Karen Chiang of Rhombus explains how cloud, AI, and unified platforms are transforming security into a faster, more intelligent, and data-driven operation
Please introduce yourself and give us an insight into Rhombus.
My name is Karen Chiang, and I’m the VP of Channel at Rhombus, where we focus on helping organizations modernize their physical security infrastructure through a cloud-managed platform. At its core, Rhombus is designed to simplify what has traditionally been a complex and fragmented space.
We bring together video surveillance, access control, sensors, and analytics into a single unified platform. Instead of requiring organisations to manage multiple systems, vendors, and interfaces, we provide a streamlined experience where everything can be accessed and managed in one place. That simplicity is critical because security today is no longer just about monitoring – it’s about enabling faster decisions, improving operational efficiency, and delivering measurable value to the business.
Our approach is centered on three key pillars: performance, platform, and people. From a performance standpoint, we focus on delivering high-quality, low-latency video in real time. From a platform perspective, we enable organizations to view and manage their entire physical security environment through a single interface. And from a people-perspective, we are committed to ensuring that our customers and partners are successful and able to extract real value from the system.
Integration between video surveillance and access control has been discussed for years; what has changed recently to make this a practical reality for organizations today?
For many years, integration between video surveillance and access control was more of a theoretical goal than a practical reality. The primary barrier was complexity. Traditional systems were built in silos, and integrating them required significant customization, additional software layers, and ongoing maintenance.
What has changed is the shift to cloud-managed platforms and modern infrastructure. Deployment is now significantly simpler. Instead of relying on traditional setups where cameras are connected to on-site recorders with multiple layers of hardware, installations can now be as straightforward as connecting devices via Power over Ethernet using standard network cabling. This eliminates much of the complexity associated with legacy deployments.
In addition, automation has improved dramatically. Capabilities such as automated pre-registration allow devices to come online as soon as they are connected, even across multiple locations. This reduces the time and effort required for integrators and makes deployments far more scalable and predictable.
At the same time, organizational expectations have evolved. Security leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver systems that are efficient, easy to manage, and capable of scaling with the business. Cloud architecture supports these needs by enabling seamless integration between systems, making what was once difficult and resource-intensive now practical and reliable.
How would you define a genuinely unified security platform, and how does that differ from simply linking separate systems?
A genuinely unified security platform is one where all components – video surveillance, access control, sensors, and analytics – are designed to operate together within a single system, rather than being loosely connected.
The difference lies in how users interact with the system and how efficiently they can access information. In environments where systems are simply linked, organizations often still need to navigate multiple interfaces, manage separate software applications, and manually correlate data. For example, they may rely on one tool for video, another for license plate recognition, and another for facial recognition.
In a unified platform, these capabilities are built into the same system. Everything is accessible through a single interface, creating a true “single pane of glass.” This centralization improves usability and reduces the operational burden on teams.
Another important distinction is flexibility. A unified platform should support both native and third-party devices, allowing organizations to integrate existing infrastructure into the system. This ensures that organizations are not forced to replace hardware unnecessarily while still gaining access to modern capabilities such as advanced analytics and AI.
What are the most immediate operational benefits organizations see when cameras and access control are fully integrated?
One of the most immediate benefits is a significant reduction in time spent searching for information. In traditional systems, reviewing footage to locate a specific incident can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. With integrated platforms and advanced analytics, that process can be reduced to seconds.
This improvement has a direct impact on productivity. Security teams can spend less time manually searching through video and more time responding to events and managing operations. It also reduces frustration and allows organizations to operate more efficiently.
Another key benefit is centralized visibility. Instead of switching between multiple systems or physically visiting different locations to access information, users can view everything from a single platform. Cameras, access control events, and sensor data are all accessible in one place, providing a more complete and cohesive view of the environment.
This level of visibility is particularly valuable for organizations with multiple sites, as it enables consistent monitoring and management across all locations.
How does integration improve incident response and situational awareness for security teams in real-world environments?
Integration enhances both incident response and situational awareness by providing a more comprehensive and immediate view of events.
