11 Ways IoT Cloud Platform help to Improve Enterprise Surveillance

IoT Cloud platform enable smart surveillance devices like IP cameras and a variety of sensors to provide in-depth and comprehensive security. Being IoT enabled and connected to a cloud platform means these devices are capable of communicating with each other in real-time to monitor against various threats like thefts, pilferage, fires, vandalism, etc.

Such a system not only monitors the premises but is also able to react depending upon different situations pro-actively. This significantly reduces the chances of these threats causing significant damages.

Throughout this blog, we will carefully examine how IoT Cloud Platform help improve enterprise surveillance and create a well-functioning unit.

11 ways in which IoT Cloud Platform help Improve Enterprise Surveillance

1. Holistic view

An IoT cloud platform has a holistic perspective, which means it has an overall integrated view across various devices and sensors. Even though the devices operate separately, they are interconnected, and for us to find value in the data recorded they have to be visible on the same centralized platform.

For example, an access control system, door open sensor, and intelligent IP camera, all work together to monitor activity through a door. By doing so, they complement each other and provide complete security for your business.

2. Integration across devices & sites

Not only are these devices seen with an integrated view within a facility but they are also integrated across sites. All recordings and data from various facilities can be seen on a single platform. You can easily compare data for any facility you choose.

For instance, you have warehouses in different parts of the city. You can see the recordings to compare the efficiency of different warehouses based on how long it takes to load and register incoming inventory, how long it takes to dispatch stock, etc.

3. Remote surveillance

Having a cloud platform for surveillance gives you the power to access your recordings in real-time from any remote location. You can monitor your facilities in real-time no matter where you are situated simply using a mobile device connected to the internet. You don’t need to physically visit individual facilities each time you want to see their recordings.

For example, say you are at the corporate office of your restaurant chain and wish to see different restaurant recordings of the last week. You can do so by accessing the cloud platform and retrieving any facility’s recording you choose.

4. Employee Audits

Using live analytics, IP cameras can also monitor employee movements around the premises and ensure that they are doing things according to a standard operating procedure.

For instance, employees in manufacturing units need to maintain strict adherence to the position they are working on the job floor and the task at hand. Usually, their activities are monitored by the floor manager.

Using a smart surveillance system the employees can be monitored autonomously and the floor manager can spend his time towards the more critical aspects of his job rather than tracking employees.

5. Security from theft, pilferage, fire hazards

Smart IP cameras along with sensors like motion detection, smoke detectors, vibration sensors continuously work in tandem to monitor your facility and protect against such threats.

For example, the moment a smoke detector senses smoke, it alerts the command center of a possible fire- they can then use the IP cameras in the vicinity of the smoke sensor and check whether there is a fire or not, and if there is what is its exact location and intensity. This can improve the effectiveness of the response and prevent a lot of further damage.

6. Live footage streaming & real-time alerts

IoT Cloud platform have a significant advantage over traditional surveillance systems- they can work proactively. All data from cameras and sensors is uploaded to the cloud in real-time and the command center is instantaneously alerted of any threats detected by these cameras.

For example, in case an ATM senses a break-in because of a vibration and glass break sensor going off, they instantly send a notification to the command center. The command center can then use the live video stream to verify the break-in and use anti-theft devices like two-way audio to take immediate action against the robbers.

7. Improved storage & accessibility

With a cloud platform there is no need to maintain local storage as you can upload all data to the cloud. This means you don’t need to maintain storage devices for individual systems at each facility. Moreover, this means you don’t have to worry about how to store and manage your data or about the maintenance of these devices. Everything is taken care of by the cloud platform service provider.

For example, ATMs are usually not guarded or minimally so, and are spread over several locations. Having local storage becomes extremely cumbersome as you will have to send a technician to each ATM to fetch recordings or for maintenance whereas with cloud storage the entire operation becomes hassle-free.

8. Reduced cost & easy scalability

An IoT Cloud platform reduces cost both in terms of infrastructure set-up and other indirect costs like having a smaller number of guards on staff. Also, in case a business wants to expand its operation and wants to bring new sites under surveillance, it is much easier to add to the existing cloud platform.

For example, A retail store chain opening a new store can conveniently add to its existing cloud platform.

9. Saves time with distributed intelligence

Distributed intelligence means that even though we have an integrated platform and centralized data, every footage or recording is analyzed separately, with distributed intelligence since every smart device analyses information before sending it to the platform. The IoT cloud platforms, too, are designed in such a way that every piece of data is processed separately before a conjoined analysis is given.

When analysing the overall energy consumption of a facility, the readings of all separate energy meters is studied before all the readings of multiple meters are compared.

10. Easy installations & upgrades

It is easy to set up a cloud based surveillance system. These devices use a single wire for data transmission and power, unlike traditional cameras which use two separate cables. This reduces wiring effort and costs by half. Moreover, there is no need to have a DVR which means you don’t need to purchase and maintain hard disks.

Any update to the system’s software can also be done relatively quickly over the air at once. Meaning, you can remotely update your devices all at once. There is no need for technicians to visit individual facilities and update each device separately.

11. Intelligent Analytics

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms on the back end of the IoT cloud platform, a lot of intelligent analytics functions can be added to your surveillance system. A long list of functions become available when you use AI and ML algorithms like object detection, gender analysis, people counting, motion detection, etc.

The applications for these technologies are limitless, for example, object detection could be used by an ATM to detect weapons whereas the same object detection can be used by a restaurant to detect rodents in its kitchens.

Key Takeaways

• IoT Cloud platform provide a holistic view of all devices installed across multiple sites, for simultaneous & remote surveillance.
• It enables employers to conduct device health checks, administrate regular device updates, making the solution more feasible by reducing the cost of repairs.
• These solutions facilitate real-time monitoring to protect facilities from theft, pilferage etc while monitoring employee performance.
• AI & ML based analytics break down big data into useful information, analysing every piece of data recorded and deducing insights that help improve operational efficiency.

IGZY is an end-to-end IoT Cloud platform solution provider for virtual surveillance and security. Our solution includes everything from initial installation and setup to routine maintenance leaving you with nothing to worry about.

IGZY provides you with the best and latest technology solutions as seen in the entire blog to help give you and your business a significant competitive advantage.

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