Fearing’s Barrett Smallwood on Security Video Analytics Tech and Trends
Picture this — a line at your business has been crossed and a thief is about to get away with some very expensive material from your warehouse.
But someone is watching. An alert is sent, and the crook’s plans are foiled.
Too good to be true?
It happens on a regular basis for Fearing’s Audio Video Security customers, and Security Design Engineer Barrett Smallwood has countless examples where the watchful eye of an effectively planned video surveillance system made the difference.
“There used to be someone on a central console monitoring what all the cameras were watching, but technology has changed,” Fearing’s Security Systems Design Engineer Barrett Smallwood says. “Right now, every camera is basically its own computer. Each one is watching, analyzing, and if something doesn’t look right, an instant message is sent for a quick response to minimize any risk. It is a great industrial tool for our clients to save money in the long run.”
A prime example of match-and-tracking video surveillance is provided by Avigilon Video Analytics, whose features include pattern-based analytics, sharper alert accuracy, instant notifications, remote intrusion deterrence, rules and alarms, and increased storage capabilities.
Years of Experience in High-Risk Environments
Smallwood’s experience in security monitoring is intense with years spent in Lake Tahoe casinos and Mississippi River gambling boats. Often ahead of the curve compared to others in the field, Smallwood prides himself in continuing to have the most updated technology information for Fearing’s customers. “The latest and greatest may be fun for your company, but it isn’t always the solution,” Smallwood says. “You are the expert of your business, we listen to the needs and wants, then design a pro-active surveillance solution based on that information.”
He also says technology can change every couple of months, but there are two trends worthy of consideration right now:
- Appearance search. A simple click on a person or object in the video from one camera. It then pulls up the matching images of the person or object from every camera, tracking the movement throughout your business.
- Cloud-based storage. A computer-based security camera can send video to a remote storage file, or the cloud. It allows years of video to be saved rather than having to manually delete video every few days.
“For your own liability, you need a surveillance solution to help secure your business, monitor your manufacturing process, and so much more,” Smallwood says. “Many warehouses have millions of dollars worth of items and need an advanced safety solution. But a small business has things to protect too, and for little cost, can feel secure about the technology. Either way, one incident circumvented, and the system has paid for itself.”
