Remember the clunky video systems of the 1990s? Giant monitors, grainy footage, and endless reels of tape. Back then, it was cutting-edge. But today, that old setup is like using a rotary phone in the era of sleek new smartphones.
If you’re still relying on that kind of 90s tech, you’re not alone. According to Omdia’s Video Surveillance and Analytics Intelligence Service report (2023), an estimated 15–25% of industrial facilities worldwide, including manufacturing, utilities, and oil and gas sites, continue to operate at least one analog CCTV subsystem installed in the 1990s or early 2000s. Many industrial sites continue to operate with legacy systems that once did the job but now limit visibility, reliability, and efficiency. Those older setups were built for a different time. They recorded footage but didn’t do much else, such as analyzing, alerting, or integrating with your control systems.
As these systems continue to age, parts become harder to replace, software support disappears, and the risk of blind spots or downtime grows. This can mean missed safety incidents, production delays, or compliance issues that cost time and money.
Outdated video systems weren’t designed for the scale and complexity of today’s operations. In the 90s, a few cameras might have covered a small area, and operators could manually review footage after an event. Now, production floors, refineries, and remote sites can require expansive networks with hundreds of cameras streaming 24/7. Trying to manage that volume of data with legacy equipment just isn’t practical. A single system failure can leave critical processes or safety zones at risk, unmonitored, and vulnerable.
Old goals were simply to keep an ‘eye’ on things. Today, the focus has shifted to prevention, insight, and automation. Modern industrial facilities depend on video not just for visibility but for intelligence. Cameras now function as sensors, analytics engines, and safety tools in one. They’re built to withstand harsh environments, integrate with control systems, and deliver real-time, actionable information.
Smarter Systems. Safer Worksites.
Video technology has advanced far beyond simple monitoring and is a key component of operational efficiency. In a manufacturing plant, for example, modern cameras can help identify process bottlenecks, verify quality, and ensure that workers follow proper safety protocols. In energy or utility environments, IVC’s thermal and analytics-driven systems can detect equipment overheating before a failure occurs. These real-time insights prevent costly shutdowns and keep people safe.
The return on investment is often immediate. When a single camera can replace hours of manual inspection or pinpoint inefficiencies that reduce waste, the system quickly pays for itself. In some cases, companies report fewer workplace incidents and faster root-cause analysis after installing modern monitoring systems. The shift from “record and react” to “observe and prevent” changes how operations are managed across industries.
In industries under strict regulatory oversight, such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food production, video documentation also plays a crucial role in compliance. With IVC’s advanced video solutions, operators can review footage quickly, confirm procedures, and maintain an accurate visual record for audits. What once required hours of manual searching can now be done in minutes. With built-in tagging, smart search, and event triggers, video data shifts from a simple record to a powerful management tool.
Video can also play a key role in training and workforce development. Recorded footage of proper maintenance routines, safe equipment operation, or emergency responses helps new employees learn best practices faster. When combined with IVC’s Console Recorder software, these clips can even highlight where procedures break down, allowing managers to refine training programs and prevent repeat mistakes.
A Partnership You Can Count On
IVC’s in-house engineering team works directly with customers to ensure upgrades fit their exact requirements. We provide hands-on support during design, deployment, and integration so you’re never on your own. Whether you need help connecting to an existing SCADA network or creating a new intelligent video architecture, our team stays involved from start to finish.
We get that every facility is different. Our engineers work closely with your team to evaluate your existing setup, identify weaknesses, and design a clear upgrade path that minimizes disruption. In many cases, we can run today’s most advanced IP video systems over existing coax, with no need to rewire.
Our approach is simple: build lasting partnerships, not one-time projects. We’ve worked with customers in over 50+ countries worldwide across energy, manufacturing, water treatment, and transportation, and we know that every upgrade has to balance performance, cost, and reliability. That’s why we focus on creating flexible solutions that evolve with your operation. As your network grows, your IVC system can scale with it.
The Road Ahead
The next evolution of industrial video is already here. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and edge computing are turning video data into real-time decision tools. IVC continues to lead in this space.
We’re already seeing the shift toward predictive monitoring, where analytics identify issues before they occur. Cameras equipped with on-board AI can detect smoke, overheating, or abnormal movement long before human operators notice. These tools give safety and operations teams valuable time to act, reducing both downtime and risk.
Edge computing takes this even further. Instead of sending all data to a central server, analytics are performed right at the camera or local node. This approach reduces bandwidth use, improves response time, and allows critical alerts to reach operators instantly. Combined with cloud storage and secure remote access, it gives teams full visibility from anywhere in the world.
A modern video system helps you prevent downtime, protect your people, and stay ahead of potential problems before they cost you. It’s the difference between reacting to what went wrong and knowing what’s happening right now.
Upgrading moves your system from passive observation to active insight, giving you the tools to manage operations with clarity and confidence.
Learn more
Still running 90s gear? Visit www.ivcco.com to learn how IVC can help you move from VHS to vision
Jarred Melendez is a senior channel sales director at Industrial Video and Control has been with the company since 2015. To get in touch with Jarred directly, email him at jmelendez@ivcco.com.