imaging, hardware, software, analytics, and cloud, which is important given how much customer infrastructure, regulatory, and deployment requirements vary. The companies can support cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, giving organisations a practical path toward more intelligent video. More choice comes from bringing together complementary technologies across product groups. Greater scale is achieved through a larger engineering organisation, broader technical expertise and more capacity to invest in innovation. Challenges for the industry at large Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI responsibly, securely and at scale, says Payne. Video systems will generate more data and automate more decisions, but organisations must be able to trust how that intelligence is created, protected, and applied, he adds. “Cybersecurity, privacy, data sovereignty, system interoperability and AI accuracy are more important than ever,” says Payne. Addressing these elements requires expertise across the entire technology stack: from camera and edge processing to recording, cloud infrastructure, video management and analytics. “Together, March Networks and VIVOTEK can coordinate development across all these layers, giving customers flexible architectures that balance innovation with security, transparency and operational control,” says Payne.

The security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, as evidenced by the innovations showcased at the ISC West Expo 2026. From dismantling of silos between physical and digital security to the ongoing transition to cloud and hybrid platforms, much of the discussion on the show floor was familiar, if somehow more urgent than ever. Clearly the industry is moving toward unified, cloud-native, and highly automated ecosystems. In a series of deep-dive meetings and demonstrations at the recent show, I got a first-hand glimpse of the future of the physical security marketplace. Spoiler alert: The future is now! HID Global: Tearing down the silos HID Global is addressing the long-requested convergence of physical and digital security. Recognising that the industry has historically operated in silos, HID is now leading with a combined implementation team to leverage the power of both sides. HID is supporting the transition by combining its logical and physical security teams to help end users design secure, end-to-end journeys for their employees. By leveraging its massive existing footprint in physical access, HID is uniquely positioned to help organisations upgrade their cybersecurity posture without a total "rip and replace" of their hardware. HID is seeing a surge in demand for converged credentials that unite building access with digital identity. On the digital front, HID has implemented FIDO (Fast Identity Online) and passkeys to replace traditional passwords with more secure, biometric-backed authentication methods. Acre Security: Bridging the gap to the cloud Acre Security previewed a cloud-native video solution, reinforcing its cloud-first security strategyAcre Security is currently consolidating brands, bringing established names like Feenics and AccessIt under a single corporate umbrella. A primary theme for the company at ISC West is the migration of legacy systems to modern infrastructure. To facilitate the transition, they are launching "The Bridge," a technology designed to help on-premise customers transition to the cloud at a pace that suits their operational needs. The company is also expanding its portfolio into video. Attendees at the show received a preview of a new cloud-native video solution slated for release later this year, signaling Acre’s commitment to a holistic, cloud-first security suite. Acoem: Real-time acoustic threat detection With a 35-year foundation in vibration and acoustics—including military sniper detection—Acoem is providing gunshot detection through edge processing. Unlike systems that rely on the cloud and may suffer from latency, Acoem’s technology processes data at the sensor level for instant alerts. Their sensors are engineered for massive outdoor spaces, covering a 500-foot radius (roughly 11 football fields) and can detect high-powered rifle shots from up to half a mile away. The system provides critical intelligence by distinguishing between muzzle blasts and "mach noise" from bullet travel, delivering an audio file to the end-user that maps the location and direction of the threat. They use AI to filter out environmental false positives, such as skateboards hitting metal rails. Alarm.com: The all-in-one dealer ecosystem Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process Alarm.com is doubling down on "giving tools to dealers to help them be successful," with a focus on unified commercial solutions. A highlight at ISC West is their new fire communicator, which integrates fire monitoring into their single app, completing what they call the "fourth leg of the stool." The product allows fire systems to benefit from the same real-time customer engagement and push notifications that have long been available for intrusion and video. The key products, such as commercial-grade hardware, are now available for immediate purchase. Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process. Their new AI Proposal Builder uses customer meeting notes to automatically generate customised, value-driven sales proposals for dealers. Allegion: A global shift in credentialing Following the acquisition of ELATEC, Allegion is adopting a more global market approach and expanding its OEM business. The company is involved in the development of Aliro, the newly unveiled mobile credentialing standard. Allegion’s strategy is built on versatility: While Aliro serves the burgeoning mobile market, they also offer PKOC for plastic cards, allowing them to provide solutions regardless of the user's preferred credential type. The ELATEC acquisition has effectively filled previous gaps in their use-case portfolio, positioning them as a comprehensive provider for both physical and digital access needs. AtlasIED: Engineering for life safety Transitioning from audio to a fully automated threat detection company, AtlasIED showcased its new IPX line at ISC West. This modular platform uses a single PoE++ port to power various "plug-and-play" modules, allowing for easy system upgrades. Their gun detection technology achieves a 99% confidence rating by "stacking" AI models; it cross-references audio data with infrared signatures to detect muzzle flashes and air quality sensors for particulates. With systems already running in 80% of U.S. international airports, the company maintains 24/7 domestic engineering support to manage these "life-safety adjacent" environments. Axis Communications: Unifying connectivity Axis Communications is advancing network video with 4G/5G surveillance, reducing cabling needs Axis Communications continues to lead in network video, with a new focus on offering surveillance through 4G and 5G networks to eliminate the need for extensive cabling in long-range applications. Axis also introduced several specialised hardware pieces, including the P1486-LE global shutter camera for high-speed traffic monitoring and the Q2802-TE, which integrates thermal and visual monitoring into a single unit.  To assist technicians, they launched a new installer app that uses Bluetooth for easier camera pairing and management directly from a mobile device. Axon: De-escalation through enterprise wearables Focusing on frontline safety, Axon is expanding from law enforcement into the enterprise sector with its retail and healthcare-focused body camera. Weighing only 0.25 lb, these cameras are designed to be less intimidating, using colorful designs and acting as a primary de-escalator for aggressive behavior. A clear front display signals when recording is active, striking a balance between safety and a non-intimidating appearance. These devices feature live-streaming and panic alarms that connect workers to a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC). To ensure the footage is legally viable, Axon maintains a rigorous audit trail that authenticates every action recorded. Genetec: The value of the unified platform Genetec is advocating for unified platforms that reduce the time between incident detection and resolution. They argue that AI is becoming a commodity and that the true value lies in unified platforms that reduce the time from incident to resolution. Their approach emphasises the "outcomes" customers need, such as allowing security teams to coalesce around an investigation quickly. Genetec remains a strong supporter of open systems for enterprise customers, ensuring they have the choice to integrate diverse technologies rather than being locked into a manufacturer’s “walled garden.” This flexibility is critical for high-end security environments that require tailored, responsive systems. Johnson Controls: Large-scale enterprise solutions Johnson Controls has made a significant push into the enterprise video market with C-Cure IQ, a standalone VMS designed for major hubs like airports and large campuses. Through a partnership with Scylla, they have integrated 11 advanced analytics—including facial recognition and weapons detection—directly into their cameras. They also showcased new multi-sensor panoramic cameras capable of "stitching" multiple images into a single 360-degree view. While innovating in video, Johnson Controls also confirmed modern upgrades to their intrusion line, including their legacy DSC Neo line. The new DSC PowerSeries Neo 5, a high-end residential and commercial platform, features an all-new user interface and built-in PowerG+. They have also begun shipping the IQ5 family lineup, which is powered by a Qualcomm DragonWing processor.  ONVIF: Standardising the future of AI and cloud ONVIF continues to lead the charge in establishing common languages for the security industry. A major focus is their new "Cloud Profile," which enables cameras to connect directly to the cloud through a standardised protocol. They are also expanding into audio standards to ensure IP-based speakers can seamlessly connect to Video Management Systems (VMS). To combat the rise of sophisticated digital manipulation, ONVIF is developing "video signing" standards. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standardsThis feature protects the integrity of video for evidentiary purposes by embedding a digital signature and timestamp directly into the footage at the camera level. Additionally, the organisation has formed an AI Working Group to develop common communication methods for "AI agents" within physical security systems. