The changing role of the security integrator – is AI an insurmountable challenge, or a golden opportunity?

It is no secret whatsoever that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a major impact across all industries. In many cases it brings a wealth of positive change - increasing output, freeing up time for planning, increasing insights – but the role of the security integrator is becoming more complex. As expectations move to a new future where integrated, intelligent solutions are capable of deep insights, automation and data-powered learning, is it now a necessity for security integrators to be technology experts, as well as experts in the field of security?

The recent Security Megatrends report from SIA made these points:

• AI will transform existing systems, allowing for deep search of recorded content.
• For future systems, all video will be analysed in real time, not just stored.
• Video technology operational ownership will not be exclusive to the security team.

According to the SIA report, artificial intelligence (AI) has undeniably reached the very pinnacle of current megatrends, transforming every industry it touches - and the realm of video surveillance is no exception. What was once a simple security measure has now morphed into "visual intelligence," thanks to AI's profound impact, redefining the essence and value proposition of video surveillance.

The once-humble camera has transcended its origins as a mere recording device, evolving into the ultimate intelligent sensor in our industry. This metamorphosis marks the camera as an "everything tool," providing exponential value for end-users that goes far beyond traditional expectations.

Today's advanced cameras serve as platforms for a multitude of sensors—audio, chemical, temperature, and more—significantly enhancing their utility and effectiveness. The integration of AI and analytics with these sensor-rich cameras amplifies their value exponentially, making them "10, 100, or even 1,000 times more beneficial" to end users (according to the SIA report).

Unlike the passive, unmonitored cameras of the past, modern systems continuously monitor and provide real-time alerts across all these sensors, revolutionising how surveillance operates. This moves the cameras themselves, and the infrastructure surrounding them to a new business position – they become an operational expense rather than a capital expense. As such, they are continually providing data-rich inputs into the running of the organisation, business intelligence which can be used for a multitude of things. They provide a wide range of new benefits to the business as a whole, and it makes sense now for purchasing budgets to be spread across departments.

As we witness the capabilities of visual intelligence evolve, businesses are progressively investing in visual intelligence infrastructure. This transformation prompts a fundamental challenge within the security industry: can we actually take these new challenges head-on and lead the way in this rapidly-evolving field? The onus is on vendors, installation and integration channels and security practitioners to spearhead this shift, leveraging these advanced systems to automate business processes and enhance experiences for customers, visitors, and employees alike.

The camera's evolution into the ultimate sensor is not just a technological advancement however; it also heralds a broader opportunity for integrators to deliver unparalleled value to end users, extending well beyond conventional security use cases. This rapid pace of innovation demands that the entire ecosystem steps up to meet consultative requirements, and enacts policies and regulations that responsibly harness AI and large language models (LLMs).

However, this expanding role of the 'intelligent camera' also brings a host of potential industry disruption. Integrators who adapt, expanding their functional consulting expertise, stand to reap significant rewards, maximising the value of their customers' investments in these sophisticated surveillance systems. Conversely, those who remain narrowly focused on the traditional installation and integration with video management software risk being sidelined in favour of more versatile and forward-thinking competitors. At this point, there is still very much room for both – the average community shopping centre isn't going to require pedestrian heat mapping for some time yet – but inevitably, these higher-end expectations will trickle down to smaller deployments, and integrators must be ready for that to happen.

Just as the manufacturing sector has had to reassess its practices and deal with automation and IoT-connected hardware, integrators must critically evaluate AI-driven use cases, setting clear boundaries on applications they will and won't pursue. This might mean passing up certain business opportunities, but it's a necessary step to avoid building practices around solutions that could soon face stringent regulations or become obsolete, posing reputational risks.

In conclusion, as AI continues to reshape video surveillance into visual intelligence, it presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges. The industry must navigate this transformation thoughtfully, ensuring that we lead this growth area with innovation, integrity, and a commitment to delivering enhanced value and security.