How network camera applications are supporting digital transformation

By Markus Lai, Regional Manager Sales Engineering & Training

The first Axis network camera paved the way for a shift from traditional CCTV systems towards a smarter world of connectivity, data sharing and integration. Over time, the addition of powerful innovations to complement the network camera, such as analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), has resulted in a wide variety of network-ready technologies available to the market to satisfy all manner of requirements, both large and small.

Such is the potential for modern network cameras with high-quality images and edge-processing capabilities, that they are progressively finding new and varied applications in an increasingly digitalised world. While CCTV and network cameras have become synonymous with security, we are increasingly seeing primary applications where there is no related security factor.

The possibilities afforded by integrating cameras into a data acquisition system, for example, enable manufacturing businesses to quickly and efficiently analyse operational data to optimise processes, while constantly monitoring for potential failures in their automated systems. Cameras, used as sensors, are helping to drive efficiencies right at the cutting edge across a wide range of industries and sectors.

Digitalisation, video data and Industry 4.0

Digitalisation has meant that cloud infrastructure and the exchange of information across networks now underpins modern society. This is further enhanced by the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling a network of devices and sensors to connect and communicate. And the more recent addition of artificial intelligence (AI) means data can be used to augment human decision-making processes.

Indeed, the fourth phase of the industrial revolution, commonly termed Industry 4.0, utilises cyber-physical systems (CPS), interconnectivity, automation and real-time data to transform the manufacturing industry, improving operations and using data to automate many manual or repetitive tasks.

Here, interconnected devices and sensors on cloud infrastructure - the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) – are influencing the way goods are produced and packaged. Network cameras with powerful analytics capabilities can be trained to detect anomalies when monitoring, for example, high-speed production lines that would be beyond the capability of the human eye in terms of speed and scale. If an error is detected in the video data a production line can be automatically stopped, before the knock-on effects are felt.

Innovation to complement human productivity

As computers connect and communicate with one another, they can increasingly make decisions without human involvement. Within a logistics environment, network cameras with built-in analytics are used to detect serial numbers. The solution utilises video data and AI to link the serial number of a product to a corresponding batch number and then assigns the correct delivery address for that product. This information is sent back to the warehouse floor, where a delivery label is printed displaying the address and batch number. The process takes only four seconds, significantly saving time and reducing the margin for error.

Yet, this does not represent a threat to human productivity. Instead, it essentially enhances and complements people, allowing them to work smarter and cover a greater number of tasks more quickly. A crane operator at a busy shipping port is benefiting from technology that can improve accuracy while enabling greater efficiency when loading and unloading containers. Network cameras attached to the end of the crane arm send an image to a screen mounted in the driver’s cab, giving crystal-clear imagery #AxisInnovates of what is happening on the ground. Fine-tuning movements become possible, while picture-perfect image quality even in lowlight conditions using AXIS Lightfinder, means that productivity is unaffected by adverse weather or seasonal changes with longer periods of darkness.

Smarter efficiency with a greener agenda

The use of machines will only increase if greater productivity and efficiency gains are realised, which means leaner use of resources and less waste. And employing network cameras that are designed for low-power consumption are also better for the environment and will ultimately represent cost savings to businesses from an energy point of view. In addition, the use of edge processing capabilities means that only relevant data is passed back through the cloud for storage or wider analysis, saving on bandwidth, while Axis Zipstream technology further improves bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50% or more. All of this supports a greener business agenda.

In the digital age, network cameras used for their ability to collect and process data will have a key role to play in supporting digital transformation. Businesses across a wide range of industries are already benefiting from varied uses of network cameras and sensors that are fast becoming an essential component in their operations. High-quality, robust and cutting-edge solutions are unlocking a smarter, more connected and more efficient world for modern industry.