Jonathan Rickard, Sales Engineer at i-PRO, looks at how businesses can unlock return on investment for modern surveillance systems. 

The security industry is profoundly transforming as new technologies redefine how organisations manage and invest in surveillance infrastructure.

From operational expense (OPEX) models to cutting-edge AI-driven analytics, the focus has shifted towards scalable, flexible and future-proof systems that deliver tangible returns on investment (ROI).  

Breaking free from capex constraints  

Traditionally, security investments have relied heavily on capital expenditure (Capex).

Organisations poured substantial amounts of money into purchasing hardware, installing networks and maintaining on-premise systems.

While this approach provided ownership and control, it also came with limitations: outdated technology, high maintenance costs and an inability to scale with evolving security needs.

In unsettled economic times like these, getting upper management or a board to sign off on a major new hardware rollout is often an uphill battle.  

Enter the OPEX model.

By replacing hefty one-time expenditures with predictable, recurring costs, organisations gain access to state-of-the-art technology without the financial strain of large upfront investments.

The result is a more agile and scalable security framework that evolves alongside organisational demands.

Further to this, many features of a modern surveillance system with smart cameras at the edge can be turned to overall improvement of a business, corporate premises or facility, making it more efficient, safer and more cost-effective.  

The ROI of efficient surveillance systems  

Historically, many CCTV systems served as a reactive measure, often relegated to cupboards and used only to retrieve footage after an event.

Poor configurations and low-quality components led to missed recordings, grainy images and minimal value to the end user.

Modern surveillance systems, however, have turned this narrative on its head.  

High-resolution cameras paired with advanced storage solutions now provide clear, actionable footage when needed.

Innovations such as edge-AI analytics have further revolutionised surveillance, enabling alarm-driven recording and precise event detection.

Instead of scanning endless hours of footage, users can quickly locate incidents, saving time and resources.  

For example, smart cameras with edge-AI analytics can trigger alarms based on specific criteria, such as detecting a person walking on a vehicle access road.

Beyond security, these analytics extract rich data insights, such as monitoring foot traffic patterns or occupancy rates.

Retailers, for instance, can analyse customer behaviours to optimise store layouts, address peak times and even reduce missed business opportunities.   

Leveraging AI for proactive security  

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are at the heart of this transformation.

AI-driven analytics platforms allow security teams to move from reactive responses to proactive strategies.

Smart, AI-powered cameras at the edge add capabilities such as AI-based motion detection, object classification and occupancy detection.  

New X & S Series cameras from i-PRO, take this innovation a step further by incorporating on-site AI learning.

This feature enables users to teach cameras to recognise and track specific objects, from forklifts to public works vehicles, providing operational insights beyond traditional surveillance.

Even older devices can benefit, as the X-Series can take the video feed from up to three older non-AI cameras and add the analytics to their camera feeds.

This extends the lifespan of existing infrastructure and ensures future-proof investments.  

Cost-efficiency and predictability  

Switching to OPEX not only optimises costs but also aligns them with operational needs.

Predictable subscription fees replace unpredictable maintenance expenses, offering businesses greater financial stability.

This model also facilitates faster adoption of emerging technologies, allowing organisations to stay ahead of evolving threats and remain competitive.  

For instance, modern surveillance systems support remote monitoring via applications, enabling managers to verify alarms or oversee operations from anywhere.

i-PRO’s latest generation of embedded recorders offer years of service, low power-consumption, integration into AI alarms from the cameras and a free Remote Monitoring System capability built on the back of leading technology and cloud providers.  

Beyond security: business intelligence  

Modern surveillance systems do more than protect assets—they generate valuable business intelligence.

By analysing data from AI-powered cameras, organisations can optimise operations, improve customer experiences and even reduce energy consumption.

For example, AI occupancy analytics can trigger adjustments to heating or cooling systems in real-time, driving sustainability initiatives.

Similarly, they can detect when someone enters a landing and turn on lights and HVAC to accommodate them, rather than have these systems running 24/7.  

In retail, heat mapping functions help businesses understand customer behaviour, such as dwell times and traffic patterns.

This data empowers managers to refine store layouts and staffing decisions, ensuring smoother operations and increased customer satisfaction.

With edge analytics, surveillance systems are no longer confined to security—they’re integral to strategic decision-making.  

Overcoming industry challenges  

Modern AI-powered surveillance addresses several longstanding challenges in the security industry.

Precision event-driven recording reduces false alarms and storage requirements, while AI capabilities enable rapid identification of people, vehicles, and unusual activities.

Remote monitoring has become more accessible, bringing surveillance systems out of the cupboard and into everyday operations.  

For example, edge-based AI can distinguish between staff and visitors, triggering alerts for anomalies. Systems can even recognise individuals matching specific descriptions across multiple cameras, streamlining investigations and improving efficiency.

The ability to integrate with third-party platforms such as Building Management Systems (BMS) further enhances these systems’ versatility.  

The future of surveillance: OPEX and beyond  

Looking ahead to 2025, the surveillance market is poised to expand its role beyond traditional security.

Cameras are becoming dual-role devices, capturing video and metadata for a myriad of applications.

From heat mapping in healthcare or retail to AI-assisted accessibility features, the possibilities are vast.  

i-PRO’s open platform strategy exemplifies this vision.

By supporting Docker technology and fostering collaboration with industry leaders like Milestone and Genetec, i-PRO ensures its products remain adaptable and future-proof.

Ethical AI standards and partnerships with third-party developers pave the way for innovative edge analytics that go beyond traditional surveillance applications.  

As the industry evolves, the tools for analysing collected metadata will play an increasingly pivotal role.

Surveillance systems will transform into sensory networks, delivering actionable insights into the flow of people, vehicles and objects.

Retailers, city planners and stadiums for instance, will gain a deeper understanding of seasonal peaks, busy times and customer preferences, enabling smarter business decisions.  

The shift to OPEX models and the adoption of modern surveillance technologies mark a turning point for the security industry.

By embracing these advancements, organisations can unlock significant ROI, transitioning from reactive measures to proactive, data-driven strategies.  

In this new era, the value of surveillance extends far beyond security.

It’s about creating safer environments, optimising operations and empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

With forward-thinking solutions like i-PRO’s, the future of security is not just smart—it’s transformative.  

This article was originally published in the January 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.