Video Management Industry Trends in India for 2020

India’s Vision for becoming a digitally strong, smart and safe nation will witness the below six trends that will drive the video management market in the year 2020India’s Vision for becoming a digitally strong, smart and safe nation will witness the below six trends that will drive the video management market in the year 2020.

Reinvigorated by innovation, the video management industry has created new opportunities and is transforming the ways in which we operate. We may not think much about the video systems deployed around us, but they serve as an important function, protecting people and assets, and increasingly improving the way people live and work.

With growing security concerns and sustained growth of infrastructure, India is witnessing tremendous growth in the electronic security market. Opportunities emanating from the government and private sectors are the main drivers for security and the surveillance industry’s consistent growth.

Indian urban space is expanding rapidly, which is established by the estimations of Anarock Research, where it is estimated that by 2030, the country will have 104 tier-II, 331 tier-III and IV, and only 155 tier-I cities. Hence, there is a rising demand for safe city projects in metro and non-metro cities of India, to ensure safety of the public.  In February 2019, the Central Government of India already teamed up with state governments for a pilot Safe City project to be run in eight metropolitan cities in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Ahmedabad at a total cost of Rs. 2919.55 crore.

1. Increase adoption of the ‘Open VMS Platform’ to avoid vendor lock-in

Although analog-based surveillance systems have accounted for most of the market revenues in the past, the growing awareness along with declining prices are likely to proliferate IP-based surveillance systems in the coming years.

As we see increased adoption of IP cameras, and technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart devices, etc., gain acceptance, end-users will look for open platforms which can complement all other devices, features, and tools required in video surveillance systems.

End-users will start opting for resellers or solution providers who can support them with customized solutions and communicate the true value and benefits of open VMS which promises flexibility; choice and possibilities that will future proof your solutions.

2. The open nature of VMS will demand strong Data Protection and Cyber Security Strategies

Data protection and security are the topmost priority for any organization or country. Far from the days of CCTV analog cameras, which held information for a finite period and were not connected to the internet, the advances in digital video mean that connected IP cameras and associated devices on the network are constantly at risk of being hacked.

IoT researchers have already observed that India has the most connected security cameras, accounting for a third (34.3%) of all smart home devices in India, with 45.6% of them prone to cyber attacks.

The importance of the data captured by surveillance cameras and what can be done with it, has led to a new breed of cyber criminals, looking for information to steal and sell. With cybercrimes, making headlines over the world, and being an important point of discussion in boardrooms, the protection of property and people has never been more important.

Organizations must adopt new ways of preventing loss, engaging with customers and reacting positively to the dynamics that are determining how they operate.  Security technology, VMS and video analytics are at the forefront of this challenge and will continue to maximise the potential value of video and multimedia data.

3. Emergence of Smart Cities to build a Smart & Safe World

According to Frost and Sullivan, the smart city industry is expected to be worth $1.5 trillion by 2020. Large cities like Singapore and Dubai, have already started harvesting the benefits of intelligent video. India also geared up with their flagship program Smart Cities Mission in 2015.

In India, the ever-increasing requirement for safety and security of citizens, coupled with the boom in smart cities has led to a rise of security and surveillance market in the country. Government initiatives like the development of 100 smart cities and the Digital India campaign has also added to the overall growth of the industry. The IP video surveillance trend will experience a meteoric rise in government and vertical specific projects.

Like other smart cities, video analytics will play a significant role in achieving India’s goal in becoming a smart and safe country.

4. Smart Transportation for a Safer and Better User Experience

India is experiencing rapid urbanization and will only continue to do so in the future. We have millions of people taking public transport, so having a system that is efficient, safe and reliable is crucial.

While the use of VMS continues its strong growth trajectory, the market will be driven by the increasing demand for intelligent transport systems (ITS), where camera systems become more intelligent, utilizing cloud and storage services and AI to prevent incidents and improving the travelers’ experience.

For example, with data analytics, one can track the density of the traffic and plan transportation schedules more effectively.

In airports, having a smart airport surveillance solution will offer security and improved safety. The important feature will be crowd counting, allowing airports to streamline operations at check-in counters, baggage area, airport gates and important areas of the airport. The intelligent video analytics feature can also track and monitor customer behavior, allowing airports and airlines to better meet customers’ needs.

5. Surge of ‘Smart’ Tech to deliver Business Benefits

Video Analytics is an important enabler of any strategy to substantially improve levels of security, as well as offering clear business advantages beyond security. Organizations are already using video analytics as an operational planning tool to improve energy efficiency within offices, with subsequent positive benefits for the environment.

For instance, one critical area where such sensors can heighten awareness, understanding and, increasingly allow for remedial action is in air quality. Whether inside buildings or in the external urban environment, the negative impacts on health and associated costs are becoming a cause for concern. As such, we predict that smart sensors will have a central role to play in addressing the problem not just locally, but globally.

Smart sensors will also integrate with other applications through an open platform to add greater value through cost savings and other efficiencies to achieve business sustainability and perhaps even greater profitability.

6. Need for advanced tools and features: Smart Search, a tool for reviewing recorded surveillance video

Smart Search, an advanced feature in video management software, will be the next big thing video management software manufacturers will be eyeing on. Smart Search is a great tool for reviewing a large number of video files, or extremely long recorded surveillance videos. The feature typically runs on motion detection and reduces the amount of watching non-relevant video.

Ritesh Deokar, Country Manager, Milestone Systems India

With Smart search, organizations can improve the efficiency and speed of their security program. Smart search allows organizations to set up specific ‘motion detection windows’ while reviewing recorded video. Instead of shifting the video through hands, smart search feature saves time by searching through the recorded video looking only for activity that matches the pre-described smart search settings.

Smart Search is available in video management software from leading manufacturers.

In this digital age, we must acknowledge that we have allowed our homes, workspaces and public places to rely on digital devices but as we do so, we need to also be cautious about being digitally reachable and ensure our safety is never compromised.

As technology moves ahead, the industry needs to be aware of how the right platforms and tools can play a part in preventing our digital ecosystem from being attacked or vandalized. Only then can we be assured that 2020 will be the harbinger of a connected and safe future world.