Cameras are the eyes of modern security systems. This makes them an indispensable part of perimeter protection. Especially when large areas or several locations need to be centrally monitored, video technology can bring its advantages to bear.
Video systems are perfect for making recordings during access control, as part of burglary protection or for motion detection, from which further measures can be derived. Ideally, they are individually tailored to the respective application and the objects to be protected. However, cameras often pay for themselves through their deterrent effect: visibly installed, they can prevent unauthorized intrusion or criminal acts.
Depending on the requirements, the selection ranges from cameras that only provide the pure video image to high-tech solutions with complex analysis options. The devices themselves can come up with intelligent features and provide information for perimeter protection with their sensors. If only the detection of movements is required, slimmed-down video systems or intelligent video cameras are sufficient. They only trigger in the event of an alarm – i.e. when a movement is detected.
Video surveillance as part of the IoT
If more effective solutions are required, it is advisable to network the video systems with the security IT and other site protection components. They are connected to servers via the Internet of Things and combine the electronic processing in the camera with other software applications. For example, if the system reports card use at an access point, the camera triggers and the image recognition software can identify the vehicle number. Software and interface standards as well as norms such as DIN EN 62676 “Video surveillance systems for security applications – Rules of application” facilitate the integration.
However, the security-relevant use of cameras can go far beyond the detection of unauthorized persons or vehicles on the premises. Equipped with thermal imaging sensors, they can not only detect people in all lighting conditions, but also detect fires and smoke development at an early stage, for example.
Video codecs and digital recording devices offer further possibilities through their computing capacity and storage space. These include, for example, artificial intelligence. Algorithms make it possible to use given data or knowledge from the past to better recognise events and avert dangers.
Only a protected video system increases security
However, the use of video technology on the premises also has its pitfalls. Data protection and data security must be considered from the very beginning of the planning process to ensure legally compliant use. As far as data protection is concerned, marking the monitored area is often enough. In addition, there are company agreements and the protection of the privacy of employees or visitors, e.g., in changing rooms.
As with all networked systems, it is important not to make the security system a gateway for attackers. Video images, sound recordings or movement patterns can be exploited by criminals. For this reason alone, it is advisable to integrate the video surveillance system into the IT security infrastructure.
Planning video security technology
When planning video systems, the required image quality plays a major role. Aspects such as contrast, resolution, images per second and resistance to weather influences must be reconciled. If, in the worst case, the images cannot be used or are not analysed satisfactorily by the software, companies are saving in the wrong place. In the worst case, a video system that is too powerful can cause investment costs to skyrocket. Costs and required image quality should therefore always be the basis of the investment decision. Experienced advisors provide valuable services in planning – at the Perimeter Protection in Nuremberg, for example, the experts for video surveillance can be found.
Even after a system has been installed, it is necessary to continue to maintain the hardware and keep the software permanently up to date. This is the only way to maintain functionality and ensure cyber security. Lack of maintenance leads, for example, to frequent false alarms and thus calls into question the acceptance and purpose of the system. Therefore, careful instruction and training of security personnel and the definition of responsibilities as well as testing and maintenance schedules are important. If the resources are not available in the own company, there are qualified security providers who continuously keep the systems up to date.
So when investing in a video surveillance system, companies need to consider various trade-offs that vary from property to property. Once the right application has been selected, this often results in further advantages for the security of people and assets.
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