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AI Video Analytics in Modern Business Surveillance Cameras: Features, Brands, and Industry Deployment

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AI Video Analytics in Modern Business Surveillance

We are rapidly approaching a future where all security cameras will have AI at some level as a standard. But even with so much AI in the news and in nearly every aspect of life and business, figuring out exactly how AI benefits a business in terms of security can still be a vague topic.


AI video analytics are transforming business security cameras and commercial video surveillance systems by automatically interpreting video feeds in real time. These intelligent systems can detect specific events, count people or vehicles, recognize faces, and more – all without constant human monitoring.


Allow us to simplify what AI in video surveillance is, what it can do, and which analytics are the best for your business, objectives, and situations. By the end of this post you'll have a firm grasp on what's available, from where, and how much AI integration you really need - at the greatest extent of capabilities or just a few features.

Too Busy to Read? Here's our AI-In-A-Nutshell Executive Summary:

  • Next-gen Analytics: Modern AI video analytics include features like people counting, face recognition, vehicle and weapon detection, heatmaps of foot traffic, and even animal detection to reduce false alarms.

  • Top Camera Brands: Leading brands (Digital Watchdog, Avigilon Alta & Unity, Verkada, Turing AI, Exacq, Milestone, Avycon, Hanwha, EPIC iO, Pelco, Eagle Eye, Axis) offer many of these analytics – we compare their capabilities in a handy table for quick reference.

  • Industry Fit: Different analytics suit different environments – e.g. retail stores benefit from people counting and heatmaps, while schools and hospitals prioritize face recognition and weapon detection for security.

  • Integrated Solutions: A visual infographic could map which analytics each brand supports, and how GenX Security can integrate these into a unified system for your business.

AI Video Surveillance Analytics Features Explained

Essentially, AI analytics for security cameras refers to features that utilize machine learning for specific purpose or function. In this section, we'll go over the most in-demand AI analytics features/functions in today's advanced security cameras, in alphabetical order:

  • Animal Detection

  • Auto-Framing

  • Auto-Tracking

  • Crowd Monitoring

  • Face Recognition

  • Heatmap Analytics

  • Loitering Detection

  • Mask Detection

  • Package Detection

  • Parking Area Monitoring

  • People Counting

  • Person Detection

  • Vehicle Detection

  • Weapon/Gun Detection


Animal Detection: Distinguishes animals from people or vehicles to reduce false alarms. Useful for outdoor cameras near wooded or residential areas.


Auto Framing & Auto-Tracking: Cameras adjust view or follow movement automatically, ideal for PTZ units monitoring large spaces.


Crowd Monitoring: Detects when a group exceeds a set size in a specific area, helping manage crowd control and potential safety risks.


Face Recognition: Identifies individuals by matching against a known database. Helps detect VIPs or flagged intruders.


Heatmaps: Visualizes movement and dwell time using color-coded overlays. Optimizes store layouts or building flow.


Loitering Detection: Alerts when someone lingers too long in a defined zone, such as near exits or sensitive areas.


Mask Detection: Identifies individuals without face coverings in areas where masks or PPE are required.


Package Detection: Detects unattended or removed items. Useful for security and package delivery confirmation.


Parking Area Monitoring: Detects unauthorized or overstayed vehicles in lots, fire lanes, or restricted zones.


People Counting: Tracks entries, exits, and occupancy to support safety protocols and operational insights.


Person & Vehicle Detection: Filters out irrelevant motion by focusing alerts only on human or vehicle movement.


Gun/Weapon Detection: Identifies visible firearms or weapons in real-time, critical for schools and high-security sites.

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AI Analytics Support by Leading Surveillance Camera Brands


Not all security camera brands support every analytic out-of-the-box. Some specialize in certain features, while others offer a broad range or rely on third-party integrations.


Now that you have an idea of the AI functionality/features you need, the next question is: which camera brands support the analytics I'm seeking? In this section we will highlight top commercial security camera brands and the AI analytics they support.


When choosing a solution, it’s important to note which analytics are critical for your needs and ensure the brand or combination of brands can meet those. Often, a system integrator like GenX Security can mix and match – for example, using Axis cameras with a Milestone VMS and a third-party face recognition module to get the “best of all worlds.”

 

A comparison table follows for quick reference and list of the brands we integrate at GenX Security Solutions. To dive deeper into each camera brand and functions, give us a call and one of our sales engineers can help!


Comparison of AI Analytics Support by Brand (✔ = supported natively or via official integration)

Analytics ➜

Digital Watchdog

Avigilon Alta

Verkada

Turing

Avigilon Unity

Exacq

Milestone

Avycon

Hanwha

EPIC iO

Pelco

Eagle Eye

Axis

Animal Detection

No (focus on P/V)

No

No

No

No

No

(Via 3rd)

No

No

No

No

No

No

Auto Framing

No

No

No

No

No

No

(Via 3rd)

No

Limited¹

No

No

No

Limited²

Auto-Tracking (PTZ)

Limited³

No

No

No

Partial⁴

(N/A)

(Via 3rd/PTZ)

No

✔ Yes

No

✔ Yes⁵

No

✔ Yes⁶

Crowd Monitoring

No

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

No

Partial (anomaly)

(Via 3rd)

(Via 3rd)

No

✔ Yes

Possibly

No

No

(Via 3rd)

Face Recognition

No (integration only)

Limited (cloud)

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes (Tyco AI)

✔ Yes (3rd)

No (det. only)

✔ Yes

(Via 3rd)

No

No (not yet)

✔ Yes (3rd)

Heatmap

No

Maybe (BI tools)

✔ Yes

No

No

✔ Yes

✔ Yes (3rd)

No

✔ Yes

(Via 3rd)

No

No

✔ Yes (retail)

Loitering Detection

Partial (rules)

✔ (via anomaly)

✔ Yes

✔ (via zones)

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes (3rd)

(Via rule)

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

Mask Detection

No

No (post-COVID)

No

No

No

Yes

✔ Yes (3rd)

No

Yes

No

No

No

(3rd party)

Package Detection

No (but objects)

No

No

No

Partial (left obj.)

