Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Choosing the right video management system (VMS) is absolutely crucial for businesses looking to enhance their security and gain better operational insights. With technology constantly evolving, the best systems offer more than just security—they integrate data, improve compliance, and streamline workflows. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best video management systems in security, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they can help protect your business while optimizing performance. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or starting from scratch, these VMS solutions offer they very best and latest tools to meet your needs.
What is a video management system (VMS) in security?
A video management system (VMS) is software that helps businesses monitor, manage, and store video footage from security cameras. It allows users to view live or recorded video, control multiple cameras, and set up alerts for specific events. In security, a VMS is essential for improving visibility, enhancing safety, and ensuring compliance by centralizing video data into one easy-to-use platform.
For example, a retail store could use a VMS to track customer traffic patterns, identifying peak shopping hours. This data helps optimize staffing, reduce theft, and improve customer experience. Additionally, with motion-triggered alerts, the system can notify managers of suspicious activity, allowing them to respond quickly and prevent potential losses.
A VMS presents a massive opportunity to catch more theft, optimize operations and run a more efficient overall site when it comes to security.
How does a video management system work?
A video management system works by connecting security cameras to a centralized platform that allows you to monitor, record, and manage video footage. 
The cameras capture video, which the VMS stores either locally or in the cloud. Users can access live or recorded footage from any device, set up motion detection or other alerts, and control camera settings remotely. This system helps streamline security, making it easier to protect your business and respond to incidents in real time.
What is a cloud-based video management system?
A cloud-based video management system stores and manages video footage in the cloud rather than on local servers. This type of VMS allows businesses to access video from anywhere via the internet, making it a flexible solution for companies with multiple locations or remote teams. With cloud-based systems, you don’t need to invest in expensive hardware for storage, and updates are automatic, reducing the need for IT support.
What’s the difference between VMS vs NVR vs DVR?
Here’s a simple breakdown of DVR, NVR, and VMS:
DVR (Digital Video Recorder): DVR systems record video from analog cameras, converting the footage into digital format for storage. They are often used with older camera setups and require a wired connection.
NVR (Network Video Recorder): NVR systems work with digital IP cameras, recording video directly from the network. They offer higher-quality video, remote access, and are more flexible with both wired and wireless setups.
VMS (Video Management System): A VMS is software that manages video from multiple cameras, either DVR or NVR. It helps you view, store, and manage footage, while offering advanced features like remote monitoring, alerts, and analytics.
Here’s a simple comparison table between DVR, NVR, and VMS:
Feature | DVR (Digital Video Recorder) | NVR (Network Video Recorder) | VMS (Video Management System) |
Camera Type | Analog cameras | Digital IP cameras | Works with DVR, NVR, or IP cameras |
Video Quality | Lower, due to analog conversion | Higher, digital video | Varies, based on connected cameras |
Connection Type | Wired (coaxial cables) | Wired or wireless (network-based) | Works with wired or wireless systems |
Recording Location | Local storage (on-premise hard drive) | Local or network storage | Local, cloud, or hybrid storage |
Remote Access | Limited, often requires third-party software | Built-in for most NVRs | Full remote access via cloud or app |
Scalability | Less scalable, harder to expand | More scalable, easier to add cameras | Highly scalable, adapts to various systems |
Advanced Features | Basic recording and playback | Advanced features like remote monitoring | Full feature set: remote access, analytics, alerts |
Cost | Lower upfront costs | Moderate costs | Higher cost, but more functionality |
Essential video management system features
A high-quality video management system comes with a range of features designed to enhance security, improve efficiency, and adapt to your business’s unique needs. Below are the key features to look for in a VMS and why they are essential for safeguarding your business and optimizing operations.
Cloud-based
Cloud-based VMS also provides scalability, meaning you can easily add more cameras or storage as your business grows. It enhances security by keeping footage backed up off-site and often comes with advanced features like remote monitoring, analytics, and motion-triggered alerts. However, it relies on a stable internet connection, and there may be ongoing subscription costs for cloud storage and services.
Easy-to-use interface
A VMS with an intuitive interface ensures that your team can quickly navigate the system, reducing training time and improving response to incidents. A simple, user-friendly dashboard allows easy access to live video feeds, alerts, and archived footage, making security management seamless.
Scalable
As your business grows, so should your VMS. Scalability means your system can expand to accommodate additional cameras, locations, or features without requiring a complete overhaul. This ensures long-term value and adaptability as your security needs evolve.
Flexible deployment
Whether your business needs an on-premise solution, cloud-based management, or a hybrid of both, flexible deployment options let you choose the best setup for your operational requirements. This adaptability is crucial for businesses with unique infrastructure or data management policies.
Live remote video security
The ability to monitor live video feeds remotely is essential for businesses with multiple locations or off-site managers. Remote access allows for real-time incident response, no matter where you are, ensuring consistent security coverage at all times.
Technology agnostic
A technology-agnostic VMS works seamlessly with cameras and other hardware from various manufacturers. This flexibility prevents vendor lock-in and allows businesses to integrate their existing security infrastructure, reducing costs and ensuring a smoother transition.
