Top Technology Leaders Share Future Thinking on Video

The annual December meeting with video technology leaders from Genetec and Axis provided several key insights and takeaways for retailers, focusing on the future-proofing of video technology and its applications in retail environments. Here are the main points:

1. Importance of Video Technology in Retail

The discussion emphasized the critical role of video technology in retail, particularly in enhancing security, improving operational efficiency, and supporting loss prevention strategies. Video technology is not just about surveillance but also about leveraging data for better decision-making and operational insights.

2. Future-Proofing Investments

A significant concern for retailers is ensuring that investments in video technology remain relevant and effective over time. The meeting addressed this by discussing the importance of choosing technologies that are adaptable and scalable. Retailers were advised to invest in systems that can evolve with advancements in video technology, such as AI and high-resolution cameras.

3. AI and Video Analytics

AI was highlighted as a transformative element in video technology. The leaders discussed how AI can enhance video analytics, making systems more reliable and capable of providing actionable insights. AI-driven video analytics can improve accuracy in detecting incidents, reduce false alerts, and offer better scene intelligence.

4. Compression Standards

The introduction of AV1 as a new compression standard was a key takeaway. AV1 offers significant benefits over older standards like H.264 and H.265, including better compression rates and no licensing fees. This makes it a cost-effective and future-proof option for retailers looking to upgrade their video systems.

5. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity was another critical topic. The leaders stressed the importance of secure video systems, including features like signed video, secure boot, and crypto accelerators. Ensuring that video data is protected from cyber threats is essential for maintaining trust and compliance.

6. Ease of Installation and Configuration

The ease of installation and configuration of video systems was discussed as a crucial factor for retailers. Simplifying these processes can lead to better quality installations and more efficient use of video technology. Innovations in device management and automatic scene configuration were highlighted as ways to achieve this.

7. Practical Applications and Use Cases

Several practical applications of video technology were discussed, including:

• Shelf Management: Using video to monitor stock levels and identify empty shelves, particularly for high-demand products.
• People Counting: Improving accuracy in tracking customer flow and occupancy levels.
• Privacy Masking: Implementing privacy measures to comply with regulations while still utilizing video for security and operational purposes.

8. ROI and Total Cost of Ownership

The leaders provided insights into calculating the return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) for video systems. Tools and calculators were mentioned that can help retailers assess the financial benefits of their video technology investments.

9. Facial Recognition

The discussion on facial recognition technology highlighted its potential benefits and ethical considerations. While facial recognition can enhance security and customer experience, it must be used responsibly to avoid privacy concerns.

10. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The meeting underscored the value of collaboration among retailers, technology providers, and researchers. Sharing insights and best practices can drive innovation and help retailers make informed decisions about video technology.

Overall, the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the current trends and future directions in video technology for retail, emphasizing the need for strategic investments, ethical considerations, and continuous improvement in video analytics and cybersecurity.