Written by Jesper Olavi, Global Product Manager at Axis Communications

Advances in technology are undoubtedly some of the most exciting factors directly affecting businesses in the modern world. The reason for this is simple. These technological developments are changing people’s lives. Thanks to its dynamic nature (and, to a certain extent, its unpredictability), technology is causing disruption across industries, all while changing traditional business models and operations. From the way we socialise and conduct business to how we choose to communicate, we depend on technology to drive day-to-day processes.

Consider artificial intelligence (AI), which has brought significant and far-reaching change to the cybersecurity sector. We know that AI not only adapts to the speed at which threats evolve, but also adds value to both organisations and individuals. A new cybersecurity paradigm is emerging – a paradigm where exponentially accelerating and converging technology mixes with the ever-evolving threat landscape. In essence, it is where smart meets safely.

Even though it’s becoming more common for businesses around the world to embrace new technologies to ensure end-to-end security solutions keep their people and operations safe, security professionals should never forget how important it is to uphold smart and safe as the foundational pillars of innovation in the security surveillance sector.

Ensuring an innovation-enabled future with the power of smart tech
We live in the era of smart technology, where AI, machine learning, and big data analysis provide a degree of cognitive awareness to objects that were considered inanimate in the past. Self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technologies are the name of the game. Recent years have seen several technological advancements shaping the future of the industry. From high-definition cameras and analytics software to IoT, these innovations are helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security surveillance systems.

The latest developments and applications show that we have reached a point in security and surveillance where we collectively pursue innovation with tenacity. Consider high-performance servers (specifically designed for HD surveillance); early-warning systems for fire detection on high-end surveillance cameras; video analytics software that enables people, companies, and communities to unlock the value of video surveillance content; optical character recognition; license plate recognition; and advanced access control management. Clearly, the security surveillance sector is constantly evolving. And we certainly need to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. In fact, we should be on the lookout for creative problem-solving in all shapes and forms.

Innovation and safety go hand in hand
We need to be aware that a synergy exists between smart technologies (such as IoT, network-based cameras, cloud-based storage solutions, and biometrics) and sophisticated and effective security surveillance systems that help us improve public safety and protect against criminal activity. By connecting people, data, and devices in new ways, it is possible for us to create a smarter and safer world – from improving public safety and urban mobility to optimising environmental monitoring.

And if the point of putting smart technology to work in security surveillance is to create a safer world, then sharing the knowledge we gain from this process with others is the next logical step. It is through the exchange of knowledge and collaboration with colleagues around the globe that we are truly able to bring about impactful change. By joining forces and learning from each other, we gain access to a variety of specialised knowledge and training. We become smarter. Prioritising learning and development, as well as creating strategic partnerships, will help create a global ecosystem of shared expertise. As a result, we can address internal and consumer challenges, while taking advantage of possibilities that were previously out of reach.

Building a smarter, safer world
As the industry evolves, it is non-negotiable for organisations to keep up with the latest security surveillance technologies and trends to remain competitive. Commitment is required from security surveillance professionals to stay ahead of innovations in our industry and to adopt smart practices that protect networks, systems, and devices against all possible threats.

Leaders in security surveillance must keep coming back to the foundational pillars of the security surveillance sector – smart and safe – and continue to lead the discussion around enabling a smarter, safer world. Setting up strong, flexible security measures is important to ensure that consumers, businesses, and governments can all do business with confidence, whether it’s in the digital or physical world.