Motion search
Motion search capabilities let you quickly find relevant footage by filtering video based on motion in specific areas. This feature reduces the time spent manually reviewing hours of footage and helps identify potential incidents faster.
Customizable proactive alerts
Proactive alerts notify your team in real time of specific events, such as motion detection, tampering, or unusual activity. Customizable settings ensure that you only receive alerts relevant to your business, helping to prevent security breaches before they escalate.
Event-based search
Event-based search allows users to quickly locate video footage tied to specific events, such as door openings or cash register transactions. This feature enhances operational efficiency by making it easier to review relevant video without combing through hours of unrelated footage.
Point of Sale integration
Integrating your VMS with your point-of-sale (POS) system adds a layer of accountability and security. It allows you to match video footage with transaction data, making it easier to identify internal theft, errors, or fraud at checkout points.
Advanced video analytics and visualization
Advanced analytics, such as heat mapping, facial recognition, or people counting, provide valuable insights beyond basic security. These tools help businesses optimize operations, improve customer service, and detect patterns that can reduce losses or improve efficiency.
The best video management systems on the market for security
1) Solink
Solink is a top provider of video management systems, managing over 18,000 locations and hundreds of thousands of cameras across various industries. Their platform offers scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes, including retail, hospitality, and banking. What sets Solink apart is its powerful integration of video security with business data, offering deeper insights than traditional VMS solutions.
Solink’s platform allows you to link video footage with critical business data, such as transactions, employee activities, and security events. This helps detect and resolve issues like theft, fraud, or operational inefficiencies. Additionally, Solink excels in user experience with features like one-click video sharing, advanced search capabilities, and automatic event tagging, making it easy to manage security across multiple locations.
Unlike basic VMS options that focus solely on video storage and remote access, Solink provides advanced analytics and data integration, making it a comprehensive business intelligence tool that enhances both security and operational insights.
Advantages of Solink
Here are some of the key features that make Solink’s video management system (VMS) stand out:
- User-friendly platform: Easy to learn and accessible to staff across various roles, enabling quick adoption throughout your warehouse operations.
- Continuous updates: Regularly introduces new features like Camera Linking, Threshold Notifications, and Location Management, ensuring your system stays cutting-edge.
- 24/7 support: Access help anytime via in-app chat, email, phone, or Solink’s comprehensive help center.
- Mobile excellence: Offers a top-tier mobile experience on Apple and Android devices, along with Apple TV and web apps, making it easy to monitor your warehouse on the go.
- High ROI: Saves time, reduces costs, and improves operational efficiency by preventing theft and optimizing workflow.
- Top-tier security: Provides industry-leading network security and data protection to safeguard your warehouse operations.
- Quick installation and maintenance: Solink manages all hardware, with installation and maintenance fully handled to minimize disruptions.
- Hundreds of integrations: Seamlessly connects with warehouse management systems, access control, inventory tracking, and more for complete system integration.
- Video alarms: Offers both self-serve and managed options for video verification of alarms, enhancing real-time security responses.
- Flexible contracts: No-term agreements, offering flexibility as your warehouse business grows and evolves.
- Real-time alerts and daily reports: Receive instant notifications for critical events and daily summary emails with key data points to stay informed.
- Technology-agnostic: Compatible with most existing warehouse security cameras and connected systems, ensuring easy integration with your current setup.
- End-to-end solution: Solink can source, install, and manage your entire warehouse security camera system, providing a complete, hassle-free solution tailored to your needs.
Direct comparison table
In the chart below, we provide a detailed comparison between Solink and other leading video security providers, such as Verkada, Avigilon, and Eagle Eye Networks. This side-by-side analysis highlights key features and capabilities of each system, helping you understand how Solink’s integration of video security with POS data, advanced analytics, and user-friendly functionalities beats out the offerings of these competitors. Whether you’re prioritizing advanced data correlation, ease of use, or comprehensive security solutions, this chart will help you see why Solink is the superior choice for your business needs.
2) Verkada
Verkada is a cloud-based security camera company offering a simple, scalable solution for businesses. Their system combines cloud management with onboard storage, ensuring secure, accessible video. Key features include AI-powered analytics, end-to-end encryption, and a user-friendly interface. Verkada designs both hardware and software for seamless integration, making it a solid choice for businesses of all sizes.
Quick overview:
- Cloud-managed cameras: Access footage and manage systems remotely.
- Hybrid storage: Combines local and cloud storage for reliability.
- Integrated design: Hardware and software built for seamless use.
- Security-focused: End-to-end encryption and access controls.
- AI analytics: Facial recognition, people counting, vehicle detection.
- User-friendly: Intuitive interface for easy management.
3) Eagle Eye Networks
Eagle Eye Networks is a leading provider of cloud-based video security solutions, offering flexibility, scalability, and advanced features for businesses of all sizes.
Quick overview:
- Cloud-based platform: Manage and access video footage remotely.
- Open API: Integrates easily with existing security systems.
- Flexible storage: Choose from cloud, local, or hybrid options.
- AI-powered analytics: Features like object detection, license plate recognition, and real-time alerts.
- Cybersecurity focus: Strong encryption and regular updates.
