Pick your topic: opinions on the IoT, analytics, faces and buying online

[About the promises and hype of facial recognition:] Facial recognition is a good example of technology that is still maturing. For the most part, analytics are general on what they’re trying to detect or accomplish. More complex detection applications, like trying to read faces, allows for a greater probability for failure. In many applications, facial recognition is a great tool, but it depends on the threshold for accuracy, the definitions of which can vary between the manufacturer and an end-user. Some companies have oversold facial recognition analytics, such as sharing high success rates to customers that require precise installation specifications. For example, if an end-user’s camera is pointed at the top of a person’s head, the success rate of the analytics will be quite low. These false claims have created hurdles for manufacturers trying to sell these analytics now.

[On how the Internet of Things is changing city surveillance:] The IoT is all about data and sharing of that data from myriad devices in our connected world. When we apply that understanding to surveillance and security operations, the same benefits become apparent. By sharing and aggregating data collected from smart sensors like AI-based cameras, cities can make better-informed decisions on how they manage everything from traffic to public works to large communal areas. We saw how occupancy management became important during the pandemic. This same real-time data can be instrumental in informing law enforcement and city planners about how the city functions. Hanwha Techwin’s cameras have recently been involved in analysing pedestrian crossing behaviour in Albuquerque where some pedestrians have been struck by vehicles. Having an AI-based camera that can detect people and vehicles installed at an intersection can highlight problem areas that lead to a safer environment. Having that data tied into traffic signal metrics can lead to even better insight.

[About the disappointment and renewed promise of video analytics:] When video analytics first came out about 15 years ago many in the Security industry believed this was a game-changer. The reality was much different, and probably would not have been such a disappointment if manufacturers had set a better expectation. Meanwhile, the ‘CSI’ TV shows and such depicted that analytics actually worked. Don’t get me wrong, there were portions that worked if the camera, lens, lighting, and scene were all perfect. Real-world customers wanted to see a large area but get analytics from just a portion of the scene and the pixels count per foot rarely matched up, or the labour cost to do it right would be such a shock that end users wouldn’t commit to it. Integrators soon stopped mentioning analytics except for a few simple ones that were easy. Now with AI upon us, there is a new sense of optimism that the technology will be much more in line with the expectation.

[On the challenges of easy access to security products online:] Easy online access to security products can be a double-edged sword for end users. There is an obvious temptation to trawl the web looking for cheap ‘bargain’ solutions from unknown providers and to try and fit the systems yourself. However, as we all know, good security solutions are about a combination of excellent technology and professional installation and servicing. There is a great opportunity here for manufacturers and systems integrators/installers to demonstrate their real value to customers. We can highlight the benefits of full integration of security with other business systems, with the reassurance of watertight cybersecurity too. Security as a Service should be promoted as a cost-effective alternative for customers looking for flexibility and predictable and affordable costs. Finally, as the adage goes, ‘If you can’t beat them, join them’ – professional security provision can be offered in a friendly and uncomplicated way online too. By directly appealing to customers across any vertical sector with clear messaging and pricing, it is much easier to provide a credible business case for opting to choose the best value solution and not just the cheapest bottom line.

[On the benefits of the Internet of Things for security:] The beauty of IoT is that it brings the physical world into the digital world, it gives us access to accurate, quality real-time data about what is happening in the field! IoT in security will enable operations to get faster access to the data they need to improve response time and reduce physical risk. For example, smart cameras and connected applications improve the quality of data in video surveillance and the speed at which it can be accessed. IoT can also be applied to the day-to-day operating requirements needed to keep people safe. Maintaining a safe and secure environment requires people, physically doing their job. By combining the power of Near Field Communications (NFC) and smart phones we create another IoT data source. Doing so enables operators to access the data necessary to demonstrate what is being doing to ensure the people, customers, employees, visitors, and vendors, are safe while on site.