The camera as the “everything tool”—Q&A with Johnson Controls’ Greg Parker
Formerly utilized as reactive monitoring solutions or criminal deterrents, cameras have begun filling the “everything tool” niche in many organizations’ security ecosystems.
Security budgets are getting tighter, and proactive, data-driven security solutions have become attractive options for businesses looking to cut costs. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have accelerated the camera’s ability to meet this criterion: for example, analytics at the edge give security cameras the intrusion detection capabilities of other perimeter security systems and provide users with a wealth of data they can use to identify their organization’s pain points and streamline operations. Video intelligence has replaced video surveillance as the camera’s most important function.
To explore the causes—and ramifications—of this development, SecurityInfoWatch connected with Greg Parker, Johnson Controls’ Vice President of Life Cycle Solutions, Americas.
SIW: How, over time, have security cameras come to fill the role of the “everything tool?" Is this a recent development, or has the industry steadily been heading toward favoring multi-purpose uses for security tools?
Parker: Security cameras have gradually evolved into multifunctional tools that support a wide range of security and operational needs. This transformation has been ongoing, driven by advancements in AI sensor technology and the increasing demand for integrated, data-driven security solutions.
Modern cameras do far more than monitor—they incorporate additional sensors for functions such as audio analysis, environmental monitoring, visitor wayfinding, and vehicle recognition. As a result, they have shifted from passive security tools to essential assets that enhance facility visibility, safety, and efficiency.
SIW: Why has the surveillance camera evolved to fill this role, as opposed to other security tools?
Parker: Cameras have evolved into multifunctional security tools largely because they can capture and provide real-time data that can be analyzed and integrated with other technologies. Unlike other security tools, cameras offer a continuous visual stream that, when paired with AI and managed closely by facility managers to ensure the highest levels of privacy and cybersecurity protection, enables advanced capabilities such as facial recognition, anomaly detection, and behavioral analysis. These features allow organizations to take a more proactive approach to threat detection and response.
Beyond their security function, cameras now play a crucial role in facility management. They support energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and occupancy planning, making them invaluable for both security and operational optimization. This versatility has positioned cameras as a key component of today’s smart infrastructure.
SIW: What non-security benefits can organizations utilize their camera systems for?
Parker: With integrated AI and advanced analytics, camera systems have become powerful tools for optimizing operations and improving workplace efficiency.
One major benefit is space utilization analysis. By tracking occupancy patterns, businesses can optimize layouts, allocate resources more effectively, and reduce energy consumption by adjusting heating, cooling, and lighting based on real-time data.
Supporting predictive maintenance, facility managers can analyze camera footage and data to identify trends and patterns that can help predict when equipment or systems are likely to fail. These insights contribute to smarter decision-making, improving both productivity and cost management.
Ultimately, today’s surveillance systems serve as valuable business intelligence tools, helping organizations enhance workplace experiences and maximize efficiency.
SIW: What are some best practices for maximizing ROI from your surveillance systems?
Parker: To maximize ROI from your security systems, start by defining what success looks like for your business. Before exploring AI or other advanced tools, ask, what are we trying to improve? Are you focused on faster response times during critical events? Do you want to enhance system uptime to ensure business continuity? Is reducing false alarms a priority to prevent unnecessary disruptions?
Success with AI starts by aligning the technology with clear, measurable goals. When evaluating solutions, consider their ability to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, strengthen system reliability, and minimize safety risks. The right tools should also free up your workforce to focus on higher-value tasks rather than being bogged down by false alerts or manual monitoring.
Finally, always ask vendors or internal teams a simple but crucial question: “How will this solution directly impact our bottom line and enhance the customer experience?”
SIW: What does the future of the “everything tool” look like to you?
Parker: Security cameras, along with other critical systems like alarms, sensors, and access controls, are becoming more intelligent, precise, and seamlessly integrated. This shift creates a more interconnected security ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency and proactive threat detection.
Advanced sensor technology, for example, is now integrated with biometric authentication, mobile credentials, and AI-powered analytics to track foot traffic, manage workforce access, and streamline facility operations. Similarly, smart lighting systems equipped with occupancy sensors can automatically adjust brightness based on activity levels, improving energy efficiency and workplace comfort.
As security and operational technologies continue to merge, organizations will gain even more sophisticated tools to enhance safety, efficiency, and overall decision-making. The future of the “everything tool” lies in the continued integration of AI-driven systems, making security infrastructure a protective measure and a fundamental component of smarter, data-driven environments.
SIW: What impact has this evolution had on the security industry and the development of security technologies going forward, or do you expect to observe it?
Parker: As organizations adopt more interconnected and intelligent security solutions, they will increasingly view security as a fundamental component of infrastructure planning, rather than just a protective measure.
One of the most significant changes is the convergence of physical security, cybersecurity, and operational technology security. Instead of operating in silos, these elements are becoming more integrated, helping ensure a seamless approach to threat detection, risk mitigation, and overall business continuity. For example, modern security systems now incorporate AI-driven analytics to proactively detect threats by analyzing traffic and user behavior, identifying both physical and cybersecurity risks in real time.
This evolution also drives the development of smarter, more adaptive security technologies. Organizations are prioritizing solutions that protect assets and contribute to business intelligence, workforce management, and resource optimization. As a result, the security industry will continue to innovate, focusing on scalable, AI-powered, and data-driven solutions that align with the needs of modern enterprises.
