Last week, At Verkada One 2024, Verkada unveiled its latest AI-powered security solutions, showcasing advancements in video security, access control, and real-time AI alerts. Verkada hosted its highly anticipated conference in Denver, gathering over 1,600 IT and physical security leaders from around the world. The event was filled with exciting announcements about new products, software features, and integrations aimed at enhancing security and operational efficiency for enterprises across a wide range of industries. With a strong focus on AI-driven alerts, streamlined visitor management, and innovative hardware solutions, Verkada is pushing the boundaries of what modern security systems can achieve.
AI-Powered Security Alerts: Enhancing Verkada’s Platform
One of the most exciting announcements at Verkada One 2024 is the expansion of AI-powered alerts, building on Verkada’s already impressive natural language search capabilities. Initially introduced in June 2024, this feature allowed users to search security footage for specific characteristics of people or vehicles using natural language commands.
Now, Verkada has introduced the ability to create real-time alerts based on these AI-powered queries. Imagine receiving a notification whenever someone enters a restricted area without a safety vest or detecting a specific vehicle in a parking lot. The integration of Boolean terms such as “NOT” or “OR” further enhances the flexibility of the system. For example, an alert can be set for someone “not wearing a safety vest,” making it easier for organizations to address safety and security concerns in real-time.
This new feature is a game changer for industries where proactive alerts can save lives or reduce security breaches, particularly in construction, healthcare, and education environments. By combining AI-powered alerts with natural language queries, Verkada allows customers to customize their security monitoring in ways never before possible.
Occupancy Trends Dashboard: Maximizing Space Utilization
Verkada also introduced the Occupancy Trends Dashboard, which takes space monitoring to a new level. While users could previously track movement across a single camera view, this new feature provides a more comprehensive understanding of the number of people or vehicles in a specific space over time.
Industries such as retail, manufacturing, and education will benefit from this feature, which allows users to make data-driven decisions about staffing, inventory management, and energy consumption. Whether it’s ensuring efficient use of space in a retail environment or managing traffic flow in manufacturing, the Occupancy Trends Dashboard provides real-time insights to optimize operational efficiency.
Improved Streaming and Video Playback Experience
Verkada’s engineering team has been hard at work improving the video streaming experience in Command. After implementing WebCodecs last year to reduce video latency to less than a second, Verkada has now turned its attention to improving the time-to-first-frame metric.
By adopting HTTP/2 technology, Verkada has reduced the time it takes for a user to access a video stream after clicking on it to just 1.1 seconds. This improvement ensures quicker access to live footage, making it easier for security teams to respond in real-time. This is particularly crucial in high-stakes environments such as law enforcement, hospitals, and corporate campuses where every second counts.
Updates to Verkada Guest Admin Functionality
In response to customer feedback, Verkada has overhauled the admin experience in Verkada Guest. Admins can now create custom sign-in flows using conditional logic, enabling a more personalized and efficient check-in process. For instance, if a guest answers “yes” to having a food allergy, they can be prompted to specify the allergy type. This is a critical update for sectors like corporate offices, schools, and healthcare where customization is key to visitor management.
Furthermore, color-coded badge designs based on sign-in responses add another layer of convenience and security. Frequent visitors can now check-in via facial recognition, bypassing the usual sign-in process, which streamlines operations in high-traffic facilities.
Command Connector: Expanding Integration with Third-Party Cameras
Verkada’s Command Connector was another major highlight of the conference. This new device allows customers to integrate third-party cameras into the Verkada platform, enabling them to take advantage of Verkada’s AI-powered analytics without fully transitioning their existing camera infrastructure.
This feature is especially useful for organizations with a large investment in legacy camera systems or those requiring specialized cameras, such as thermal or explosion-proof devices. By integrating with Command, customers can enjoy Verkada’s advanced analytics, like AI-powered search and license plate recognition, without the need for a full-scale camera replacement.
Third-Party Technology Integrations: Enhancing Command’s Capabilities
Verkada is continuing to expand its third-party integrations, as highlighted during the keynote by CEO Filip Kaliszan. Partnerships with companies like Fusus, Auror, Axon Evidence, HiveWatch, and SingleWire Software have enabled Verkada to offer joint solutions that meet a wide range of customer needs. For instance, the Winston-Salem Police Department has integrated Verkada cameras with Fusus to create a centralized Real-Time Crime Center, enhancing public safety.
As Verkada continues to add more integration partners, customers will benefit from expanded capabilities and streamlined operations. For example, retail customers can now export video directly to Auror for use in identifying repeat offenders, creating a safer shopping experience.
Next-Generation Cameras, Intercoms, and Door Readers
Verkada’s hardware team unveiled a suite of next-generation devices that further enhance physical security. These include three new cameras, three new intercom models, and a new door reader with a keypad.
- Fisheye and PTZ cameras: Featuring larger image sensors and advanced optics, these cameras deliver sharper images, faster installation, and increased durability for extreme weather conditions.
- Mini Split Camera (CM42-S): This discreet, space-saving camera is ideal for ATMs, retail spaces, and other tight areas, offering full security coverage without drawing attention.
- Intercoms: The latest intercom models, such as the TD33, TD53, and TD63, feature improved audio and video quality, as well as integrated door readers for added access control convenience. The TD63 even includes a built-in keypad for multi-factor authentication.
- Door Readers: The newly announced AD64 door reader includes a keypad, allowing for multi-factor authentication. This is a significant enhancement in access control, particularly for organizations that require both badge and PIN access.
What’s Next for Verkada?
The innovations announced at Verkada One 2024 highlight the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of security technology. With AI-powered alerts, enhanced hardware, and a growing list of third-party integrations, Verkada is positioning itself as a leader in the physical security industry.
All of the software features will be available starting October 3rd, with the Command Connector already available and hardware products rolling out soon. Verkada continues to develop innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers, ensuring that organizations can protect their people and assets in the most effective way possible.
Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to watch the VerkadaOne What’s New Webinar for a deeper dive into these exciting innovations.