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standards. Roberto Licari is the new ONVIF Ambassador, seeking to attract new companies (even outside the security sector) to ONVIF as they look to expand their offerings. SwiftConnect: Bridging digital and physical identity SwiftConnect is redefining access control by shifting the focus from physical cards to digital identity. As a cloud-based "connected access network," the platform bridges the gap between IT identity providers (like Okta or Azure AD) and legacy physical access control systems. At the show's Security Experience Center demonstrations, SwiftConnect showcased its ability to integrate mobile credentials within Apple and Google Wallets across multiple technology platforms. By aligning physical security with Zero Trust principles, they ensure that access is governed by the same rigorous standards as digital networks. Their software-centric approach allows for a more seamless employee experience while simplifying the management of complex, multi-site building security. This emphasises a future where the mobile device becomes the primary tool for navigating the physical workspace. Wasabi Technologies: Redefining cloud storage economics With cloud technology becoming a baseline requirement at every booth, Wasabi Technologies highlighted its "hot cloud storage" as a cost-effective alternative to major hyperscalers. Their model claims to be 80% less expensive than competitors, notably removing hidden fees. Wasabi is increasingly bundled at the "back end" of security solutions through partnerships with integrators and end users. A key feature for law enforcement and high-security sectors is their "Object Lock" capability, which ensures that video evidence remains untampered with and immutable during defined retention periods. By providing high-performance storage without the unpredictable costs typically associated with the cloud, Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications that require long-term, secure retention. Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications ZKTeco USA: Versatile and integrated access ZKTeco USA showcased a range of integrated solutions, including turnstiles, visitor management, and access control. Their Atlas access control series offers versatility, supporting everything from traditional readers and keypads to QR codes and fingerprint scanning, with the flexibility to operate on-premise or in the cloud. For tight environments, they introduced the Mars 100 turnstile, which features a compact 2x3-foot footprint. They also highlighted the Omni series, an all-in-one standalone reader-controller that manages access, intercom, and visitor functions in a single device. Innovation in portability was evident in their new walk-through metal detectors, which consist of two poles with an 8-hour battery life—ideal for schools and temporary events. While they offer their own Armatura readers, ZKTeco emphasised that their solutions can integrate with other industry leaders to fit diverse customer needs.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) had a major presence at the ISC West 2026 show in Las Vegas. Almost every booth offered some variation on AI and how intelligence is transforming the physical security industry. Several industry leaders led the way, showcasing how they are tackling complex security challenges with smarter, more efficient solutions. Obviously, the security industry will never be the same. Milestone Systems: Responsible AI and open platforms Milestone has declared 2026 the "year of delivery” on previously announced developments and enhancements. A standout feature is their new natural language AI search, which is being integrated across XProtect, Arcules, and Briefcam platforms to simplify how users interact with vast amounts of video data. A core pillar of their strategy is responsible AI development, which prioritises using licensed data over "scraped" data. They have introduced new anonymisation tools that protect privacy by replacing faces with AI-generated characteristics like hair color while keeping the person unrecognisable. Furthermore, Milestone is moving workloads to Linux to reduce costs, transitioning toward an app marketplace, and has partnered with NVIDIA for the "Hafnia" project to ensure high-quality data to train AI models. Ambarella: Powering the edge with AI chips With their presence at ISC West in a meeting room near the trade show floor, Ambarella is the "engine" behind many high-performance intelligent video products, specialising in low-power AI chips like the N1 and CV7 families. Their technology is moving beyond cameras, where they provide systems-on-chips [SOCs] to many manufacturers. They have expanded into "AI boxes" that can process 64+ video channels simultaneously. A standout feature is the Natural Language technology, which allows users to search for specific objects or abstract scenes using simple prompts. To address modern security concerns, Ambarella has implemented "agentic" programming for a no-code development of automated workflows and media signing to combat AI-generated deepfakes by verifying video integrity through metadata. Motorola Solutions: Simplifying intelligence Motorola Solutions shows physical security evolving into a real-time enterprise intelligence layer Motorola Solutions is prioritising user accessibility by integrating natural language processing into its system configuration. Motorola's portfolio demonstrates how physical security technology is evolving into a real-time operational intelligence layer across the enterprise. Instead of requiring custom coding, operators can now use simple commands—like asking the system to "show me when someone fell down"—to set up advanced analytics and search parameters. The company is also deploying AI agents designed to aggregate data and automatically flag safety or compliance risks, such as perimeter breaches or blocked fire exits.  To ensure maximum utility of the hardware, Motorola Solutions’ system can ingest massive, complex physical manuals and automatically generate monitoring rules based on those standard operating procedures. Furthermore, Motorola is focusing on interoperability, using industry-standard interfaces to ingest data from various hardware brands and networks. This approach aims to provide operators with clear, recommended next steps during critical events, streamlining the decision-making process in high-pressure environments. i-PRO: Putting generative AI at the edge i-PRO is bringing generative AI directly to the edge with a new fisheye camera i-PRO is bringing generative AI directly to the edge with a new fisheye camera, which processes complex analytics locally rather than relying solely on the cloud. These cameras, on display at ISC West, have moved beyond simple attribute-based tracking to identify complex behaviors like aggression, fighting, and slip-and-fall incidents.  