Advanced edge-computing analytics enabled the council to implement a future-proof technology that not only delivers high-quality security and safety but also provides valuable data insights for business and community planning
i-PRO has upgraded the video infrastructure for Barnet London Borough Council, enabling the UK’s largest London borough by population to transform its aging surveillance network into a smart city platform powered by AI edge analytics. The deployment enhances public safety while providing valuable operational data to support infrastructure planning, traffic management, and community services.
Previously, only 15–20 of the council’s 3,000 surveillance cameras were operational. By adopting i-PRO’s AI-powered edge computing technology, Barnet has modernized its video infrastructure while extending the capabilities of existing cameras.
Upgrading An Aging Video Infrastructure
Barnet Council sought to replace its deteriorating surveillance system with a scalable platform capable of delivering both security monitoring and actionable urban insights.
The council selected a phased deployment centered on the i-PRO X-series AI Processing Relay Application, which adds AI-powered analytics to existing cameras—including third-party devices—without requiring complete hardware replacement or expensive server-based processing.
The project also included:
- New i-PRO AI cameras
- An upgraded control room
- Enhanced Genetec video management system (VMS)
According to the council, the solution is expected to save approximately £600,000 over five years compared to conventional server-based AI systems while allowing future expansion without additional server infrastructure.
AI Analytics At The Edge
The upgraded system enables AI-based people and vehicle detection and counting directly on the cameras.
“A key factor in the decision was the ability of i-PRO cameras to serve as multifunctional sensors, capturing both security footage and valuable urban analytics. The cameras are used for people and vehicle counting, feeding real-time data into Power BI for internal council reports,”
states Aaron Stephens, Managing Director at DSSL Systems.
By processing analytics at the edge, the cameras transmit only metadata instead of large video files, reducing network bandwidth requirements and lowering operational costs.
The analytics are already supporting future planning for:
- Parks
- Railway stations
- High-footfall public areas
- Traffic management
- Infrastructure investment
- Local business footfall analysis
Cybersecure Smart City Deployment
The solution was deployed with cybersecurity as a core design principle.
Installed by DSSL Systems, the network complies with strict firewall policies and supports regulations such as the NDAA while integrating seamlessly with the Genetec Security Center platform.
“The i-PRO forensic capabilities are directly embedded within Genetec Security Centre, which enables control room operators to quickly find specific objects or events by filtering through attributes and characteristics captured by the cameras. This speeds up the investigative process and enhances collaboration with the Metropolitan Police,” s
aid Benjamin Durrant, Account Executive, Genetec UK & Ireland.
Supporting Libraries, Events And Public Spaces
The deployment includes:
- 127 X-series bullet cameras
- 10 fisheye cameras for library heat mapping and occupancy monitoring
- Dual-view 5G redeployable cameras for festivals and outdoor events
In unmanned libraries, the cameras provide:
- Audio detection for disturbance alerts
- Automated occupancy counting
- Lockdown verification before buildings are secured
Redeployable cameras are also helping monitor attendance at festivals, public gatherings, and religious events to support planning across Barnet’s diverse communities.
Future Smart City Expansion
Following an initial £1 million investment, Barnet has approved a second phase that will deploy an additional 60–70 i-PRO bullet cameras.
The council is also evaluating:
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
- Environmental monitoring sensors
- Flood detection
- Traffic signal coordination
- Additional IoT integrations
Importantly, the system complies with privacy regulations by operating without facial recognition.
As Barnet continues expanding its smart city strategy, edge-based analytics will support operational planning, resource allocation, and data-driven decision-making across public services.
i-PRO Co., Ltd. is a global manufacturer of edge computing cameras for security, public safety, and medical applications. With more than 60 years of expertise, the company develops AI-powered, cybersecure imaging solutions that transform video data into actionable insights through flexible, open-platform technologies.
Internal Links URLs
https://security.world/category/video-surveillance/
External Links URLs
https://i-pro.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did Barnet Council upgrade?
Barnet Council upgraded its surveillance infrastructure using i-PRO edge AI cameras, AI Processing Relay Application technology, and an enhanced Genetec video management system.
2. What is the benefit of edge AI analytics?
Edge AI processes analytics directly on the camera, reducing network traffic, lowering infrastructure costs, and enabling faster analysis by transmitting metadata instead of video streams.
3. How much cost savings does the project provide?
Barnet estimates savings of approximately £600,000 over five years compared to traditional server-based AI surveillance systems.
4. How are the cameras being used beyond security?
The cameras provide people counting, vehicle analytics, heat mapping, event attendance monitoring, and operational data that supports infrastructure planning and local business insights.
5. What future technologies is Barnet planning?
The council plans to expand AI analytics through additional cameras, ANPR, environmental sensors, flood monitoring, traffic signal coordination, and broader IoT integration.
Source: i-pro.com