Several key sectors are leading the charge in adopting cutting-edge solutions in North American video surveillance market in 2024
As the demand for advanced video surveillance technology continues to surge across North America in 2024, several key sectors, including retail, healthcare, transportation, and banking, are leading the charge in adopting cutting-edge solutions.
With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technologies, and the increasing need for integrated cybersecurity measures, the video surveillance industry is evolving rapidly.
These developments are not only enhancing traditional security applications but are also enabling operational efficiencies and new use cases across diverse industries. In this feature, we explore the driving forces behind this growth and the key challenges facing the market.
AI and cloud: revolutionizing video surveillance
The integration of AI into video surveillance has fundamentally transformed the industry over the past few years, with 2024 marking a year where these technologies have matured into essential tools for security management and operational insights.
AI-powered surveillance cameras are capable of automating threat detection, recognizing objects, and even predicting potential future incidents, which has significantly improved the efficiency and intelligence of security systems.
“AI-enabled cameras, face detection, and edge-based analytics are revolutionizing how organizations manage security, enabling proactive threat detection and real-time response,” said Gerard Figols, Chief Product Officer at i-PRO.
This shift towards intelligent, data-driven security systems is particularly evident in critical sectors such as healthcare and transportation, where the ability to detect and respond to incidents in real time can be lifesaving.
The rise of cloud-based video surveillance solutions has also been instrumental in driving market growth. Cloud technology offers enhanced scalability, security, and flexibility, allowing businesses to streamline installation and management while reducing costs.
Steve Prodger, Chief Revenue Officer at Arcules, highlighted the cloud’s transformative impact, stating, “Cloud-based video solutions have introduced new levels of scalability, flexibility, and enhanced security. They have streamlined installation and simplified system management.”
This combination of AI and cloud technologies is not only addressing traditional security concerns but is also opening new opportunities in areas like operational efficiency and customer engagement, particularly in retail.
Retail: beyond security to operational efficiency
In the retail sector, video surveillance has long been a key tool for loss prevention, helping businesses monitor for theft, shrinkage, and fraud. However, in 2024, the role of surveillance has expanded well beyond security.
Retailers are increasingly leveraging video analytics to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, optimize store layouts, and even enhance marketing strategies.
“Retailers are leveraging advanced video analytics to better understand customer behavior, track foot traffic, and optimize store layouts, which in turn enhances operational efficiency,” noted Charles Nguyen, Product Marketing Manager at Genetec.
This shift has been driven in part by the need to compete with online shopping by providing a more personalized and engaging in-store experience. Video surveillance also helps retailers ensure adherence to policies, monitor employee productivity, and secure warehouses and stockrooms.
These new use cases demonstrate the evolving nature of surveillance technology in retail, where it is not only used to deter crime but also to drive business performance.
Healthcare: balancing security and privacy
The healthcare sector has its own unique challenges when it comes to video surveillance. While security is paramount—protecting patients, staff, and sensitive areas from potential threats—there is also the need to comply with stringent privacy regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Healthcare providers are “increasingly seeking surveillance solutions that offer robust data protection and privacy features to strike a balance between security needs and regulatory compliance,” said Nguyen.
This dual need for security and privacy has driven healthcare organizations to adopt more sophisticated video surveillance systems that not only provide real-time monitoring but also protect patient information from unauthorized access.
Video surveillance in healthcare is also being used to enhance operational efficiency, from monitoring patient behavior to preventing incidents like falls and ensuring the safety of both patients and staff in high-risk areas such as emergency rooms and psychiatric wards.
The ability to monitor restricted areas and ensure compliance with health regulations has become essential in maintaining a safe and secure healthcare environment.
Transportation: optimizing safety and operations
In the transportation sector, video surveillance plays a critical role in ensuring public safety across airports, subways, highways, and transit systems. These solutions enable authorities to monitor traffic flow, respond to incidents, and secure passengers and staff.
As transportation networks grow more connected and complex, the need for integrated security and operational management systems has increased.
“Video analytics help optimize traffic flow, by allowing organizations to analyze metadata and respond accordingly,” explained Figols.
This capability is particularly valuable in transportation, where efficient traffic management can prevent accidents, reduce delays, and improve the overall passenger experience.
In addition to preventing vandalism and deterring crime, transportation authorities are using video surveillance to manage incidents such as emergencies and delays in real time. This not only enhances security but also ensures that transportation systems run smoothly and efficiently.
Financial institutions: combatting fraud and robberies
While retail, healthcare, and transportation are driving significant demand for video surveillance solutions, the banking and financial sectors are also seeing rapid adoption of advanced technologies to combat a growing range of security threats.
“The rise in fraudulent activities, like phishing, ransomware, ATM skimming, and robberies, has left financial institutions seeking a more effective solution to protect their assets and customers,” said Matt Tengwall, Senior Vice President and Global General Manager at Verint.
Financial institutions are increasingly turning to real-time video surveillance solutions that can detect suspicious behavior, such as loitering near ATMs or unauthorized access attempts inside a bank branch.
These intelligent surveillance systems not only enhance security but also protect sensitive customer information and help prevent costly security breaches. As the financial sector continues to evolve, the ability to monitor high-risk environments discreetly and securely will remain a key priority.
AI-generated content and the challenge of deep fakes
As video surveillance technologies become more sophisticated, so do the risks. One of the most pressing challenges in 2024 is the rise of AI-generated content, such as deep fakes, which can undermine the credibility and integrity of video data.
This poses a significant risk to businesses, legal systems, and public trust, as manipulated video content becomes more difficult to distinguish from authentic footage.
“The rise of AI-generated content, such as deep fakes, introduces significant challenges when it comes to ensuring the protection of digital media like video surveillance,” said Jason Crawforth, Founder and CEO of SWEAR. His company has developed a technology that embeds "Digital DNA" into each video frame, preserving its integrity and providing proof of authenticity through a blockchain ledger.
“This approach preserves its integrity and provides proof of authenticity through a blockchain ledger, which supports real-time, permanent protection of content authenticity,” added Crawforth.
As deep fakes and other forms of digital manipulation become more prevalent, the need for technologies that can verify the authenticity of surveillance data will only grow.
The future of video surveillance in North America
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2024 and beyond, it is clear that the video surveillance market in North America will continue to evolve. AI and cloud technologies are set to drive further innovation, unlocking new use cases and enhancing the value of video surveillance systems. From improving operational efficiency in retail to ensuring public safety in transportation and healthcare, video surveillance is becoming an indispensable tool for businesses and public institutions alike.
However, with these advancements come new challenges. The rise of AI-generated content and the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats will require ongoing investment in technologies that can secure and verify video data. As these challenges are met, the video surveillance industry will continue to thrive, providing ever-greater value to its users across North America.
In conclusion, the 2024 video surveillance landscape is one of rapid growth and innovation. As new technologies reshape the market, organizations across retail, healthcare, transportation, and banking are finding novel ways to leverage video surveillance for both security and operational purposes. With the right strategies and technologies in place, the future of video surveillance in North America looks bright, secure, and intelligent.
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