What happened? - Key facts on the evolution of video technology
AI-supported video systems are undergoing a fundamental shift: they are evolving from pure security solutions into strategic business enablers. The new Axis Perspectives Report shows that the use of video technology for business intelligence has almost doubled within a year - from 20 to 38 percent.
42 percent of the companies surveyed now actively use these technologies to increase operational efficiency, for example to optimise workflows or logistics processes, or to manage resources in real time. In the previous year, 2024, the figure was 38 percent.
Arcelor Mittal in Belgium provides a practical example: more than 2,700 network cameras from Axis Communications are in use there, going far beyond conventional surveillance and helping to control critical production processes.
The details - Practical use in the steel industry
At Arcelor Mittal's Belgian steelworks, cranes transport ladles weighing many tonnes, carrying up to 300 tonnes of molten steel. No mistakes can be allowed in these critical operations, as both production stoppages and considerable risks to employees can result.
The AI-supported network cameras handle several tasks simultaneously here:
- Monitoring production processes in real time
- Supporting quality inspections
- Automated control of safety-critical operations
When molten steel is transported, an AI application running on the network camera automatically checks, before the ladles are lifted, whether the crane hooks are correctly positioned and fully locked. If the system detects a deviation, the lifting operation is blocked and an alarm is triggered.
Integration into existing systems
The application is integrated directly into the crane's control system and only releases the operation once secure attachment has been confirmed - either by the AI application or by a manual check under the four-eyes principle.
Before the intelligent camera systems were introduced, staff on the production lines often had to monitor ten to 20 live video streams simultaneously in order to keep track of material flows, process steps and quality parameters. In certain situations, an inspection directly at the plant was also required, which meant additional walking distances and interruptions to the production process.
Context - Why this shift matters
The Axis Perspectives Report documents a fundamental paradigm shift in the video technology industry. As Tobias Metsch, Regional Director Middle Europe at Axis Communications, explains: "We are currently seeing how the perception of video technology within companies is changing comprehensively. It is increasingly viewed as a strategic source of data, insight and automation across the entire organisation."
This development means that video systems no longer merely react to security incidents but contribute proactively to optimising the business. According to the report, this makes it possible to increase productivity, reduce costs and implement automation at scale.
Maturity model for AI-based video technology
The report presents a five-stage maturity model for AI-based network video technologies that helps companies move from passive, reactive systems to proactive, predictive and ultimately autonomous processes. This model enables executives to assess their organisation's current level of maturity.
Practical tips - Strategic implementation
The Axis report provides a strategic roadmap showing how companies can actively integrate cameras into decision-making processes and thereby achieve measurable results in critical areas of application.
Important aspects for practical implementation:
- Integrating AI applications directly on the network cameras for optimal performance
- Using open interfaces such as VAPIX for flexible adaptations without additional infrastructure
- Assessing the current maturity level of the existing video technology
- Progressing step by step from reactive to proactive and autonomous systems
Even under demanding conditions - such as difficult lighting and high temperatures on production lines - the cameras must be able to deliver stable, high-resolution images.
Outlook - What follows from this development
The Axis Perspectives Report is establishing itself as an annual publication providing insights, background and strategic forecasts on the changing role of intelligent video technology. Through data-driven analysis and expert commentary, it aims to give partners, customers and other stakeholders clear cross-industry perspectives on the future and strategic guidance.
The rapid rise from 20 to 38 percent in business intelligence use within just one year suggests that this trend will continue to accelerate. Companies that align their video technology strategically today will gain significant competitive advantages.
For security managers, this means an expansion of their remit: they must not only master conventional security technology but also understand how video systems can be integrated into comprehensive business intelligence strategies. The interfaces to other intelligent, connected technologies are becoming ever more important in this context.
