The council’s previous system was in a state of disrepair, with only 15-20 of its 3,000 cameras operational across the entire estate. The council also wanted to future-proof its video infrastructure by adopting smarter technology capable of generating operational insights, improving efficiency and enhancing services for residents and local businesses.

To address this, Barnet opted for a phased upgrade using the i-PRO X-series AI Processing Relay Application. The application adds AI-powered analytics to existing legacy cameras, including those from other manufacturers, effectively turning them into AI-enabled devices. This enables features such as people and vehicle detection and counting without replacing installed cameras or relying on expensive server-based processing.

The project also integrated new i-PRO cameras with a newly upgraded control room and an enhanced Genetec video management system (VMS). The decision to go with i-PRO was influenced by its advanced AI capability and the substantial cost savings — an estimate of £600,000 over five years — when compared to server-based alternatives. Additionally, the system’s scalability allowed Barnet to expand its camera network without requiring extra server infrastructure, space or cooling requirements.

“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,” said Aaron Stephens, managing director, DSSL Systems. “The cameras are used for people and vehicle counting, feeding real-time data into Power BI for internal council reports.”

The analytics data is helping the council plan future deployments in parks, railway stations and other high-traffic locations. The insights also help local businesses understand footfall patterns and support more informed decisions around infrastructure investment, traffic management and public space planning.

“Unlike traditional server-based AI systems, which place a heavy burden on network infrastructure, i-PRO cameras process analytics on the edge, transmitting only metadata rather than large video files,” Stephens said.

This approach significantly reduces costs while enabling faster and more efficient data analysis. The system was deployed with strict cyber security compliance, in alignment with regulations such as the NDAA. Installed by DSSL, the network adheres to stringent firewall policies and integrates seamlessly with the Genetec video management solution, ensuring secure and reliable data management.

“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,” said Benjamin Durrant, account executive, Genetec UK & Ireland. “This speeds up the investigative process and enhances collaboration with the Metropolitan Police.”

The deployment included 127 X-series bullet cameras for general safety and monitoring, 10 fisheye cameras in libraries for heat-mapping and people counting, and dual-view 5G re-deployable units for festivals and outdoor events. In Barnet’s unmanned libraries, the cameras also play a critical role in security, with audio detection triggering alerts for disturbances and automated people counting ensuring buildings are empty before lockdown procedures are initiated.

Barnet Council’s investment in smart city technology extends beyond security. Re-deployable 5G cameras are being used to track attendance at public events, festivals and religious gatherings, providing valuable crowd insights for better planning within a culturally diverse community.

“With an initial £1 million investment, the council has maximized existing infrastructure to expand its data capabilities without significant additional spending,” Stephens said. “Phase two of the project, which has already been approved, will see the addition of 60-70 new i-PRO bullet cameras.” 

Beyond security, the smart city and community safety teams are leveraging i-PRO’s capabilities for advanced applications such as people and vehicle analytics. A new trial for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) is also set to begin, potentially leading to a larger rollout. The council has already started benefiting from i-PRO’s analytics, such as heat-mapping in libraries, but is awaiting governance approval before publicly sharing results. The system complies with data privacy regulations as it does not use facial recognition.

Looking to the future, Barnet is exploring additional IoT integrations, including environmental sensors, flood detection and traffic signal coordination. These efforts will further enhance the council’s smart city infrastructure. 

“This transparency, combined with i-PRO’s compliance with strict security standards, solidified the council’s trust in the solution. The i-PRO team came in to answer questions from the council and really won them over with their knowledge and honesty,” Stephens said. “Furthermore, i-PRO’s deep integration with the Genetec security solutions portfolio created a seamless ecosystem, reinforcing its strong position in the smart city market.”

As Barnet Council continues its journey towards a fully integrated smart city, the focus remains on future scalability and efficiency gains. The initial return on investment is still being assessed, but the long-term impact is clear: by leveraging real-time data insights, the council can optimize public spending, justify infrastructure investments and drive smarter, more connected urban development.