What are the Best IP Cameras, Video Management Software, and AI-Enhanced Systems?
To determine the best surveillance system, you must first understand your objectives. The purposes of your surveillance system include increased safety, reduced theft, improved productivity, and reduced liability. It also includes how quickly you need to be notified of an alarm condition.
This article describes how to select the best IP surveillance system.
Objectives for IP Camera Systems:
Do you want to be alerted to danger, or do you only need to record the video for later review? These are very important considerations. Your objectives affect the price and performance of your surveillance camera system. For help determining your goals, read our article Defining Your Objectives.
Safety and security are increasingly essential objectives for surveillance camera systems, and the latest intelligent IP cameras offer advanced analytics that enhance your security. These AI-enhanced camera systems serve as your first line of defense against active-shooter incidents and rising domestic terrorism. Alternatively, you may only need to record the video to determine how many people are in the store or working in the office.
In general, IP cameras used for historical recording and review typically lack analytics and are less expensive. The higher-priced surveillance camera can trigger an alarm if an object crosses a line or if someone leaves a package in a busy terminal. Surveillance systems can also use AI-enhanced software that provides immediate detection of dangerous situations. Our article “Defining Your Objectives ” offers more details on setting your objectives.
The Best IP Cameras
There are bullet, dome-type, and PTZ cameras. Some are designed for indoor use, while others are suitable for outdoor use in low-light conditions. Specialty cameras with enclosures that protect them from extreme environments can be used to view the inside of a blast furnace. In contrast, long-range specialty cameras can capture a rocket launch from over two miles away.
Sometimes, people choose the least expensive model and are disappointed with the results. Reviewing all the available IP cameras saves time and money, providing the best opportunity to meet your application objectives. To learn more about the key specifications, please read our article, “What IP Camera Specifications Are Important.”
Select the Right IP Cameras
Dome cameras, equipped with built-in IR and low-light performance, are a good choice for many outdoor applications where there is no lighting. They are ideal for monitoring indoor or outdoor areas, including offices, retail stores, and warehouses. The protective dome also helps shield the camera from tampering or vandalism.
Bullet cameras are a good choice if you want an easy-to-install camera and want to show the direction of the camera’s view. They are easy to install since you don’t have to disassemble the camera to aim it. Many bullet cameras include IR illumination and a remote zoom lens. These cameras often monitor outdoor areas, such as building perimeters, parking lots, and access roads.
The PTZ camera is best for scanning a large area. It is also used to see distant objects and zoom in on a specific target. For example, the XNP-6550 PTZ camera features a maximum focal length of 500 mm, providing sufficient resolution to read a license plate from approximately 540m (1,770 ft). The camera also features a powerful IR illuminator, enabling it to identify a person at night from over 500 m (1,600 ft).
To learn more about selecting the right camera, please read our article, Best IP Camera for Your Application.
Video Management Software
Video management software (VMS) is a critical component of your surveillance system. Today, video management systems do more than record video; they have evolved to provide integrated security capabilities and, with the addition of AI-enhanced security software, deliver immediate alerts of security incidents.
Here Are the Best Choices for Your VMS:
WAVE Video Management Software
The Wisenet WAVE VMS is a powerful yet easy-to-use software solution for managing your IP cameras. It is a flexible software solution that supports a large number of cameras and includes enhancements such as an events and rules engine, mobile client support, and the ability to merge multiple servers, so your surveillance system can scale as needed.
To learn more, see WAVE Video Management Software.
HxGN dC3 from Hexagon
The Hexagon dC3 solution is based on the Ocularis Video Management Software. You can add the S2 Access control software. It supports Lenell, Isonas (hosted), and other access control.
This is a good choice if you want to start with a video management system that integrates with access control. It is a unified physical security technology ecosystem designed to manage the entire incident lifecycle and minimize its impact. This innovative solution combines the C3 approach—Command, Control, and Collaborate—familiar from the control center environment with advanced event-detection capabilities. Learn more…
Armatura Advanced Access Control Software
Armatura provides a gateway to multiple security solutions, including the WAVE video manager software. This is a web-based solution that includes various modules, such as Video Management System, Access Control, Time & Attendance, and more.
Functions Available Include: Access Control, Video Management, Elevator Control, and Data Monitor.
To learn more about the latest Video Management Software, please read our article, Video Management Software Advances.
AI-Enhanced Surveillance Software
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be integrated into your VMS. The AI can analyze data coming from stationary and portable cameras. By matching the data results from the decision-making algorithm, the software can detect guns, identify people and vehicles, and make decisions based on human behavior, including fighting or people falling.
Scy-AI, an AI-enhanced software, is a good choice for upgrading your surveillance system. It analyzes collected video data and distributes alerts to law enforcement response units via web and mobile channels, including threat information, location, and suspect identity.
Summary of Surveillance Systems
It is essential to define your objectives before purchasing a surveillance system. There are many camera and software options, so it’s helpful to consult a professional for advice. IP Cameras have become more powerful and intelligent, and video management systems have become easier to use and to integrate with access control and other security products. With AI enhancements, surveillance systems are more effective at improving security.
If you need help determining the best way to increase your organization’s surveillance system. Please get in touch with us at 914-944-3425, email dennis@kintronics.com, or use our contact form.