comment june20.qxp_000_Benchmark_feb15 15/05/2020 12:53 Page 1
COMMENT
Beware the Claims of Pandemic Solutions n times of difficulty or when social or economic situations throw up a number of new challenges, it doesn’t take long for technology companies to reinvent existing products or ideas in development to offer some type of solution. While it is true that such conditions also attract scammers of the lowest type, not all of the claims made will be dishonest. Indeed, a number of established and truster brands will also offer solutions, but it is critical integrators and end users consider the facts. Already we’ve all seen advertisements and social media posts from companies we’ve never heard of claiming to be leaders in the field of video analytics with a solution to detecting those infected with COVID 19. The only advice when dealing with such companies is to use common sense. If you haven’t heard of them before, it’s not the time to start right now. However, a number of trusted companies are adapting products to deliver some level of support for businesses and organisations looking to return to some level of operational capacity in the near future. Even so, integrators and end users must ensure the solutions they select will deliver the expected results. For example, much has been made of the role thermal imaging can play in detecting those who are infected with COVID 19. Some end users will have seen news reports and therefore assume it might be prudent to use thermal devices to monitor staff or visitors. Of course, things aren’t that clear-cut. The first consideration is a medical one. Not all COVID 19 carriers will have a temperature. They might be at an early stage of infection, may be asymptomatic, or be one of the people who don’t have a temperature. Equally, not all people showing an elevated temperature will be infected with COVID 19. One integrator recently had to stop his customer ordering the installation of thermal imagers. On enquiring why they were needed and hearing the answer, he had to explain the cameras requested (on the basis of cost) would not be able to detect specific
I
In recent weeks there has been a deluge of products which claim to offer solutions to COVID 19. These range from temperature-based detection to video analytics to implement social distancing. While some products can help, there is no simple tool to solve a complicated and on-going crisis. temperature ranges. The user’s assumption was all thermal imagers would’ve such functionality. The final point is that many thermal imagers with temperature sensing are designed for industrial use. Many have tolerances of ±5 degrees, making them unsuitable for the high levels of accuracy required. IVA can play a role in detecting people not wearing masks or being in groups or too close together, but it is vital people understand these are not absolute solutions to complex problems. Technology has a role to play, but expectations must be met. COVID 19 is a matter of life or death, and ensuring solutions are not oversold is critical if society at all levels is to be protected by advanced systems or technology-based solutions. 5
