For many businesses, CCTV is still a tool that is only consulted after an incident. If you're unfortunate enough to experience an accident, a break in, or an act of vandalism, your next task is to comb through hours of video footage until you find the moment you're looking for. It's time consuming, tedious, and you're always playing catch up.

What if your CCTV wasn't like that? What if your footage was actually monitored 24/7, with an attendant who proactively intervenes in incidents before they escalate?

That could mean fewer losses, fewer legal issues, and lower staff costs - as well as greater peace of mind.

That's where AI comes in. Artificial Intelligence, which has already disrupted so many industries, is now changing how we interact with our cameras, turning them from a reactive tool into a proactive solution.

Whether you manage a retail chain, oversee a construction site, or run a logistics hub, understanding how AI CCTV works—and what it can do for you—can help you make smarter, more cost-effective security decisions.

What is AI CCTV?

AI CCTV refers to artificial intelligence-powered video surveillance systems that go beyond traditional recording. Instead of simply storing footage, these systems use machine learning and computer vision to analyse video in real time.

This means your cameras can now detect unusual behavior, recognise faces or number plates, and even alert you when someone isn’t wearing the right safety gear—all without human intervention.

How AI CCTV is already being used in modern businesses

AI CCTV is already being used across industries to solve real-world problems:

• Retail: Detect shoplifting or monitor customer flow to improve store layouts.
• Construction: Ensure workers wear helmets and safety vests, reducing compliance risks.
• Warehousing: Track vehicle movement and prevent unauthorised access.
• Offices: Monitor entrances and exits, and receive alerts for after-hours activity.

These systems can be accessed remotely via the cloud, meaning you can check in on your business from anywhere—no need for bulky hardware or on-site servers.

The future of VMS

Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye Networks, is no stranger to innovation. Drako founded computer security company Barracuda Networks in 2003, eventually growing it into a multi-million dollar enterprise. In 2012, he founded Eagle Eye Networks, a company that took the traditional on-premise CCTV system and upgraded it for the cloud age - publishing video footage into a secure online portal, accessible from anywhere.

Today, Eagle Eye is putting a big bet on AI. The company secured a near $200M investment from SECOM to scale their AI division and purchased Cobalt AI in 2024. For Drako, the future is clear.

"We're at a turning point in video surveillance." he says. "In the near future, security integrators will no longer be selling a VMS. Instead, they will be selling a smart video system where potential problems are detected and resolved automatically. The system will detect weapons, unauthorised entry, liquid spills, slips and falls, detecting lost or left items, and voice talk downs when events trigger a response."

Drako envisions a platform that integrates CCTV, AI, Access Control, and loudspeakers to provide a 24/7 monitoring service without human intervention. In the event of an incident, AI detects it, and is programmed to react to it in a multi-faceted way. It dials 999, providing a live feed to the emergency services. It calls staff to the incident or asks people to evacuate.

AI makes responses faster and more accurate - and reduces the need for costly human monitoring centres - making higher quality security and compliance available to wider numbers.

The pace of advancements in AI mean this future is not far away. Drako believes traditional CCTV will be replaced within the next few years.

AI in CCTV today

In 2025, AI is already in use within CCTV. AI detects number plates, triggering gate entry. It detects weapons, notifying a monitoring centre, and it captures undesirable behaviour such as loitering and vandalism.

Coupled with cloud technology, the modern VMS is not simply a recording tool, it is a full business intelligence platform providing insights on your business and your premises.

Clear ROI for the future of VMS

Eagle Eye's Cloud & AI VMS is available on a monthly subscription with no hardware investment. Simply connect your existing cameras to the Eagle Eye Bridge and begin monitoring. What's more, AI features are already included - with more being added every quarter. Your monthly opex costs are predictable, and the platform constantly evolves and improves.

One multi-site retail business, already using Cloud VMS commented: "After a limited trial rollout at one of our most problematic sites, our legal department stepped in and demanded a full rollout. The AI, coupled with HD quality video slashed our legal risks  - the VMS made fighting erroneous personal injury claims straightforward and reliable."

Another global manufacturing business had this to say about Cloud VMS: "The new CCTV system allows us to manage all our locations centrally with minimal capital investment. Our security personnel can do more with less."

Cloud VMS starts from just £4.00 per month and works with virtually any CCTV camera, so no need to change your entire estate. You can learn more about Cloud AI CCTV here.

entrustIT is a Eagle Eye Networks partner and advisory board member.