Video Management Systems (VMSs) centralize the management of surveillance cameras and their footage. They enable video data processing, remote access to recorded surveillance, and real-time monitoring of multiple cameras via a single interface.
The very best VMSs even provide artificial intelligence to footage from all cameras in their network.
Most video management systems rely on open-platform software—meaning their code readily adapts to requirements from open-platform or ONVIF-compliant security cameras.
This open-platform design makes it possible to integrate third-party cameras into a unified surveillance system.
When older security cameras are connected by video management software, that software can give those old cameras new powers.
Video management systems often feature analytics software that applies AI-based learning algorithms and video analytics to footage from older network cameras.
In other words, a VMS can endow even basic video surveillance cameras with cutting-edge features like license plate recognition, facial recognition, and even video data analysis.
These advanced capabilities turbocharge security by instantly drawing the attention of personnel to strange behaviors and suspicious activities—including behaviors associated with shoplifting or that might represent a threat to someone's physical security.
Some VMSs can even gauge non-security concerns, such as employee workflow patterns, crowd sizes, and wait times at check-out lines.
Video management software makes managing surveillance footage from dissimilar cameras at multiple sites on a single, remote interface easy. As a result, medium- and small-sized businesses no longer need dedicated surveillance rooms or on-site personnel for round-the-clock monitoring.
Instead, they can find and manage live streams and recorded video footage on a single VMS interface using an Internet-connected mobile app or browser.
With the growth of access control card duplicators, two-factor authentication measures are increasingly necessary to protect sensitive access points.
A relatively frictionless way to add two-factor authentication involves the installation of access point cameras connected with VMS facial recognition software.
(Please note that most facial analytics programs become less reliable at access points when more than fifty facial identities need to be authenticated.)
A digital video recorder (DVR) works by capturing analog camera signals and digitizing them for efficient storage. DVRs are the cheapest option for video storage, but they aren't good for organizing footage from multiple cameras.
A network video recorder (NVR) stores surveillance footage on either the cloud or hard disks. NVRs offer fewer features than VMSs and connect with fewer cameras, but they can be a smart choice for businesses and institutions without large or complex video surveillance systems.
If you want to see a more detailed comparison, check out our guide on NVR vs DVR.
Large security systems that involve multiple locations require third-party compatibility or could be improved with video analytics and should be connected with a VMS to streamline operations.
A video management system is a unified solution for organizing a large surveillance system with many disparate parts. Open-platform, ONVIF-compliant software makes video data from multiple cameras easy to store, organize, and retrieve.
To learn more about the best security cameras and video management systems for your unique security needs, fill out the simple form below. We'll quickly reach out to schedule a FREE on-site survey and security assessment with a friendly expert from our team.
Wireless
IP Cameras
Wireless cameras are not reliable enough for commercial use yet. Instead, we use purpose-built antennae to connect hardwired cameras on light poles and buildings.
Phone App
For Camera Systems
Watch live or previously recorded footage on any mobile device. Save it to your phone and e-mail it just like any other video or image.
Increased Resolution
Of 4096×2160
4k or 8MP cameras represent the best value at the moment. Depending on your situation, a 30+ megapixel camera can be installed allowing you to read a seat number from the opposite end of a football field.
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