(3rd party)

✔ Yes (3rd)

✔ Yes (abandoned)

✔ Yes (abandoned)

No

✔ Yes (abandoned)

No

(3rd party)

Parking Monitoring

Partial (via rules)

No

Some (LPR)

No

LPR only

(3rd/LPR)

✔ Yes (LPR/3rd)

✔ Yes

✔ Yes (Road AI)

✔ Yes (LPR)

No native

✔ Yes (LPR)

✔ Yes (LPR)

People Counting

✔ Tally counting

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

Maybe

Limited (3rd)

✔ Yes (3rd)

✔ Yes (3rd)

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

No mention

No native

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

Person Detection

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

Vehicle Detection

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

✔ Yes

Weapon Detection

No

No (cloud)

No

No

✔ Yes

(3rd party)

✔ Yes (3rd)

No

(3rd party)

Possibly

No

No

(3rd party)


Table Notes: “Via 3rd” means supported through third-party add-ons or integrations, not a built-in feature.

  1. Hanwha’s “auto framing” is limited – their PTZs can auto-track but not specifically frame groups.

  2. Axis has auto-tracking on PTZ; “auto-framing” mainly in conference cams.

  3. DW’s PTZs can auto-track on presets, but not as advanced as others.

  4. Avigilon PTZs can auto-track after analytic alarms, but not fully hands-off tracking of random motion.

  5. Pelco Spectra cameras historically had auto-tracking capabilities.

  6. Axis PTZ cameras offer an auto-tracking ACAP app to follow movement.

Best-Fit Surveillance Camera AI Analytics for Different Industries


The effectiveness of AI video analytics can depend on the business environment. Here we outline which types of analytics are especially useful in various industries and scenarios:


Retail & Shopping Centers

Retailers can greatly benefit from analytics that provide insights into customer behavior and enhance store security:

  • People Counting & Occupancy

  • Heatmap Analytics

  • Crowd Monitoring

  • Face Recognition (VIP Detection)

  • Loitering & Occupancy in Sensitive Areas

  • Mask Detection for Loss Prevention

  • People Counting at Checkout Lines


Manufacturing & Warehousing

Industrial environments prioritize safety, efficiency, and asset protection. Useful analytics include:

  • Intrusion & Perimeter Detection

  • PPE Detection

  • People Counting in Zones

  • Vehicle Detection & Parking

  • Loitering

  • Fire and Safety Alerts: While not in our main list, note that AI analytics can also detect things like smoke or spills if configured, and in a manufacturing context these are hugely valuable.



Education (Schools & Campuses)

Schools, from K-12 to universities, have a strong focus on student safety. The following analytics are particularly relevant:

  • Weapon Detection

  • Facial Recognition

  • People Counting & Crowd Alerts

  • Loitering Detection

  • License Plate Recognition

  • Mask Detection

  • Audio Analytics


Healthcare & Hospitals

Healthcare facilities value both security and safety, including health-related analytics:

  • Mask Detection

  • People Counting/OCC in Waiting Rooms

  • Loitering & Intrusion

  • Facial Recognition

  • Fall Detection

  • License Plate & Vehicle Monitoring

  • Heatmaps for Workflow


Banking & Finance

Banks have unique security needs, and AI analytics can add layers of protection:

  • Facial Recognition

  • Object Detection for Weapons

  • Loitering

  • People Counting

  • License Plate Recording

  • Mask Detection

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Critical Infrastructure & Utilities

Facilities like power plants, water treatment sites, data centers, and other critical infrastructure often operate in remote areas and need strong perimeter security:

  • Intrusion & Line Crossing

  • Thermal Imaging + AI

  • Animal Detection

  • Loitering

  • License Plate Recognition

  • Object Left Behind

  • People Counting


As seen, each industry can leverage AI analytics differently. A school might prioritize facial recognition and weapon detection, whereas a retail store cares more about people counting and heatmaps for business insights. A competent integrator will tailor the system accordingly – enabling the most relevant analytics and not overloading you with features that don’t add value for your scenario.


Why GenX Security Is Your Best Choice for AI Enhanced Security Camera Installation


AI video analytics make surveillance smarter, faster, and more accurate. But to get the full benefit, you need expert integration. GenX Security delivers custom commercial surveillance solutions using top AI technologies, designed for your specific business needs.


We can help you get the most from your cameras. Contact us today to discover how we can make your video surveillance system smarter and more secure.


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Experience the next generation of interactive security services and solutions with GenX Security.


With custom security integration solutions come custom quotes designed for your needs. Please contact us by clicking here or calling 866-598-4369.

At GenX Security Solutions, we proudly serve businesses in all locations across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia with cutting-edge commercial security systems, access control solutions, structured cabling, fire alarms, and professional audio/visual integration. From bustling cities like Greenville and Raleigh to growing industrial hubs like Winston-Salem to hospitality hot spots like Myrtle Beach, our team delivers tailored solutions to meet your business’s unique needs.


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