By running on the latest Ambarella chips, i-PRO cameras can use generative AI to improve image quality and analyse scenes in real-time without external processing. This focus on edge-based intelligence ensures high-performance analytics are available even in environments where constant cloud connectivity might be a challenge. Brivo: The rise of agentic AI Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks have officially unified under the Brivo name, focusing on streamlining the experience for large integrators. They are pioneers in agentic AI, introducing features that allow users to talk to their mobile apps to initiate lockdowns or add users. Their Eagle Eye Video Assistant (EEVA) acts as a natural language AI agent that can monitor for specific threats, such as a brandished weapon or a specific vehicle, and automatically trigger access control responses. By treating access and video as a unified system, Brivo enables users to connect specific video skills—like detecting a red car or a brandished weapon—to automated access control actions. They are also using AI to achieve "zero-cost integration," linking disparate cloud systems using AI-generated instructions. Everon: Emphasis on video monitoring Everon is making a massive investment in active video monitoring, using AI-driven systems to deter crime even before it happens. “The market is ripe for it, and customers are demanding it,” says David Charney, Everon’s Sr. Vice President, Video Command Center. Employing virtual guards who can use voice commands, lights, and horns to "shoo away" unauthorised individuals. The company has implemented senior-level leadership that has facilitated more than 5,000 video-based apprehensions. Everon, specialising in integrated systems for multi-site businesses, uses a rigorous selection process to choose AI providers that can accurately filter alerts for specific applications, such as identifying when a fire door is blocked. As a "trusted advisor" to their 300,000 customers, the company focuses on delivering professional-level results that move beyond basic recording to proactive threat mitigation. Hanwha: New hybrid VMS combines cloud and on-prem Hanwha Vision highlighted the official public launch of Blaze, a hybrid video management system (VMS). The platform uses a hybrid architecture to manage on-premise and cloud-connected devices across multiple sites without complex port forwarding. Blaze features native AI capabilities, including semantic search that allows operators to find specific incidents using natural language queries, such as "person with a safety jacket." The AI security platform lets teams search surveillance footage the way they search Google. AI similarity detection allows operators to quickly trace a person’s movement and investigate incidents faster (useful in active shooter behavior, medical emergencies, or crowd panic scenarios, and more). The system also provides a "histogram" view of traffic patterns to help security professionals quickly identify anomalies in historical footage. OpenEye: Operational intelligence and shift to OpEx OpenEye unveiled AI-powered features such as visual chat and scene analysis OpenEye is redefining video surveillance by moving intelligence from the camera level to the cloud, significantly reducing the need for on-site server management. At ISC West, OpenEye introduced new AI-driven tools like visual chat and scene analysis. Beyond security, these tools provide valuable operational alerts, such as identifying overflowing dumpsters, dirty tables in restaurants, or vehicles blocking dock doors.  The system also utilises natural language for search, allowing users to find specific attributes like "people wearing backpacks" within designated timeframes. OpenEye also highlighted an industry-wide shift toward operational expenditures (OpEx) billing models, as users increasingly prefer predictable monthly or yearly payments over large upfront capital expenditures (CapEx). This model aligns with their channel-based operations, meeting customers where they currently operate without the burden of high fees. IQSIGHT: New name, same mission for Bosch video Formerly Bosch Video, the newly named IQSIGHT seeks to maintain the “Bosch pedigree” under the new name. It’s the same engineering, manufacturing, etc. IQSIGHT also pledges to be "easier to do business with" by improving user interfaces and end-to-end user experiences. Despite the transition, the company has increased their pace of innovation and reinforced the open systems philosophy with enhanced integrations with Milestone, Genetec, and others. The major product release at the show is IVA Pro Context, which uses generative AI to provide human-level scene understanding. Through a partnership with Laelaps AI, a robotics startup, IQSIGHT is exploring autonomous dispatch and response. When a camera identifies a scene, it triggers a robot to provide a tailored response. Commercialisation is expected in 12 to 18 months. Verkada: How their system can solve a crime But how does AI operate in the real world? Verkada had a “themed” exhibit demonstrating how their system could solve a hypothetical theft at the Louvre museum in Paris. The exhibit took attendees through and showed how Verkada technologies (e.g., license plate recognition and search capabilities) could provide fast results to solve the crime. AI-powered tools, like their newest unified timeline, demonstrate value in the real world of investigations.

