Enterprise organizations often manage hundreds or even thousands of sites, relying on video surveillance to ensure physical security. Traditionally, each location operates its own instance of the video surveillance system, creating a fragmented environment that grows increasingly complex over time. Managing configurations across multiple sites, tracking the health of surveillance equipment and ensuring regulatory compliance all contribute to rising operational costs and resource demands.
This is where web-based central video management software (VMS) management platforms can be a game changer, offering a unified approach to managing physical security assets across an entire organization.
Streamlining physical security asset management
Physical security ecosystems vary by industry and location, but they generally include a vast array of cameras, sensors and other hardware components. Keeping these systems operational requires effective management. Modern solutions consolidate critical information — such as user access details, hardware status and firmware updates — into a single, intuitive platform, making security management more efficient.
With a centralized VMS platform, administrators can receive proactive asset notifications and execute simultaneous firmware updates across all sites. If a specific camera model nears the end of its lifecycle, for example, the system can flag it for replacement before failure occurs — eliminating the need for manual inspections.
“In the past, on-site personnel were responsible for routine hardware maintenance,” explained Oliver Wieloch, product manager for physical security at Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division. “Today, centralized IT departments handle this remotely. For example, a prison system with multiple facilities and thousands of cameras benefits from a unified VMS that allows simultaneous updates instead of individually maintaining each camera. Hexagon’s Umbrella product seamlessly integrates multiple VMS installations, streamlining maintenance and security operations.”
Enhancing user access management
Effective physical security isn’t just about managing hardware — it also requires streamlined user access management. Legacy systems often require time-consuming, manual processes for updating credentials or enforcing security policies. With a modern centralized platform, administrators can make bulk changes, such as updating multiple user passwords, with just a few clicks. What once took days can now be done in minutes, ensuring security measures remain up to date with minimal disruption.
Comprehensive monitoring
A strong physical security strategy requires a complete overview of the system’s health, covering cameras, software and servers. Without proper monitoring, unnoticed system failures can compromise security.
“The key is ensuring that those responsible for security are informed of potential issues before they escalate,” said Wieloch. “For instance, if a server is overloaded due to excessive CPU usage, early detection allows for a swift resolution.”
Individual cameras within a VMS ecosystem can also experience performance issues. In older setups, personnel had to physically inspect each camera to ensure functionality. Today’s technology enables remote monitoring of system health, reducing unnecessary site visits and optimizing maintenance efforts.
“IT and physical security used to operate independently,” Wieloch explained. “Now, coordinating both departments creates more efficient workflows. Security investments follow a lifecycle, and outdated systems can drive up costs. Our web-based solution Umbrella was designed specifically to align with IT regulations while reducing overall maintenance expenses.”
The future of enterprise video surveillance
As video surveillance projects grow in scale and complexity, enterprise organizations need smarter ways to manage their security infrastructure. A centralized VMS management platform like Umbrella from Hexagon provides a scalable, cost-effective solution that simplifies asset management, enhances monitoring capabilities and improves security operations across multiple sites.
