Looking back to look forward at ISC West 2020

Having had the privilege of attending three shows during February, I've heard this phrase most: “It's hard to believe that ISC West is already here!” And, quite frankly, I couldn't agree more!

As I think back to last year's ISC West, there were three key trends that resonated with me: 1. deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML); 2. video doorbells; and 3. RMR for integrators.

Last year, right after ISC West, I reached out to some experts to gather their thoughts regarding these trends. Here's some of the responses I received to help whet our appetites for ISC West 2020:

(I wonder how these trends have evolved over the course of about a year; I'm excited to find out in less than a month!)

How is deep learning/AI/ML currently enhancing the security industry?�

“It's hard to say � it's an overused buzzword that is difficult to actually nail down what it means or what it's doing. Future � likely � now � unlikely.”

— Mark Hillenburg, executive director of marketing, Digital Monitoring Products

“Deep Learning, a subset of AI research, is primarily helping the security industry in the world of video surveillance/video management. Video is typically the largest source of unstructured data, data with no predefined format on the information contained inside, so in order to process out people, objects, events, etc., typically requires a large amount of processing power and can be very costly. Most of the world's video typically is recorded and not watched because the manpower to review the amount of video recorded is impossible to achieve.

Computers are very adept at repeated tasks, such as processing video; however, traditional algorithms for computer vision, the realm of research into video and image processing, were not really able to scale to that high volume without massive computation resources investment. The computer vision research world has really seen a large improvement in the advances deep learning is bringing in terms of increased speed to results, increased accuracy and reduced computation requirement. This will likely continue as time progresses, but the deep learning revolution for video can bring actionable information in previously unmonitored video to operations at a very powerful pace.”

—Dr. Sean Lawlor, data scientist, Genetec Inc.

“AI is used today in the security industry to perform tasks like facial recognition and video analytics. While these are impressive accomplishments, they are still atomic in nature in the sense that they represent isolated inputs to the system as a whole.”

—Paul Saldin, vice president of engineering, Alula

“There has been tremendous progress in video analytics through deep learning and artificial intelligence that surpasses anything created so far. Facial recognition, license plate readers and even things like hard hat and safety glass detection now are a reality. These processes not only enhance security by providing detailed information on who many be coming or going at a business and at what exact time, but they can also improve operations and safety.”

—Robert Messer, president, ABP Technology

“Technology advances from deep learning and AI can help improve the accuracy in intrusion detection, and help to reduce false alarms. The security system needs to know when a homeowner is home or away, and needs to track occupants' movements to initiate activities across the home. Features like smart sensors, geofencing, voice controls and facial recognition have been making systems more intelligent. And, as security continues to integrate with home automation, we'll see the home become more capable of anticipating the needs of its occupants.”

—Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager, global residential security, Resideo

“Deep learning and AI are making smart security smarter based on data analytics, sample teaching, and intelligent decision making.�In other words, it isn't enough for security devices to simple collect large volumes of data, which they are certainly capable of doing. Deep learning and AI methods can help analyze that data and separate what is important from what is not — or analyze the data to uncover deeper trends and more complex information that the collected data alone cannot. Take video analytics, for example.�AI powered video analytics�are event-based solutions that apply deep learning and artificial intelligence, efficiently analyzing vast amount of data generated by videos, and generates quick response in real time. This system reduces manual monitoring and associated costs and increases productivity of video surveillance systems.�Through the application of AI, video analytics can go far beyond just informing users that a person or other object has entered an unauthorized space. With the information collected from a large number of cameras, companies can apply facial recognition software to identify a specific person approaching a building. In addition, by running analytics, a company can not only alert the user to an unauthorized vehicle approaching a building but can also scan the license plate, giving the security officers information that can be checked with existing databases to determine potential-threat status.”

—Joe Liu, CEO, Miotta

Why are video doorbells so popular among consumers?�

“Marketing and promotion and the proliferation of video as 'security.' In reality, security prevents someone from stealing your stuff � where video just lets you know who did it. Video doorbells are very popular, but after living with one for almost two years, I'll be interested to see if there is a market demand for a second generation of owners. Once you have one, will you spend the money the second time? We will wait and see.”

