Video analytics uncovered

CCTV

The real analytics applications

Video analytics have extended the use of CCTV beyond simple security, but what are the real applications that benefit from analytics?

Video security systems are improving all the time, and as a growing number of users make the adjustment to modern solutions like CCTV cloud storage, new possibilities like video analytics are also emerging.

This technology can be used for a whole range of different purposes, from crime prevention, through to resource management. Additionally, with the emergence of Covid-19 and associated rules on social contact, it can play a valuable role in helping companies to enforce the safety guidelines and keep their employees safe.

Some of the applications we see from manufacturers can be a little ‘blue sky thinking’ meant to stimulate ideas rather than focus on real life situations that can be improved straight away. We asked Logan Bell of Cloudview to give us his top five genuine uses for video analytics in security and business.

Crime and anomaly detection

The detection and prevention of crime have always been among the most pressing concerns requiring CCTV solutions. One of the key ways in which video analytics is helping to change the game is through real-time - or close to real-time - crime and anomaly detection, helping businesses and others to react much more swiftly.

The kind of anomaly detection software needed for this works through the deployment of machine learning algorithms. According to a recent guide published by the CPNI, this then allows a CCTV system to gain a sense of what a 'normal' scene looks like, allowing it to more quickly and easily detect when something is out of the ordinary.

Although such anomaly detection systems are far from infallible, they can present security staff and others monitoring CCTV with the necessary 'nudge' needed to react quickly in the event of something unexpected taking place. This then makes it much easier to detect crime as and when it occurs, rather than responding after the damage is done.

Calculating retail footfall

One of the simpler uses for video analytics occurs within retail settings, with the technology helping to detect the levels of retail footfall. Such technology can be invaluable for businesses, especially if they operate multiple premises because it allows them to understand which stores or locations are attracting the most customers.

Going further, retail companies can use video analytics to pick up on significant trends. For instance, it may be that through a combination of CCTV cloud storage and video analytics, they are able to detect that the number of customers entering a particular store increases at a particular time of day, or at a particular time of the year.

Detection of footfall in such a way can also be useful for other reasons. As an example, a store might be able to use video analytics to detect which areas of their shop floor are busiest. When this information is analysed and compared across different premises, it becomes much easier to identify the products customers are interested in.

Enforcing Covid protocols

The use of video analytics technology has expanded into new areas as a consequence of the pandemic and the various safety protocols and procedures that have been introduced. One of the key ways in which video analytics is helping to change the game is through real-time - or close to real-time - crime and anomaly detection

CCTV

Video analytics can be used to conduct behavioural analysis, in real-time, alerting security staff and others to specific situations

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Here, the technology can be used to automatically detect breaches in protocol, or to identify areas of risk.

When combined with CCTV cloud recording, video analytics can allow businesses, event organisers, security firms, law enforcement and other authorities to continually analyse locations. Artificial intelligence can enable CCTV systems to quickly and accurately detect non-compliance with mask-wearing, social distancing and mass gathering rules.

Aside from enforcing laws, this technology makes it significantly easier for employers to operate a safe workplace and to have people working on-site. Any breaches of Covid guidelines can be detected immediately and dealt with, resulting in a workforce that feels less vulnerable and more like their employer is actively considering their safety at all times.

Of course, at the moment we don’t know the long-term lifespan of Covid-based technology solutions, but for now analytics certainly has a role to play.

Evidence-based decisions

Another way in which video analytics can be used within retail and other business settings is with a view to making evidence-based staffing decisions. The ability to monitor how busy retail locations are can help companies to respond to situations and allocate staff resources appropriately.

Shops, restaurants and other businesses with multiple premises can use video analytics to move employees from one location to another, in response to changes in demand. Over time, machine learning and artificial intelligence can build up a picture of what a typical scene looks like and identify when one location seems excessively busy.

When combined with CCTV cloud recording, alerts can also be sent when certain specific conditions are met, such as a specified number of customers being physically present in a store. The ability to move employees from location to location swiftly, based on need, can also save employers money by reducing the overall number of staff they employ.

Real-time behavioural analysis

Finally, video analytics can also be used to conduct behavioural analysis, in real-time, alerting security staff and others to specific situations. For instance, it may be possible to use the technology to identify when groups of people are gathering near a location and remaining there for a particular length of time.

This ability to identify patterns of behaviour can be useful in reducing threats like vandalism, damage to property, theft, anti-social behaviour and a variety of similar problems.

It is also possible to use video analytics to set up certain 'no go' areas in a workplace, or the surrounding area. This can be used to notify senior staff if someone enters these areas.

Conclusion

Video analytics has an increasingly important role to play in modern security strategies and the technology can be used in many useful ways, from assisting with crime detection and prevention, to assisting businesses with staffing decisions and keeping their employees safe in the Covid era and beyond.

Some of the analytics you’ll see publicised at trade shows will be astounding and very clever, but at the moment the majority of installed systems are not using the technology in such applications.

In the long term, the analytics that will become mainstream and more commonly used will be the ones that provide genuine benefits rather than those offering services that sound great in principle but ultimately only result in marginal operational bonuses or business sense.