The security industry has been migrating away from analog to digital technology rather quickly for a while now. The advantages in switching from analog to digital are also well documented and include increased intelligence, system integration, greater scalability and lower total cost of ownership to name a few.

So, what’s next?

With new advancements in network technology, companies and organizations should feel more empowered than ever before to leave behind conventional thinking and go beyond traditional security. With more devices available for the network, greater functionality, integration and analytics, organizations can more efficiently interpret, predict and respond to situations. What’s more, innovators are using these smarter solutions to not only improve security but also enhance their businesses.

As you can imagine, it’s important to understand how to capitalize on this new world of thinking and what you should consider before investing in a network solution. Adding new dimensions to your business starts with identifying your challenges and goals and working with partners who can think outside the box to address your particular needs.

Let’s begin by examining the different ways network solutions are being re-imagined to enhance security and create smarter business.

Innovation through curiosity: Explore a new world of possibilities with network solutions

Innovation drives growth, but what drives innovation? It’s partially (if not mostly) the curiosity to challenge the status quo. The evolution of radar technology is a great example.

The first practical radar system was produced in 1935 for the military and then perfected for a number of industries, such as critical infrastructure where it’s used for an additional layer of protection. About ten years ago, a lower-cost radar system hit the commercial market for around $12,000, and since then, even newer radar systems have emerged. Radar is a great complement to network surveillance cameras because it could help minimize false alarms and deliver important information about detected objects that video cameras can’t provide, including the speed, direction and position of those detected.

Think about your own situation. Could you do a better job gaining insight on your risks and opportunities, and how your customers behave? Could network devices offer a new solution? Here are a few examples of how network surveillance technology can generate new possibilities for you.

• Retail analytics: Traditionally, stores used video surveillance to monitor for loss prevention and deter crime. But today, they’re taking advantage of state-of-the-art analytics to also gain valuable customer insight in real time so they can optimize business performance and improve the customer experience.  
  
  Stores can use AXIS People Counter to analyze customer flow and traffic trends, study how impactful certain advertising is and better position product displays to name a few.
  
  Beyond retail, John Merlino, Business Development Manager, Government, Axis Communications, Inc. noted this technology is being used in airports to track the number of people walking into a restroom. When a threshold is hit, the camera triggers an alert to cleaning crews. This not only keeps facilities clean but also helps management efficiently manage employees. In the military, AXIS People Counter is being used onboard a ship—helping officers track whether or not all crew members are on deck before operations begin.
   
• Education: The goal of any school is to create a safe, welcoming environment for students to learn and educators to teach. Most (if not all) schools employ video surveillance systems to provide a layer of safety and security. However, with tight budgets, every school looks to get the most out of their solution.
  
  One possible way to get a great return on your investment is to employ motion detection IP cameras and take advantage of Axis Zipstream technology, which can save bandwidth and storage. By also integrating cameras, access control and audio systems, you can respond to situations remotely by communicating through a network horn speaker or sending personnel to inspect the scene. And when you respond to situations appropriately, you can better manage costs and resources. Furthermore, by installing scalable solutions, you can easily update and enhance them as needed.
  
  Network solutions can also benefit education facilities beyond security. For example, network cameras can record lesson or lectures, or live stream classes.
   
• Smart cities: Safety is a critical component and responsibility of every city. However, keeping a city safe becomes increasingly more difficult as populations increase and new challenges emerge. That’s where an integrated, network surveillance system comes into play, allowing you to monitor key parts of a city and respond to incidents in real time.
  
  Take, for example, Atlanta, Georgia, which was looking to amplify its security efforts across the city to protect citizens. Its solution: Operation Shield. Launched by the Atlanta Police Foundation, the Video Integration Center (VIC) pulls video resources from private and public entities into a single command center. This gives the Atlanta Police Department a real-time view across the entire city so they can better combat criminal activity and improve emergency preparedness. At the same time, the VIC helps the city save on costs (equipment and maintenance) because it doesn’t have to own all of the surveillance cameras themselves.  