Gozoki, a French family-owned company and pioneer in the freshly prepared meals market (Maison Briau, Maison Tino and other brands), has taken the step of investing to secure its industrial sites. At its facilities in Agen, the company now benefits from a state-of-the-art video surveillance system deployed by specialist integrator SDP, using Hanwha Vision hardware and software solutions. Production sites in the food manufacturing sector face stringent requirements for security, access control and traceability. Protecting staff, preventing intrusions, monitoring logistics flows and securing sensitive areas all present significant challenges. Present significant challenges As part of its ongoing commitment to improving its infrastructure, Gozoki began modernising its surveillance system in 2025 to enhance reliability, accuracy and responsiveness. “We needed a system capable of operating 24/7 in a demanding environment while delivering outstanding image quality. The Hanwha Vision solution meets these requirements perfectly,” says Nicolas Jeannesson, buildings and energy manager at Gozoki. To deliver the project, Gozoki selected SDP, a company renowned for its expertise in integrating electronic security solutions. SDP carried out the site survey, designed the network architecture, installed the equipment and completed its advanced configuration. The objective was to deliver a robust, scalable solution perfectly suited to the demands of a challenging industrial environment. “Our role is to provide a turnkey solution that is reliable and built to last. Hanwha Vision cameras enable us to deliver high levels of performance while simplifying maintenance,” says Pierre Albanese, managing director of SDP. Video analytics capabilities The cameras SDP and Gozoki chose to install were Hanwha Vision’s, and were selected for their exceptional image quality, even in challenging conditions, thanks to high-resolution sensors and WDR technologies. Advanced video analytics capabilities that enable intrusion detection, intelligent management of sensitive areas, and behavioural analysis, were also key features that Gozoki required. The reliability and durability of Hanwha Vision’s cameras are essential in industrial environments that are subject to fluctuations in temperature, humidity or lighting, such as Gozoki’s sites. Enhanced cybersecurity - a critical factor in preventing the risk of cyber attacks on connected systems - was also a vital element of the project’s requirements. The installed cameras cover all strategic areas, including vehicle entrances, loading bays, storage areas, internal traffic routes and external perimeters. “The integrated video analytics allow us to go far beyond simple monitoring. We now have a decision-support tool capable of anticipating risk situations,” adds Nicolas Jeannesson of Gozoki. Future regulatory requirements With the planned deployment of nearly 200 cameras across multiple sites around Agen, Gozoki now benefits from a modern video surveillance system that supports the company’s growth while meeting current and future regulatory requirements. “This project perfectly illustrates our commitment to supporting our customers over the long term with reliable, scalable technologies,” concludes Pierre Albanese. Together, SDP and Hanwha Vision delivered Gozoki a cohesive, high-performance and scalable solution, providing a clear, centralised view of security across its facilities.

