What is remote video surveillance, & how does it work?

05/07/2024

keep an eye on that new construction project 24/7?

Fear not! Gone are the days of relying solely on security guards patrolling vast properties or grainy recorded video footage.

Thanks to technological advancements, we see a new era of proactive security: Remote video surveillance.

Remote video surveillance is all about proactive detection and prompt action!

Sounds interesting?

Hold onto your hats because we’re about to break down exactly what remote video surveillance is, how it operates, and why businesses everywhere are jumping on board!

Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is remote video surveillance?

What is Remote Video Surveillance?

Remote video surveillance is 24/7 monitoring of inventory, equipment, and property with security cameras connected to a remote monitoring hub.

This remote monitoring center is staffed by highly trained operators who meticulously analyze live video feeds, swiftly respond to alarms triggered by security breaches and unusual activities, and adhere to established SOPs.

Remote video surveillance is also referred to as live video monitoring because the remote operators have access to the live video feeds of the monitored area.

When an alarm is triggered at the monitored location, a remote operator will handle the situation by:

  • Reviewing live and recorded video to assess what caused the alarm.
  • Using on-site speakers for audio interventions to deter intruders.
  • Implementing further actions as per client-specific SOPs, such as dispatching security guards, contacting the site owner, or notifying the police.

How does remote video surveillance work?

Remote video surveillance starts with strategic placement of cameras and horn loudspeakers around the perimeter of your business.

When an intruder enters the monitored area, a video alarm is immediately sent to the remote security operations center.

Trained operators respond by reviewing the footage and, if a threat is confirmed, they act swiftly according to your business’s predefined SOPs.

They remain vigilant until the threat is resolved or authorities arrive on site.

The incident video is then securely stored in the cloud for a predetermined period of time.

Let’s take a peek at how different industries are leveraging remote video monitoring to up their security game.

From bustling retail stores to sprawling construction sites, the applications are endless!

Industries that can benefit from Remote Video Monitoring

Shared living complexes:

Remote video monitoring can enhance security for apartment buildings, condominiums, and gated communities. You can monitor entry points, common areas, and parking lots. This enhances the proactive detection of break-ins, porch pirates, vandalism and loiterers on property.

Car dealerships:

Remote video monitoring helps protect valuable inventory by monitoring showroom floors, outdoor lots, and service areas, deterring theft and vandalism, and providing evidence in case of car thefts and auto parts theft, such as catalytic converters.

Construction sites:

Remote video monitoring offers around-the-clock surveillance of construction sites, safeguarding equipment, materials, and personnel from theft, vandalism, fire, and unauthorized access, thereby ensuring project progress and minimizing losses.

Public parking lots:

Remote video monitoring enhances safety and security in public parking lots by deterring criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, and vehicle break-ins, and providing assistance in locating lost or stolen vehicles.

Retailers:

Remote video monitoring helps retailers in preventing shoplifting, employee theft, and fraudulent activities by monitoring store premises and POS.

Truck yards:

Remote video monitoring helps secure truck yards and distribution centers by monitoring loading docks, storage areas, and perimeter fences, deterring theft, unauthorized access, and cargo tampering, and ensuring the efficient operation of logistics and supply chain processes.

The benefits of Remote Video Surveillance

Now buckle up because we’re about to uncover some game-changing benefits!
From preventing theft to improving operational efficiency, remote video surveillance is a game-changer for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Enhanced Response Times:

Real-time monitoring of your property allows security operators to react quickly to potential threats or unusual activity. This rapid response time can minimize damage and deter criminal activity before it escalates.

24/7 Vigilance by Trained Professionals:

Remote video monitoring centers offer access to a team of experienced security professionals who respond to video alarms around the clock. This provides peace of mind for business owners.

Unparalleled Visibility from Anywhere:

With remote access capabilities, you can view live camera feeds from anywhere using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. This gives you a virtual eye on your property 24/7, providing peace of mind and the ability to check in remotely whenever needed.

Customized Solutions for Every Industry:

Remote surveillance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Leading security providers offer tailored camera placements, monitoring protocols, and integration with existing security systems to perfectly match the specific needs of your business, regardless of your industry.

How AI is transforming Remote Video Monitoring

As technology progresses, security systems are becoming increasingly advanced. Cloud analytics can enhance any brand or model of security camera, making them smarter and capable of detecting anomalies like smoke, loitering, suspicious behavior, and intrusions.

Smoke and fire detection

The top remote video monitoring service providers offer rapid smoke and fire detection by identifying and triggering alarms at the first signs of a fire, preventing it from escalating into a larger blaze. Industries such as warehouses with invaluable inventory, towering multi-story condos, remote construction sites in the wilderness, or bustling parking lots can derive immense benefits from quick detection!

Loitering detection

This AI solution recognizes humans or vehicles in the monitored zone of your business and initiates a countdown timer upon identifying an object. If the entity remains for a specified duration (e.g., 1 minute), an automated voice through on-site horn loudspeakers issues a warning, informing the individual or driver that they are on private property and requesting their departure. If the person or vehicle does not leave, a second countdown begins. Should they persist beyond another minute, a video alarm is sent to the security operations center. Remote operators then review the footage, assess the situation, and execute the pre-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which may involve live voice interventions, contacting emergency services, or alerting the police based on the severity of the situation.

Crowd detection

Remote video surveillance extends beyond mere security camera monitoring for breaches. The crowd detection AI solution delivers crucial insights into space utilization, crowd movement, and density. This enables effective crowd management in large venues such as shopping centers, mass gatherings, or stadiums. It also aids business managers in adhering to fire codes and occupancy limits. Additionally, the solution’s heat mapping and detailed customer movement analytics provide key data for retailers, revealing optimal times for advertising, identifying high-interest products, assessing the effectiveness of display placements, and pinpointing peak operational hours.

License plate recognition

Remote video surveillance gives you full control to instantly identify every vehicle entering or leaving your property. LPR is an intelligent system that captures images of license plates, reads the alphanumeric characters, and converts them into digital data. This data can then be used as evidence in improving security, automation, and efficiency across various industries such as parking lots, condos, office buildings, etc.

Shoplifting detection

This behavior-based AI solution enhances retail security by detecting gestures indicative of shoplifting, such as hiding items in clothing, baby strollers, or carrying multiple bags, and suspicious actions like frequently glancing at security cameras. In contrast, it recognizes normal customer behaviors, such as examining products on shelves and then returning them. This targeted approach helps prevent theft effectively in retail environments.
What’s advantageous about this solution is that it focuses on identifying specific gestures rather than individuals, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Conclusion

Remote video surveillance is a paradigm shift in security solutions for businesses of all sizes.

With AI-powered analytics and real-time monitoring by expert operators, remote video surveillance enables proactive detection and swift response to threats and suspicious activities.

Businesses across various industries can benefit from tailored solutions that offer 24/7 surveillance and remote access to live camera feeds!

So, what are you waiting for? Join the remote video surveillance revolution and take control of your business’s security like never before!