While curiosity certainly helps drive innovation, it’s critical to also consider how the products you’re using are being develop and the impact they could have on you, those around you and the environment. This leads us into the topic of sustainability, which more and more organizations and customers are operating with in focus.

Sustainability in focus: Consider the “how” just as much as the “what”

We believe it’s everyone’s responsibility—from governments and NGOs to businesses and individuals—to find ways to lessen their environmental impact. According to recent research by Nielsen, many consumers feel the same way with the majority not just wanting to purchase sustainable products but also looking to purchase ones from companies that operate sustainably. And it’s easy to see why.

Take, for example, polyvinyl chloride or PVC, which can emit toxic substances and is difficult to recycle. We’re continuing to phase out PVC in our products, the majority of which are actually PVC-free.

When considering network surveillance solutions, think about how the products are manufactured. Does the manufacturer make sustainability an important part of how they operate? Do they:

• Use conflict-free minerals?
• Ensure products don’t contain hazardous materials?
• Optimize packaging and use recycled instead of newly made plastic?
• Reduce the number of product parts?
• Minimize material waste?

Along these lines, consider what the solution can accomplish from a sustainability standpoint. Can it help you save energy, if that’s what you’re looking to accomplish? Take Rock Hill School District, which looked to upgrade its video surveillance system while aligning with its efforts to reduce energy consumption.

To accomplish this, Rock Hill determined taking a “campus blackout” approach was the best course of action. However, traditional video footage on a dark campus can make it challenging, if not impossible, to identify a trespasser. So Rock Hill looked to use a combination of Axis Lightfinder and OptimizedIR technology to capture high-resolution images in low light. The result? Not only did the school system improve safety—reporting a lower number of incidents—they significantly lowered their electrical costs (while lowering their carbon emissions at the same time).

Beyond, minimizing your impact on the environment and human health, working with a company that takes sustainability seriously can also help you build trust with stakeholders, whether those are customers, employees or even students. Let’s explore this further…

Build relationships through trust and transparency

Trust is a key part of any human relationship, so it’s not surprising it plays a crucial role in whether or not customers purchase a product or service.

In fact, the value of “trust” really can’t be overstated—recent research by Salesforce Research found that 92 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase goods or services from trusted companies.

However, that doesn’t mean customers believe businesses always have their best interests in mind. The same research found that just over half of those surveyed feel otherwise, which means companies have their work cut out to build strong, lasting connections.

The same can be said about other stakeholders, such as students, employees or community members. Whether you’re a school looking to improve campus security or a critical facility aiming to do the same, establishing trust is paramount, which is why we believe it’s critical to work with a manufacturer that controls all aspects of the production process. This greatly increases the chance its supply chain remains in compliance with sustainable standards and protocols. Companies (manufacturers included) should operate under a code of conduct and ensure its suppliers do as well. It should take seriously their long-term economic, environmental and social approach, as well as how operations throughout the chain may affect stakeholders.

James Harrington, an English political theorist once said, “The law is but words and paper without the hands and swords of men.” While the quote is obviously a bit dated, the point remains: Rules and regulations hold little weight if they’re not being enforced. This is why it’s important for sustainable companies to not only carefully choose who they work with but constantly evaluate how their suppliers are operating.

Axis is a player on the world stage, operating in more than 50 countries. Axis looks to ensure they’re acting in an ethical, responsible and transparent way in business relationships, which is why employees and the board comply with their anti-corruption policy and insider policy, and are educated on anti-corruption practices.

Axis believes the best way to earn a customer’s trust is through open, transparent communication. This is accomplished by understanding customers’ security needs and public requirements for privacy and security.

Unlocking potential and opening the door to new opportunity

The world really is at your fingertips. You just need the keys to unlock its potential. Today, more than ever before, you have the ability to take advantage of the latest IP solutions and analytics to add new dimensions to your business. The question isn’t whether or not you should open the door to new opportunity, but who you should explore the world with. Working with capable, trusted partners can help you leverage the latest technologies and tap into their human capital to address major challenges and drive future business success.