Stadiums and arenas are no longer places that come to life only on an event day. Increasingly, they are becoming year-round hubs for concerts, conferences, hospitality, retail, and community activity. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one such example of a venue generating additional revenue and audiences beyond football matches, with its 2025 commercial income rising from £255.2 million to £277.1 million, due to hosting four National Football League (NFL) franchises, high-profile boxing events, and a Beyoncé summer concert series. Positive visitor experience Yet, as these venues grow more complex and multifaceted, so does the challenge of keeping visitors and staff safe throughout the year. Security is no longer simply about responding to incidents.; Instead, it has become a strategic function that enables stadium leadership to tailor security to different event types and risk levels, keep on top of health and safety and maintenance, and add value to marketing, sales, operations, and more. More pointedly, venue operators will soon have to comply with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, better known as Martyn's Law, which received Royal Assent in April 2025 and is expected to come into force in spring 2027. With less than a year before implementation is anticipated, organisations responsible for large publicly accessible venues are increasingly assessing how they can strengthen preparedness while maintaining a positive visitor experience. Wider readiness strategy Named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the legislation introduces new responsibilities for venue operators to consider the risk of terrorism and put appropriate measures in place to help prevent, respond to, and reduce the impact of a terrorist attack if it occurs. Notably, for venues with attendees of over 800 people, physical protection such as video surveillance, vehicle access control, ground security, and more, must be considered and evaluated on a regular basis. AI-powered video solutions can help organisations meet their obligation under Martyn’s Law as part of a wider readiness strategy. Video surveillance systems Traditional video surveillance systems have always played a critical role in venue security, but their effectiveness has often relied on human operators monitoring dozens, or even hundreds, of video feeds simultaneously. In busy environments, critical details can be missed, particularly when security teams are managing large crowds, multiple entry points, and fast-moving situations. With AI-powered cameras and video management systems (VMS), operators no longer need to continuously monitor multiple video, chat, and sensor data streams. Instead, AI does the monitoring, flagging any suspicious activity, unauthorised objects (people and vehicles), crowd congestion, and so on, for operators to respond to if needed. Operators are freed up to focus on other activities, while the system will quickly alert them to events that require intervention, helping them respond to events rapidly and prevent situations from escalating. Ground teams also benefit from contextual, AI-powered insights that can help them track and locate a person or vehicle of interest, such as clothing colour, direction of travel, and if they are potentially carrying a weapon. Multi-directional models By enabling security teams to assess and respond to situations before they develop into something more serious, venues are better prepared for some of the objectives underpinning Martyn's Law. The legislation places particular emphasis on preparedness, requiring organisations to consider how they would respond to incidents through measures such as evacuation, lockdown procedures, and effective communication. Situational awareness is fundamental to all four. Modern-day cameras equip operators with high-definition footage of an event or object of interest. Most cameras available on the market start at 1080p definition, with 4MP, 6MP, 8MP or 4K resolution options. Camera form factors have also improved, with dome, flat eye, bullet, fish eye, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), thermal, and multi-directional models providing venues with a range of options to fit any sized area and surveillance need. Monitoring crowd movements Real-time intelligence from video surveillance provides operators with a clearer understanding of what is happening across a venue and its surrounding environment. Vitally, AI-powered video analytics and AI object detection help operators to avoid missing events that need their attention and action. During an emergency, security teams can monitor crowd movements, identify potential bottlenecks, move towards the last known location of a potential attacker, and direct the public away from dangerous areas. Information on an attacker’s location, physical appearance, and direction of travel, plus the location of any casualties or people hiding within the venue, can be shared with on-site personnel and emergency services, helping to coordinate a faster and more efficient response. Multiple analytics triggers To further refine operator response times and efficiency, alerts can be set based on multiple analytics triggers, for example, if a person is detected crossing a line and then remains in a pre-defined area for a set number of seconds. For post-event investigations, operators can search footage quickly using the metadata stored within video. For example, they can pull up all footage of all people wearing a grey top, or, to filter this further, a child wearing a grey top. This improves the efficiency and speed of carrying out investigations. Generative AI tool Moreover, if a video analytics tool supports it, operators can use an AI-powered search feature that enables them to input a phrase or sentence of what they are looking for, with the system showing them all relevant results. This feature, known as semantic search, is a