Dec 21, 2015

Video surveillance has proven its worth time and again as a valuable security monitoring tool. Government, transportation, retail and construction are only some of the industries that have benefited from reliable surveillance solutions. Real-time, visual monitoring helps identify potential security threats, provides a detailed account of an event that may require further investigation and helps officials look for lost or missing children, or pinpoint where someone may have fallen down.   

With so many potential use cases, it is not surprising that the video surveillance market is poised for growth. However, the principal driver of this growth is telling of a significant trend in security monitoring.  

Wireless surveillance as a growth catalyst

A new TechNavio report entitled "Global Video Surveillance Market 2016-2020" forecasts a compound annual growth rate of over 22 percent from 2016 to 2020. As with any significant market growth, a variety of factors will contribute to the impending health of the industry. However, TechNavio's research has found that the shift from analog to IP cameras will be the primary catalyst for much of this growth. The report notes that the principal cost of operating IP cameras is lower than that of analog. It also states that IP cameras are more flexible since they leverage wireless technology, and this means they can also be more easily deployed and scaled for temporary use – for example, on construction sites, or at large but transient events such as semi-annual sporting competitions or local parades.

Of course, IP cameras are only as effective as the network they leverage in order to stay up and running, and continually streaming good quality, real-time video. Thus, the new report takes special note of the fact that improved wireless network infrastructure is ultimately what is going to lead to more widespread adoption of IP cameras. The concept of a wireless surveillance camera sounds very appealing, but the actual delivery of a smoothly operating solution is completely dependent on strong and reliable wireless technology. Wireless network infrastructure for video surveillance solutions is better than it ever has been. Therefore, a variety of industries and verticals now fully harness the flexibility of wireless surveillance, while also having the most reliable surveillance solutions on the market. 

Value propositions in law enforcement, transportation and more

Video surveillance can help monitor everything from airports, to sporting events, public gathering spaces, to museums and more. However, wireless video surveillance solutions present new opportunities for specific industries, including law enforcement, transportation and construction. 

Law enforcement officials and security staff, for example, can leverage the relative ease of deployment of wireless surveillance when it comes to preparing for large, irregular and fleeting events such as visits from prominent figures, or the Olympics. It can also help provide security monitoring for sprawling areas such as waterfronts or municipalities. A recent example occurred in Chicago, where a wireless mesh network improved surveillance throughout the city. 

Another ideal use case for wireless surveillance technology is in transportation, especially when optimized for mobility and infused with the benefits of mesh topology. A study published by Axis Mind Research predicts that the transportation sector will account for approximately 35.5 percent of the video surveillance market share by 2019. This makes sense given just how beneficial a wireless video solution that works seamlessly and reliably on trains and buses can be to overall public safety. 

Last but not least, wireless surveillance can play an important role in helping businesses comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standards for large construction projects. Wireless network technology makes it easier for construction companies to deploy a flexible, scalable surveillance solution that can ensure worksite safety.

Law enforcement, transportation and construction are only some of the areas in which video surveillance can provide reliable security monitoring.