Key Differences Between Today’s AI Physical Security Solutions and Legacy Video Management Systems (VMS)

As organizations strive to enhance their security infrastructure, understanding the differences between traditional legacy video management solutions and newer, AI-powered technologies is essential. Video Management Systems (VMS) have long been the standard for video surveillance, but innovators like VOLT are transforming how corporations, universities and municipalities  approach security. This article explores the key differences between the latest AI powered physical security solutions using machine learning and conventional legacy VMS. We hope this information helps you decide which solution is right for your needs.

What is a Video Management System (VMS)?

A Video Management System (VMS) is a software platform designed to manage and control video feeds from security cameras. It acts as the central hub of a surveillance system, enabling the recording, storage, and playback of video footage. Here’s a closer look at the key components and functions of a VMS:

• Video Recording: The primary function of a VMS is to capture video streams from connected cameras, which are then stored on local servers, network-attached storage (NAS), or in the cloud.
• Video Playback: VMS software allows users to access and review recorded footage, which is critical for incident investigation and analysis.
• Camera Management: VMS platforms enable administrators to configure and manage camera settings, such as resolution, frame rates, and recording schedules, ensuring that video data is optimized for security needs.
• Real-time Monitoring: Security personnel can monitor live video feeds from multiple cameras through the VMS interface, facilitating real-time surveillance and immediate response to potential threats.
• Alerts and Notifications: Many VMS systems include motion detection and features that trigger alerts when specific activities are detected, such as unauthorized access or suspicious behavior.
• Integration Capabilities: A VMS can integrate with other security systems, such as access control and intrusion detection, creating a comprehensive security solution.
• User Access Management: VMS platforms allow for granular control over who can access video feeds and management functions, ensuring that only authorized personnel can handle sensitive video data.

Top 5 Video Management System (VMS) Providers

Here are five leading VMS providers offering robust solutions for various security needs:

1. Genetec
   • Overview: Genetec’s Security Center is a unified platform that integrates video surveillance, access control, and license plate recognition, making it a top choice for scalable, enterprise-level security solutions.
   • Key Features: Scalability, advanced analytics, and seamless integration with third-party systems.
   • Homepage: Genetec Security Center
2. Milestone Systems
   • Overview: Milestone Systems offers XProtect, an open-platform VMS known for its flexibility and scalability. It supports a wide range of cameras and integrates with numerous third-party security systems.
   • Key Features: High customization, advanced analytics, and comprehensive support for various devices.
   • Homepage: Milestone Systems
3. Avigilon
   • Overview: Avigilon, part of Motorola Solutions, provides the Avigilon Control Center (ACC) VMS, which is renowned for high-definition video management and AI-powered analytics.
   • Key Features: AI analytics, user-friendly interface, and high-resolution video management.
   • Homepage: Avigilon
4. Axis Communications
   • Overview: Axis Communications is a pioneer in IP video surveillance, offering AXIS Camera Station for small to mid-sized installations. It is known for its ease of use and reliability.
   • Key Features: Seamless integration with Axis network cameras, scalability, and HD video management.
   • Homepage: Axis Communications
5. Honeywell
   • Overview: Honeywell’s MAXPRO VMS is a comprehensive solution that unifies video, access control, and other security operations within a single interface. It is ideal for large enterprises needing integrated security management.
   • Key Features: Scalability, integration with other Honeywell systems, and advanced analytics.
   • Homepage: Honeywell MAXPRO

How Today’s AI Solutions Differ from Traditional VMS

While traditional VMS solutions provide essential tools for managing and reviewing video footage, they are inherently reactive, focusing on post-event analysis. 

The latest physical security software however, introduces a proactive approach to security by integrating artificial intelligence directly into the surveillance process, transforming video surveillance from a passive tool into an active, real-time intelligence platform. Here’s how solutions like those built by ZeroEyes, Omnilert, Ambient, BriefCam and VOLT (of course) stand apart from legacy VMS solutions. 