more natural way of searching akin to prompting a generative AI tool to come to a result. Operators can also select a specific area of interest to view all footage related to that area, allowing them to quickly find motion within that area. They can see all motion within that section on all captured video footage, to see, for example, who left a suspicious package in a room. Some video analytics systems can also pull footage of similar objects across multiple cameras, which can help track the direction of a vehicle or person of interest as they move across a busy and large event space. Wider entertainment districts Modern venue security increasingly extends beyond the perimeter fence or turnstile. Many new stadium developments are embedded within wider entertainment districts, retail destinations, and mixed-use communities. As a result, operators are responsible for understanding activity not only inside a venue but also across surrounding public spaces where large crowds gather before and after events. AI-enabled video helps operators to monitor large areas efficiently, maintaining situational awareness across multiple locations and mixed-use premises (the arena, retail, transport links, storage and backroom areas, and so forth). Operators gain a comprehensive understanding of potential risks and a stronger ability to respond before issues escalate. AI-powered video analytics There are also value-added benefits to other departments, such as marketing, sales, maintenance, staffing, and cleaning. Understanding and predicting busy periods and crowd flow patterns, alerting to long queue lengths, identifying congestion points, and monitoring vehicle movements and parking spaces all help to improve the visitor experience and streamline event operations. This is particularly useful for multi-use venues where one day a football match may be hosted, the next day a corporate event, and the following day a concert, with different stadium areas being used each time. Operators need visibility of how people move through their spaces and where resources are best deployed. AI-powered video analytics can provide that intelligence in real time. Venue leaders have a short window of opportunity to strengthen their security strategies ahead of Martyn’s Law coming into force. Investing in AI-powered video security shifts security into a proactive, value-generating function that meets the needs of today’s multi-use event spaces and helps to deliver the visitor experience that attendees have become accustomed to.

Viação Santa Brígida partnered with Dahua Technology to improve the safety and efficiency of its bus fleet in São Paulo, Brazil. The integrated solution enables real-time monitoring, reduces blind spots, supports passenger counting and fare-evasion control, and helps operators respond to incidents more effectively. Overview - Viação Santa Brígida is a major operator serving São Paulo with a fleet of more than 650 buses. To improve fleet supervision, passenger and driver safety, and operational visibility, the client partnered with Dahua Technology to deploy an intelligent mobile video surveillance and fleet management solution featuring onboard cameras, passenger counting, vehicle tracking, and centralised real-time monitoring. Potential safety risks Challenges - Managing hundreds of buses operating across a densely populated metropolitan area requires continuous coordination and reliable access to operational information. Viação Santa Brígida needed a more effective way to monitor its vehicles in real time and respond rapidly to incidents. Limited visibility inside and around buses made it difficult for the company to verify events, identify potential safety risks, and support drivers during daily operations. Blind spots around large vehicles also presented a concern, particularly during passenger boarding, manoeuvring, and interactions with pedestrians and other road users. Assessing vehicle occupancy The company additionally needed better tools to address fare evasion and monitor passenger movement. Without centralised and accurate data, assessing vehicle occupancy, reviewing suspicious activity, and identifying possible revenue losses could be time-consuming. Another priority was improving the efficiency of fleet management. Information from individual vehicles had to be consolidated and made readily accessible to the operations team, enabling managers to make faster, better-informed decisions. Centralised management software Solutions - Working with Dahua Technology, Viação Santa Brígida deployed an integrated mobile video surveillance solution combining strategically positioned onboard cameras, intelligent analytics, vehicle information, and centralised management software. Cameras installed inside the buses provide continuous recording and real-time monitoring of passenger areas. This allows the operations team to review incidents, observe passenger movement, and obtain reliable video evidence when necessary. The system also helps identify cases of fare evasion, supporting the protection of company revenue and improving operational control. Passenger-counting capabilities External cameras give drivers a more complete view of the areas surrounding each vehicle. By reducing blind spots, the solution helps drivers see pedestrians, passengers, and other nearby road users more clearly throughout the journey. This is particularly valuable during boarding and disembarking, when people may be positioned close to the vehicle or outside the driver’s direct field of vision. The deployment also incorporates intelligent passenger-counting capabilities. By automatically analysing boarding activity, the system provides more accurate information about passenger volumes, vehicle occupancy, and potential discrepancies associated with revenue collection. Comprehensive view of fleet activity All information is brought together at Viação Santa Brígida’s Integrated Control