Reflecting on impacts in the security industry over the last year

This year, one of the most defining trends in the security industry has been the expansion of security analytics applications, specifically the inclusion of those software capabilities directly into the cameras. Many industries are looking at ways to extract additional value from their security installations. We are now beginning to see just that, namely cameras equipped with advanced analytics software that provide various business intelligence data points – from face detection to “people counting” for high-traffic areas, and even age and gender recognition – ultimately helping businesses better understand customer demographics and improve their operations. In a retail setting, for example, analytics are now being used to determine floor behaviour and traffic patterns; in turn, retailers can see what items are getting the most eyes and how they can reconfigure the store to be more shopper-friendly.

The trend in prices seems downward. Slow recovery from world recession means buyers want rock bottom prices and many suppliers oblige. In my field of CCTV 2014 has seen HD become dominant. Untruths about 4K when compared against HD resonated with buyers’ interest in larger megapixel images using cheaper mass storage. Claims about low-light cameras and wide-dynamic-range tempt us with greater picture clarity, but the Analytics buzz just turned into noise. What didn’t change? The sales & marketing misinformation through which our industry assumes in can secure its sales. The marketing people tout vacuous new jargon whilst studiously avoiding independently verifiable facts. They don’t let inconvenient truths get in their way or, as we techies call them, the Laws of Physics. Let’s hope 2015’s trends include: the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, despite competitive pressure. Stop giving us geeks your shallow answers to our deep legitimate questions. Suppliers, we want to trust you. That needs change.

Although the threat of terrorists continues to be the lead motivator for installing perimeter protection and vehicle access control solutions, there are many non-certified competitors muddying the waters with claims that they have met such standards when, indeed, they have not. This can create confusion for buyers and could lead to some dangerous situations for those that were persuaded that certifications don’t matter.