• Real-Time Threat Detection
  • Today’s Solution:Continuously monitors video feeds to detect potential threats as they occur. Using advanced AI algorithms to analyze patterns and anomalies in real time, alerting security teams within seconds.
  • Traditional VMS: Primarily used for reviewing incidents after they happen, offering little to no real-time threat detection.
• Unified Video Intelligence
  • Today’s Solution: Unifies all cameras into a single, cohesive system, providing a comprehensive view of the environment. The system uses an intuitive 3D map to track people and objects across various locations in real time.
  • Traditional VMS: Manages individual camera feeds separately, often treating each camera as an isolated data source without integrating multiple perspectives.
• Advanced AI Capabilities
  • Today’s Solution: Employs machine learning and deep learning models that continuously improve its threat detection capabilities. Systems  can identify a wide range of threats, from unauthorized access to weapon detection and unusual behaviors.
  • Traditional VMS: Limited to basic video analytics, with no capability for continuous learning or adaptation.
• Seamless Integration and Scalability
  • Today’s Solution: Integrates seamlessly with existing security infrastructure and scales with the organization’s needs, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
  • Traditional VMS: Often requires significant hardware upgrades to scale, which can be costly and complex.
• Cost-Effectiveness
  • Today’s Solution: Automates many surveillance tasks, reducing the need for large security teams and lowering operational costs. It also extends the life of existing camera systems by enhancing their capabilities.
  • Traditional VMS: Requires ongoing investments in hardware and personnel, leading to higher operational costs over time.

When to Choose an AI Powered Solution Over a Traditional VMS

VOLT AI is not the only alternative to a traditional VMS; it is an upgrade for organizations that need more than basic video playback and camera management. VOLT offers a security solution powered by AI that delivers real-time insights and incident detection through a user-friendly portal. 

The VOLT technology creates a 3D location-based digital “twin” of your facility. The system develops situational awareness by discerning patterns, anomalies, and potential threats within your environment with exceptional accuracy. Then employs advanced AI models and integrates with your existing security infrastructure for seamless operation. 

Here’s when you should consider choosing an AI powered solution like VOLT:

• Real-Time Security Needs:
  • If your organization requires the ability to respond to threats as they happen, VOLT’s real-time detection capabilities are invaluable. Traditional VMS systems typically operate in a post-event capacity, but VOLT’s AI-driven alerts allow you to take immediate action, and with features like fight prediction, potentially preventing incidents from escalating.
• High-Value or High-Risk Environments:
  • In environments where security is paramount—such as critical infrastructure, government facilities, or financial institutions—VOLT AI’s advanced threat detection and proactive monitoring provide an additional layer of protection that traditional VMS cannot offer.
• Complex Surveillance Requirements:
  • For organizations managing large or multi-site operations, VOLT AI’s unified video intelligence system is ideal. It provides a comprehensive, real-time view across all locations, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed. This is particularly useful for campuses, hospitals, or large corporate offices where comprehensive coverage is necessary.
• Scalability and Growth:
  • If your organization is expanding, you need a security solution that can grow with you. VOLT AI’s scalable architecture allows you to add new cameras and integrate new locations without the need for significant hardware upgrades or additional software licenses, making it a future-proof solution.
• Reducing Operational Costs:
  • VOLT AI’s automation capabilities can significantly reduce the need for manual monitoring, freeing up resources and lowering overall security costs. By enhancing the efficiency of your security team and extending the life of existing camera systems, VOLT offers long-term savings that traditional VMS cannot match.
• Integrating with Existing Security Infrastructure:
  • If you already have a complex security infrastructure in place, VOLT AI’s ability to seamlessly integrate with existing systems makes it an excellent choice. Whether you’re using access control systems, intrusion detection, or other security technologies, VOLT can enhance and unify your security operations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  • For organizations that prioritize data-driven decision-making, VOLT AI offers advanced analytics and reporting features that go beyond what traditional VMS can provide. These insights can be crucial for improving security strategies, optimizing resources, and demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Compliance and Regulatory Needs:
  • In sectors with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare, finance, or education, VOLT AI’s advanced monitoring and reporting capabilities can help ensure compliance. Its ability to provide detailed, real-time data and comprehensive incident reports supports organizations in meeting these stringent demands.

VOLT AI represents the next generation of video surveillance technology, offering real-time threat detection, advanced AI capabilities, and seamless integration with existing systems. It’s a powerful tool for organizations looking to move beyond the limitations of traditional VMS and embrace a more proactive, cost-effective approach to security that delivers:

• Unparalleled Risk Detection: With over 200 risk triggers—more action-focused detections than any other system on the market. 
• Real-time Threat Tracking: The system uniquely delivers a seamless, aggregated "Bird’s Eye" view of your 3D surroundings, offering unmatched spatial intelligence.
• Dynamic, Self-Learning AI: Unlike static surveillance systems, VOLT is a continuously evolving AI Perception System that learns and improves, delivering anomaly detections without setting the rules. 

Whether you need to protect high-risk environments, manage complex surveillance operations, or simply reduce your security costs, VOLT AI offers the flexibility and intelligence needed to meet your security challenges.

Interested in learning more about how VOLT AI can transform your security operations? Contact us today to discover how our solutions meet your specific needs.

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