An opinion piece provided by Axis Communications, featuring insights from Johan Paulsson, Mats Thulin, and Thomas Ekdahl.
As the security industry evolves to keep pace with technological advancements, several trends are set to define 2025. Axis experts offer their perspective on the developments shaping the future of security and the opportunities they present for organisations.
The Rise of Hybrid Solutions
Hybrid architectures that blend edge, cloud, and on-premise technologies are becoming the go-to framework for security systems. Their versatility in data storage, analysis, and scalability positions them as the optimal choice for modern deployments.
The appeal of hybrid systems lies in their adaptability. They provide organisations with the freedom to customise solutions that align with local regulations, cost constraints, and energy efficiency goals. Moreover, these systems are designed to evolve alongside organisational needs, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance.
AI’s Evolution and Efficiency Gains
Artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, continues to power transformative analytics solutions in security. The next frontier involves the integration of generative AI, which is becoming more compact and energy-efficient. As AI technology matures, its deployment in practical applications—such as on-camera analytics—will likely increase.
AI’s progression complements the hybrid model, as systems leverage on-device and cloud-based capabilities to provide proactive security measures. The long-term vision involves algorithms that not only react to anomalies but also predict and prevent incidents based on multifaceted data inputs.
Advancing Beyond Safety
The convergence of data from video, audio, and environmental sensors is expanding the scope of security systems. While rapid incident response remains a core function, the potential for operational efficiency and business intelligence applications is growing.
For example, video data initially intended for security can also be analysed to optimise employee workflows, enhance customer experience, or support sustainability initiatives. This cross-functional utility fosters collaboration across departments, maximising the value derived from a single system.
The Rebirth of Image Quality
Image quality has always been a priority in the security industry, but its role is undergoing a transformation. Cameras are no longer just for human observation; their primary function is to supply data to sophisticated analytics systems.
High-definition images enable better object recognition, even in complex environments like busy urban intersections or crowded public spaces. Enhanced image quality also improves the accuracy of AI-driven insights, ensuring that human operators are alerted to critical events more effectively.
Long-Term Value Through Software Support
While hardware quality remains essential, the long-term value of security systems increasingly hinges on software support. Devices with robust software ecosystems and regular updates can extend functionality and security well beyond the initial hardware investment.
This shift underscores the importance of total cost of ownership (TCO) as a critical factor in procurement decisions. Systems that combine durable hardware with comprehensive software support offer a more cost-effective solution over their lifespan.
Innovation for its own sake can misfire if it doesn’t address end-user needs. Axis stresses the importance of aligning technology with customer priorities, such as safety, operational efficiency, or sustainability.
One notable trend is the growing focus on custom hardware, such as Axis’s ARTPEC system-on-chip architecture. By designing semiconductors tailored to their solutions, companies can ensure better performance, particularly in AI-driven applications. This approach reflects a broader industry movement toward integrating hardware and software to meet specific customer demands.
This article reflects the perspectives of Johan Paulsson (CTO), Mats Thulin (Director of Core Technologies), and Thomas Ekdahl (Engineering Manager) from Axis Communications. Their insights underline the need for flexibility, efficiency, and customer-centric development as the security sector navigates an increasingly complex technological landscape.