Surveillance systems that incorporate a decentralized approach to surveillance are suitable for many installations. In a decentralized system, each camera incorporates its own high-speed computer and long-term memory card to provide several days of recording time. The PC and the video control center therefore serve only to view and control the cameras because computer-intensive functions are already integrated into the cameras. The decentralized concept also reduces bandwidth consumption.

More Uses, More Value

The use of video analytic is growing in nontraditional surveillance applications. With the addition of analytic, video becomes a management tool to optimize business operations. For example, analytic can be used to gauge staffing levels, measure the number of customers in a retail store at a given time, monitor dwell times and traffic flow patterns, and enhance customer service. Adding video analytic turns video data into business intelligence and, therefore, extends the benefit of a surveillance system beyond security and loss prevention. Given the added benefits, the cost of a video surveillance system can be divided across multiple departments within an organization, such as marketing and human resources. Multiple stakeholders can now tap into the value of video.

ScalabilityWhen selling IP surveillance, it is critical that VARs focus on the overall benefits megapixel video can provide: higher resolution images, increased forensic value, more cost-effective deployments and increased return on investment. It is also important to point out that IP deployments are completely scalable, and a user can grow his or her surveillance network at any time. Depending on the customer’s risk profile, megapixel cameras can be used in high-risk areas at first, and then additional cameras can be added as the risk profile changes or budgets increase.

Modern surveillance systems based on IP can be set up economically for any size project using standardized network components and existing connection paths. A comprehensive megapixel solution provides higher resolution images, increased forensic value, more cost-effective deployments and faster ROI.