When all relevant data is available within a single platform, security teams can quickly understand what is happening and take appropriate action. They no longer need to switch between systems or manually piece together information, which reduces response times and minimizes the risk of errors.
It also enables a shift from reactive to proactive security. Instead of only reviewing incidents after they occur, organizations can use analytics and alerts to identify potential issues in real time. This allows teams to respond faster and, in some cases, prevent incidents from escalating.
Situational awareness is further improved by the ability to monitor multiple data sources simultaneously. With video, access control, and sensor data integrated into one platform, teams can gain a clearer understanding of their environment and make more informed decisions under pressure.
What role does cloud architecture play in enabling seamless integration between video and access control platforms?
Cloud architecture is the foundation that enables seamless integration. It removes many of the limitations associated with traditional on-premise systems and allows for a more flexible and scalable approach.
One of the primary advantages of the cloud is centralization. Data from all devices and systems is stored and managed in a single environment, making it easier to integrate and access. This is especially important for organizations with distributed operations, as it allows them to manage multiple locations from a single interface.
The cloud also supports continuous innovation. New features and updates can be deployed without requiring manual intervention or system downtime. This ensures that organizations always have access to the latest capabilities, including advancements in AI and analytics.
Additionally, cloud platforms make it easier to integrate with other systems and technologies. This creates a more connected ecosystem where video surveillance, access control, and other tools can work together seamlessly to deliver greater value.
How is the industry addressing long-standing interoperability challenges between different systems, devices, and manufacturers?
Interoperability has historically been a major challenge in the security industry, largely due to proprietary systems and limited integration capabilities.
Today, there is a clear shift toward more open platforms that prioritize compatibility and flexibility. At Rhombus, this means enabling organizations to integrate third-party devices, including cameras, into the platform.
This approach allows organizations to continue using their existing infrastructure while benefiting from modern features such as AI-driven analytics. It also reduces the risk of vendor lock-in and provides greater flexibility as technology evolves.
Interoperability is also expanding beyond hardware. Organizations can integrate their security systems with enterprise tools, such as cloud storage solutions, to enhance functionality. For example, video footage can be backed up to cloud-based platforms, improving accessibility and resilience.
These advancements are helping to create more cohesive and adaptable security ecosystems.
How are AI and analytics enhancing the value of integrated security systems beyond traditional monitoring and access management?
AI and analytics are fundamentally transforming how organizations use their security systems.
One of the most impactful developments is the ability to interact with the system using natural language. Instead of requiring specialized knowledge or custom-built features, users can simply describe what they want to track in plain English. The system can then interpret that request and generate insights or alerts.
This capability significantly expands the range of use cases. For example, organizations can monitor product movement on a manufacturing line, analyze customer traffic patterns in retail environments, or track parking lot usage to understand peak occupancy times.
These insights extend beyond traditional security functions. They provide valuable data that can be used to improve operations, optimize resources, and support strategic decision-making.
As a result, security systems are evolving from reactive tools into proactive platforms that deliver meaningful business intelligence.
Looking ahead, how do you see the relationship between video surveillance and access control evolving, and what should organizations be prioritizing now to future-proof their security infrastructure?
The relationship between video surveillance and access control will continue to become more integrated, with both systems functioning as part of a broader, intelligent platform.
To prepare for this evolution, organizations should focus on three key priorities: simplification, unification, and flexibility.
Simplification involves reducing complexity in both deployment and ongoing management. Organizations should look for solutions that streamline installation and minimize the need for specialized infrastructure.
Unification is about bringing all security components into a single platform. This improves efficiency, enhances visibility, and enables better decision-making.
Flexibility ensures that the system can adapt to future needs. Open platforms that support third-party integrations allow organizations to evolve their infrastructure without being constrained by a single vendor.
AI and analytics will also play an increasingly important role. Organizations should prioritize systems that can transform data into actionable insights, enabling them to move beyond traditional security functions.
Ultimately, future-proofing security infrastructure means investing in solutions that are scalable, adaptable, and capable of delivering long-term value.
