Axis report charts rise of intelligent video in business

Axis Communications has published its first annual Axis Perspectives report, outlining how organisations are using intelligent video beyond traditional security and what is driving investment in supporting infrastructure.

The report highlights a shift in how businesses apply video data. Use of video for business intelligence rose to 38% from 20% over the past year, while 42% of organisations now use video to improve operational efficiency. Security remains a core use case, but the report positions cameras and analytics as a broader source of operational data.

Infrastructure modernisation was the leading driver among end users, cited by 64%. Cybersecurity also featured prominently, with 44% describing it as a critical priority, reflecting increased focus on the resilience of connected devices and networks in physical security environments.

Cloud Shift

Cloud adoption is expected to rise, with the report forecasting a two-year increase in cloud use in physical security from 27% to 44%. The 17-point uplift reflects organisations' evaluation of new operating models and software approaches for video management and analytics.

At the same time, customers are placing more emphasis on system integration. According to the report, 41% now demand a unified platform, indicating procurement strategies that favour fewer, more connected systems and clearer data flows across video, security operations, and other enterprise tools.

Axis frames the findings as an inflexion point, with organisations increasingly treating intelligent video as a business sensor used for performance improvement, cost reduction, and automation.

"We're seeing a broad shift in how organisations think about video, with it being increasingly viewed as a strategic source of data, insight, and automation across the enterprise," said Peter Lindström, Chief Commercial Officer at Axis Communications.

Maturity Model

A central element of the publication is a five-stage intelligent video maturity model. It describes a progression from passive, reactive systems to proactive, predictive deployments, and ultimately to autonomous operations. Axis presents the framework as a way for organisations to assess their current position and prioritise investment in technology, processes, and infrastructure.

The report also examines how cameras fit into decision-making workflows, describing a shift from video reviewed after an incident to video that generates alerts, supports automated checks, and feeds operational dashboards. That transition increases the need for compute capacity, data governance, and cyber risk management.

The research draws on global data, expert input, and customer use cases. One example is BMW Group's use of cameras for AI-driven quality inspection, referred to as AIQX. The report describes the system as enabling automated inspection and links it to product quality and operational efficiency.

For manufacturers and logistics operators, machine vision and video analytics are increasingly used for defect detection, process monitoring, and safety compliance. The report's emphasis on platform integration aligns with the need to connect these systems with production software, incident management tools, and reporting systems.

Market Context

Axis is known for IP-based video technology and operates across video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio systems. It also works with technology partners and system integrators, who often design multi-vendor deployments and integrate physical security systems with IT infrastructure.

The report's focus on modernisation and cybersecurity reflects broader shifts in the physical security sector. Many organisations are replacing older on-premises hardware and proprietary systems with networked devices, software-led platforms, and hybrid architectures. As a result, patching, device management, identity controls, and network segmentation have become more important.

The cloud adoption projections also indicate ongoing experimentation with hosted video management, remote monitoring, and subscription-based software models. In physical security environments, cloud uptake has often been constrained by bandwidth limits, regulatory requirements, and the need for predictable performance. The forecast suggests these barriers are easing in some segments as connectivity improves and vendors expand cloud offerings.

Lindström said the report is intended to provide a longer-term view of technology and use cases across industries.

"With our long history of innovation in IP video, we believe it's important to take a strategic view of how the technology and its use cases are evolving. Axis Perspectives reflects that commitment, delivering data-backed guidance and expert insights to help leaders stay ahead of change and scale proven innovation into measurable business advantages."

Axis plans to publish the report annually, with future editions expected to track changes in adoption, customer priorities, and the practical steps organisations take as intelligent video becomes more embedded in security and operational environments.