Center, where operators can monitor the fleet through a video wall and Dahua’s mobile management software. The platform consolidates live and recorded video with vehicle location and operational information, giving the control team a clearer and more comprehensive view of fleet activity. The centralised system also supports the identification and investigation of unusual events. When an incident occurs, operators can access the relevant vehicle information and video footage, helping the company evaluate the situation and take appropriate action more efficiently. Continuous video monitoring Results - Dahua’s integrated mobile video surveillance solution has significantly improved Viação Santa Brígida’s fleet visibility by enabling continuous video monitoring, more accurate passenger counting, stronger fare-evasion control, and faster incident verification. External cameras also reduce blind spots, helping drivers operate more safely during daily journeys and passenger boarding. By centralising video, location, and operational data in the Integrated Control Center, the company can analyse events more quickly and make better-informed decisions. Overall, the collaboration between Viação Santa Brígida and Dahua Technology has delivered a safer, more transparent, and more efficient approach to public transportation management, benefiting the company, its employees, and the thousands of passengers who rely on its services each day. “Today, we can continuously monitor the cameras installed across our buses and provide our managers with more accurate operational information. Dahua’s technology helps us control fare evasion, improve safety for drivers and passengers, and manage our fleet with much greater efficiency and confidence,” says a representative from Viação Santa Brígida.

Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park have unified their physical security operations using Genetec™ Security Center. Home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi Stadium is the premier sports and entertainment destination located at Hollywood Park. The stadium has established itself as a world-class venue, hosting record-breaking concerts and global sporting events while consistently ranking among the top venues in the world. Global sporting events To support events of this scale, the organisation standardised on Security Center to unify video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), and other physical security systems in the 3.1 million-square-foot venue and across the 300-acre Hollywood Park development. Operators manage more than 3,000 cameras, 700 readers, and numerous other systems and sensors from three security control rooms, helping teams maintain situational awareness while streamlining day-to-day operations. "Genetec Security Center has improved our response time efficiency by giving us all the information we need in one platform. We’re able to understand what's happening and make decisions quickly," said Nick Bermensolo, Vice President of Security and Safety at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Physical security systems Since deploying Security Center, the SoFi Stadium IT team has a reliable, scalable, and cybersecure platform that runs on an isolated network and connects back to centralised servers. During big events, they support security operations by monitoring system performance from the Network Operations Center, ensuring everything is working as it should. The security team can easily handle daily tasks, while IT keeps systems running smoothly on the backend. "The Genetec team doesn’t just understand physical security systems, but IT systems too. With their help, we’ve been able to deploy a reliable and high-performing security platform at scale," said Paul Maldonado, Vice President of IT Infrastructure and Operations at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. AI-based tools Looking ahead, both teams are focused on getting more value out of Security Center, exploring AI-based tools and more automation. They know they have a flexible, scalable platform that can support evolving cybersecurity and network requirements. "Genetec has really helped us establish a technology standard. Security Center is reliable and cybersecure, integrates well with our network, and reduces overhead for both IT and security. That’s the type of technology we want to continue implementing across our business," said Maldonado.

Adequate video surveillance coverage depends entirely on a facility's layout, square footage, and security goals. Historically, better coverage required more cameras, but technology innovations are changing those expectations and undermining previously held rules of thumb. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Do today's video systems generally require more cameras or fewer cameras, and why?

Installing physical security systems requires integrating diverse technologies (e.g., cameras, access control, alarms) that often use different protocols and must be adapted to a building's unique physical layout and legacy infrastructure.  Specialised technical expertise is required for seamless networking and proper configuration. Hopefully, no important factors are overlooked in the installation process. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

Access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems evolved largely independently in the physical security industry. Integrating those systems to the benefit of an enterprise's overall security has traditionally fallen on security integrators working in cooperation with manufacturers. However, today's market has also evolved to include companies that provide "unified platforms,” bringing together various disparate security systems and functions under a single, centralised management interface. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the advantages of installing physical security systems as a unified platform?