Remote” has been a bit of a buzz word for video surveillance in 2012. Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), and its ability to provide remote access, has been keenly debated with opinion divided on whether it will be successful.
“Remote” has been a bit of a buzz word for video surveillance in 2012. Video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), and its ability to provide remote access, has been keenly debated with opinion divided on whether it will be successful. Additionally, remote video monitoring has become an increasingly important recurring monthly revenue (RMR) generator for many alarm receiving centres. Both of these examples relate to video surveillance; however, the focus remains firmly on physical security. So what about leveraging “remote” video surveillance in non-security applications?
Looking at VSaaS applications, the technology provides customers with a window into their business when they are not on-site. This can be used for basic (but important) checks, such as ensuring nothing is blocking a fire escape and checking that employees are doing their jobs correctly. It can even be used to check that something has been put away correctly or just for ease of mind that the site is secure and safe.
While these types of drivers have been present in the market for some time, the potential to use remote access to video surveillance for other applications is likely to become more important in 2013. Video surveillance in a bar or restaurant could be accessed by a customer remotely to make a decision on whether they visit that location (availability of seating could be a key factor). Another example is that increased advertising, or even Groupon promotions, could be assessed very quickly by management to see whether a perceived increase in footfall was achieved. The video could also be used by customers to check whether a current promotion has increased queues and waiting times for the promotion.
These applications are only the tip of the iceberg. It is likely that 2013 will see more exciting new applications of “remote” video surveillance.