— Mark Hillenburg, executive director of marketing, Digital Monitoring Products

“Video doorbells are set to experience massive adoption in the security industry in 2019, and it's no mystery why. Customers love being able to monitor their front door remotely and protect deliveries from would-be porch pirates. This also naturally extends the perimeter of protection for homeowners, and when paired home automation for locks, video doorbells can assist to enable greater access controls for engagement and remote entry management. That said, not all video doorbells are created equal. If you don't have a fast network on the backend, you'll experience late alerts and lag during two-way voice chat, which compromises the functionality. You really need a fully integrated system to get the most out of this popular technology.”

—Brad LaRock, vice president of marketing, Alula

“Situational awareness has always been one of the key attractants in surveillance solutions and video doorbells give us another means to improve our situational awareness. Just like with our businesses, we all want to protect our homes and now what is going on. And, we are also 'linked in,' so to speak. Our smartphones, tablets and computers are essentially a part of us and if we can use those devices to see who is at the door and respond in real time, then it makes life for us that much easier.”

—Robert Messer, president, ABP Technology

“Video doorbells have been a popular trend in the industry and continue to gain momentum. They solve an immediate need, and more consumers are asking for them. Homeowners see the value in being able to see and speak to visitors, and have access through their mobile devices. Dealers should be including video doorbells on every installation.”

—Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager, global residential security, Resideo

What does your company offer in terms of RMR for your integrator partners?

“Recurring monthly revenue (RMR) is the lifeline savvy systems integrators seek to stay profitable, and it can be found in many different technologies, including power solutions. For the end-user customer, managed power solutions offer a value-added solution that ensures system uptime, integrity and reliability. The possibilities to perform managed power services can encompass many physical elements: the main power supply; power system outputs; supervised inputs; and standby batteries. Managed monitoring can include event reports; AC loss notification; service due reminders; overcurrent alert; low-battery warning; and insufficient battery standby. Remote servicing capabilities of power solutions can cover output supervision; battery load testing; remote power cycling; and system health log/trouble alerts. There is also the opportunity to create real-time action alerts and reports via email, XML, web-browser notification or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).”

—Michael Bone, marketing manager, LifeSafety Power, Inc.

“Mobile medical alerts are a natural fit for security companies. Adding medical alerts expands your security offerings and increases perceived value for your customers because you now offer safety and peace of mind for your customers both at home and away. Security companies have an established customer base comprised of safety-minded individuals who may need medical alert themselves, and there are scores of new customers opportunities available through referrals because each existing customer has a relative or friend who could use a medical alert device.”

—Craig Pyle, VP of product, Freeus

“March Networks currently offers RMR models to our certified partner community through two hosted services offerings: March Networks Insight and March Networks Searchlight as a Service. Both soutions provide customers with flexible service terms and payment options, and help integrators reduce service costs through expert video system health monitoring support delivered via March Networks' secure Network Operations Center (NOC).”

—Dan Cremins, global leader, product management, March Networks

“Video is a major driver for new RMR and we are leaning into that opportunity. Our modular approach also means that our partners don't pay for home automation capabilities unless they will be getting additional RMR from their customers for those services. Because we are vertically integrated and own the network, more of the RMR goes into the integrator's pocket rather than a third-party provider. All our services are provided at a wholesale rate with no stipulation on what the integrator can charge their customers, so they set their own pricing and can reap the RMR that their market will bear.”

—Dave Mayen, vice president of product management, Alula

“ABP Technology offers an advanced platform for integrators that allows them to offer customers basic cloud services as well as their own service and value. That means that integrators now can sell their skills integrating, tuning and maintaining their systems”

—Robert Messer, president, ABP Technology

“As the residential security landscape continues to evolve, there is an increasing opportunity for RMR around smart home technologies. Our products are connecting the major systems of the home ��on the�exterior, behind the wall, on the wall�and�in the cloud. We believe the security dealer is best positioned to win in the smart home market, and we're fully committed to helping them deliver the connected experience their customers demand.”

—Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager, global residential security, Resideo

“Miotta offers an 'in-a-box self-configuring connected system' and collaborative Video-IoT RMR security service for security integrators/operators to offer to their residential and enterprise customers. Miotta's mobile-cloud 'virtual' security service platform allows integrators, security dealers, ISP's, mobile carriers and more to offer mobile-cloud security services to both residential and enterprise customers.”

—Joe Liu, CEO, Miotta