Analytics is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s central to how we extract value from security systems. Whether it’s AI running at the edge, intelligent cloud platforms, or smart tools that breathe new life into legacy infrastructure, software is doing the heavy lifting. This year’s shortlist in the Analytics and Software Innovation category at the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2025, shows just how far the industry has come — and where it’s headed next.
Here’s a look at the eight finalists, and what makes each solution worth a second look.
A.I. Tech – AI-Caption
AI-Dash is A.I. Tech’s powerful Event Management System (EMS), designed to gather, process and visualise data from smart devices – including video analytics-equipped cameras. Its flexibility makes it suitable for everything from small retail outlets to sprawling city surveillance networks, allowing users to tailor dashboards, manage alerts, and generate reports with precision. AI Image Caption adds a layer of intelligence directly onto your video streams, generating descriptive captions — think object counts, behaviours, classifications — in real time. It’s a clever way to bridge the gap between human operators and AI-driven insights, with multilingual support and adaptability across different sectors. Whether you’re monitoring footfall in a retail setting or tracking compliance in transport, this tool helps turn footage into meaningful, actionable data.
Concept Pro – Ai Bridge
With Ai Bridge, Concept Pro has found a smart way to extend AI capabilities to older CCTV systems. This compact device adds deep learning functions — like object detection, line crossing and loitering alerts — without having to rip and replace existing cameras. It’s a practical upgrade path for sites that want more intelligence from their surveillance, but without the heavy investment of a full system overhaul.
Hanwha Vision Europe – AI Packs
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Hanwha Vision has split its AI capabilities into sector-specific packs: Factory & Safety, Retail & Business, and Traffic. These packs slot straight into Hanwha’s Wisenet AI cameras and deliver analytics tuned to the needs of each environment — from PPE detection to vehicle classification. It’s a plug-and-play way to get targeted insights without drowning in data you don’t need.
HID – Linq
HID Linq tackles one of the industry’s ongoing headaches: managing physical access credentials across multiple systems. Built with open standards and APIs in mind, Linq provides a centralised, cloud-based platform for issuing, updating and monitoring credentials — whether physical or mobile. It’s aimed at modern, hybrid environments where digital and physical security have to work hand in hand.
IDIS Europe – Smart Privacy Masks
Balancing surveillance with privacy is more than a compliance issue — it’s becoming a public trust issue too. IDIS’s Smart Privacy Masks respond to this with AI-powered dynamic masking that tracks and obscures individuals or objects in both live and recorded video. Unlike fixed masks, these adjust automatically as the subject moves, helping organisations stay on the right side of GDPR and other privacy mandates without compromising usability.
i-PRO – Active Guard 2.0
Active Guard 2.0 brings advanced object recognition, faster searches, and real-time alerts into a clean and flexible platform. It’s designed to integrate easily with VMS platforms and third-party systems, giving operators the kind of filtering power — by face, vehicle, colour, or clothing — that cuts down response times and boosts situational awareness. For environments that rely on fast, informed decision-making, this is a strong contender.
Milestone Systems – BriefCam
BriefCam has been around long enough to be considered a staple, but it continues to evolve. Its ability to condense hours of footage into digestible clips — while allowing you to filter by object, movement, or appearance — still makes it a go-to for rapid investigations. Recent updates have focused on usability and deeper analytics, keeping the platform relevant for sectors ranging from law enforcement to retail analytics.
Reconeyez – Cloud with Built-in AI
Reconeyez is taking a cloud-first approach to intelligent perimeter monitoring. Its AI-enhanced platform processes data from wireless sensors and cameras to reduce false alarms and sharpen threat detection — all managed remotely. The system learns and adapts over time, making it well-suited for challenging or temporary deployments, from construction sites to critical infrastructure with limited on-site presence.
There’s a strong mix here — from fresh ideas aimed at modernising legacy systems, to mature platforms that continue to evolve. These eight solutions show just how much software is driving innovation in physical security.
Have your say. Voting is still open, and we’d love to hear which innovation stands out to you.