For security dealers, reducing false alarms and delivering high detection accuracy are key to business growth, increasing recurring monthly revenue (RMR), and taking on more complex security applications. Remote video guarding has become a trusted solution for preventing theft and securing outdoor assets, but its success depends on the reliability of the technology in use. Many dealers rely on visible AI cameras to detect intruders at sites like car dealerships, construction yards, and material storage areas. While effective in well-lit areas, these cameras can struggle to detect threats in dark, remote zones further away—leading to missed intrusions or an influx of false alarms that can overwhelm monitoring teams and drive up costs.

Thermal-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras solve this challenge by delivering precise detection in complete darkness and at long distances, without requiring additional lighting infrastructure. By minimizing false alarms and improving detection accuracy, Thermal AI cameras enable monitoring teams to oversee more locations without adding staff, significantly increasing efficiency and profitability. This allows security dealers to secure more sites, provide a more reliable solution to customers, and unlock new revenue opportunities that were previously impractical due to technology limitations.

Extending Detection Range and Overcoming Lighting Limits with Thermal AI

Unlike visible cameras, thermal AI cameras work by sensing heat signatures, allowing them to detect intruders in total darkness and harsh weather conditions. When thermal cameras are equipped with thermal-based AI, they can also reliably classify detected objects with high reliability in the dark and over long distances—distinguishing between people, vehicles, animals, or irrelevant backgrounds, virtually eliminating false alarms. This results in a highly reliable detection system, enabling remote video services to operate more effectively for more situations.

Dual-spectrum thermal AI cameras take security to the next level by integrating both a thermal imager and a visible imager within the same enclosure. This combination provides the best of both worlds—thermal AI for long-range detection and false alarm reduction in complete darkness or adverse weather and visible AI for situations where there is enough lighting. Security operators also benefit from capturing color and detail to enhance real-time decision-making. By intelligently comparing thermal and visible AI detections, these cameras add an extra layer of AI-driven verification, improving accuracy, reducing false alarms, and delivering stronger overall security performance.

Applications for Comprehensive Protection:

Thermal AI cameras enable security providers to safeguard previously hard-to-secure areas such as:

• Construction Sites: Detect intruders 24/7 to prevent theft of equipment and materials.
• Industrial Facilities: Secure storage yards and loading docks against outdoor theft.
• Logistics & Transportation Hubs: Protect cargo and vehicles at trucking yards and distribution centers.
• Auto Dealerships: Address catalytic converter and tire theft with real-time alerts from outdoor lots.
• Substations, Solar Farms, & Energy Providers: Prevent theft of copper wiring and equipment, while ensuring uninterrupted service.
• Cannabis Grow Operations: Safeguard remote or rural grow sites from theft and vandalism.
• Equipment Rental Yards & Storage Facilities: Deter break-ins and theft at fenced sites housing high-value assets.

Enhancing Business Outcomes

By providing precise detection while minimizing false alarms, Thermal AI cameras empower security dealers to deliver more reliable protection, expand into new markets, and drive higher recurring revenue. Their ability to operate in complete darkness and at long distances allows dealers to secure challenging environments without added infrastructure costs. Additionally, because Thermal AI processes detection at the edge, it scales efficiently without the need for costly central station upgrades or complex software integrations—offering a powerful yet cost-effective solution for growing remote video guarding operations.

This blog was authored by Babak Shir, vice president of engineering for SightLogix. 

By: Julie Stevens, BOLD Group

In the dynamic landscape of security operations, industry standards play a vital role in establishing best practices and ensuring the highest level of service delivery. The Monitoring Association (TMA), an ANSI Accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), sets the benchmark for excellence through the development and maintenance of American National Standards (ANS). In this blog, we will explore the importance of TMA industry standards, with a focus on specific standards such as TMA-ATN-01, APCO/TMA ANS 2.101.3-2021, ANSI/TMA CS-V-01-2022, and ANSI/TMA AVS-01-2023.

These standards address active threat detection, alarm monitoring company integration with emergency communications centers, alarm confirmation and verification procedures, and alarm validation scoring. While TMA initiates standards development, it also actively monitors and works with other Standards Development Organizations. TMA Standards Committee members work closely on standards and guides developed by UL, SIA, NFPA, APCO, and NENA that directly or peripherally impact monitoring centers. Embracing these standards not only elevates security organizations but also enhances public safety.

TMA-ATN-01: Monitoring Center Notification of Active Threat Detection:

In an evolving security landscape, monitoring centers face the challenge of handling non-traditional alerts, such as shot detection and weapons detection. TMA-ATN-01 establishes guidelines for immediate notification of these active threat events to public safety agencies. This standard outlines protocols for monitoring centers to receive and process alerts from both human sources and technology-initiated systems. By adhering to TMA-ATN-01, security organizations can ensure rapid and effective response to active shooter situations, contributing to the safety of facilities with high human presence.

APCO/TMA ANS 2.101.3-2021: Alarm Monitoring Company to Emergency Communications Center (ECC) Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP):

The seamless integration of alarm monitoring companies with emergency communications centers is crucial for efficient emergency response. APCO/TMA ANS 2.101.3-2021, also known as ASAP, establishes standardized protocols for transmitting alarm data from monitoring centers to ECCs through CAD systems. By automating the process, ASAP reduces call processing times, minimizes errors, and provides ECCs with accurate and timely information. Security organizations adopting ASAP enhance emergency response coordination, resulting in improved public safety outcomes.

ANSI/TMA CS-V-01-2022: Alarm Confirmation, Verification, and Notification Procedures Standard:

False alarms can strain law enforcement resources and compromise the effectiveness of alarm systems. ANSI/TMA CS-V-01-2022 sets guidelines for alarm confirmation, verification, and notification procedures to minimize false alarms. This standard emphasizes the importance of employing multiple verification methods, such as audio and video confirmation, before contacting law enforcement. By implementing these procedures, security organizations not only reduce false alarms but also enhance the credibility of their systems, ensuring that law enforcement resources are allocated efficiently.

ANSI/TMA AVS-01-2023: Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS) Standard:

Efficient resource allocation and prioritization are critical for effective law enforcement response. ANSI/TMA AVS-01-2023 introduces a standardized method for creating an alarm scoring or classification metric for unauthorized human activity detected by alarm systems. This scoring system assists law enforcement agencies in determining the level of response required based on the severity and credibility of the alarm. By using the AVS standard, security organizations contribute to better resource allocation, enabling law enforcement to prioritize calls for service and respond promptly to genuine threats.

The adoption and implementation of TMA industry standards, including TMA-ATN-01, APCO/TMA ANS 2.101.3-2021, ANSI/TMA CS-V-01-2022, and ANSI/TMA AVS-01-2023, have a significant impact on security organizations and public safety. These standards provide clear guidelines for active threat detection, integration with emergency communications centers, alarm confirmation and verification procedures, and alarm validation scoring. By embedding these standards into their operations, security organizations elevate their efficiency, credibility, and effectiveness. Moreover, adherence to industry standards enhances public safety outcomes, promotes collaboration, and contributes to the continuous improvement of the security industry as a whole. Embracing TMA industry standards is not only a commitment to excellence but also a testament to the dedication of security organizations in safeguarding lives and assets.

When your company joins TMA, you become part of the association that promotes and defends the interests of the monitoring industry, through its work in government relations, regulatory advocacy, and standards development. We are always looking for subject matter experts to join their peers in helping to define the future by participating on the various committees we have including the different standards committees. If you are interested in learning more about TMA standards work or volunteering to serve on a working group or committee, please visit tma.us for more information.