- Scalable solutions: Suitable for any size business, from small retail to large enterprises.
4) Rhombus
Rhombus offers a cloud-based security camera system with a focus on simplicity, AI-driven features, and robust security. Their platform is designed for easy deployment and management across multiple locations.
Quick overview:
- Cloud-based system: Access and manage video remotely.
- AI-driven analytics: Includes facial recognition, object detection, and people counting.
- Scalable deployment: Add or manage cameras easily across locations.
- Strong security: Ensures data encryption and secure handling.
- User-friendly interface: Designed for simple management.
- Real-time alerts: Immediate notifications for suspicious activity.
5) Avigilon
Quick overview:
Avigilon, part of Motorola Solutions, provides high-quality security camera systems known for their advanced video analytics and high-resolution video.
- High-definition video: Exceptional clarity and resolution.
- AI-powered analytics: Includes facial recognition and unusual motion detection.
- End-to-end solutions: Integrated hardware and software for seamless performance.
- Scalability: Ideal for businesses ranging from small operations to large enterprises.
- Strong security: Data encryption and secure video management.
- Easy integration: Works with existing systems and infrastructure.
6) Spot AI
Spot AI provides an advanced cloud-based video security system that focuses on making video footage actionable through AI-driven insights. Their system is designed for businesses that want to enhance their security without overhauling existing infrastructure.
Quick overview:
- Hybrid cloud system: Uses both cloud and on-premises storage, offering flexibility and enhanced security.
- AI-powered features: Real-time alerts, advanced search, and video analytics help quickly identify and resolve incidents.
- Compatibility: Works with any existing IP cameras, allowing easy integration without needing new hardware.
- Centralized management: A single dashboard to manage all camera feeds, improving efficiency and accessibility.
- Scalability: Easily scales to meet the needs of growing businesses.
- Easy deployment: Quick setup with minimal disruption to current operations.
7) Axis Communications
Quick overview:
Axis Communications is a leader in network video solutions, offering cloud-based options that integrate seamlessly with their high-quality IP cameras. Axis is known for its reliability and innovation in video security technology.
- Cloud-based management: Axis offers cloud storage and management options that allow users to access and control their camera systems remotely.
- Advanced analytics: Their systems support various analytics like motion detection, people counting, and license plate recognition, which are processed either on the camera itself or via cloud services.
- High-definition video: Axis cameras provide exceptional image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Cybersecurity: Strong focus on cybersecurity with features like secure boot, signed firmware, and encrypted data streams to protect video footage.
- Integration capabilities: Easily integrates with other security systems like access control and alarm systems, making it ideal for complex, large-scale installations.
8) Hanwha Techwin (Wisenet)
Hanwha Techwin, known for its Wisenet camera line, provides cloud-based video security solutions focused on high-resolution imaging and AI-driven analytics.
Quick overview:
- Cloud and hybrid storage: Offers both cloud and hybrid storage solutions, giving businesses flexibility in how they store their video footage.
- AI-driven features: Includes advanced analytics like facial recognition, object detection, and people counting, helping businesses get more actionable insights from their security footage.
- High-resolution cameras: Hanwha’s cameras are known for delivering crisp, clear video, even in low-light conditions.
- Scalability: The system is designed to scale easily, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
- Cybersecurity: Equipped with strong security protocols to protect video data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
9) Openeye
OpenEye provides cloud-based video management solutions that are easy to deploy and manage, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and system reliability.
Quick overview:
- Cloud-based video management: Allows remote access to video feeds and system management from any internet-connected device.
- Flexible storage: Offers a mix of cloud, local, or hybrid storage options, allowing businesses to tailor their system to their specific needs.
- Strong cybersecurity: Focuses on securing video data with features like end-to-end encryption and regular software updates.
- User-friendly interface: Designed for ease of use, making it simple for businesses to manage their video security without extensive training.
- Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate the needs of growing businesses, from small shops to large enterprises.
10) Genetec
Genetec offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions, including cloud-based video management systems that integrate video security with access control and other security tools.
Quick overview:
- Unified platform: Genetec’s cloud-based solutions allow for the integration of video security, access control, and other security systems under a single platform.
- Advanced analytics: Provides real-time analytics, including facial recognition, object tracking, and behavioral analysis, to enhance security operations.
- Scalability: Designed to scale from small installations to large, complex environments, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.
- Strong security: Features robust cybersecurity measures to protect against threats, including encryption, authentication, and regular updates.
- Remote access: Allows users to monitor and manage their security systems from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.
Why Solink is the best choice for your video management system
Solink is the ideal choice for a video management system (VMS) because it combines advanced video monitoring with intelligent data integration to provide actionable insights. Unlike traditional VMS platforms that merely store footage, Solink integrates seamlessly with your existing cameras and business systems, transforming video into a powerful tool for enhancing security, reducing loss, and improving operational efficiency.
With its intuitive platform, real-time alerts, remote access, and advanced search features, Solink allows you to manage multiple locations from one centralized dashboard. Solink also prioritizes cybersecurity with end-to-end encryption and continuous updates, offering a secure and reliable solution for businesses seeking a modern, data-driven VMS.
