In 2025, manufacturing faces tighter margins, stricter safety regulations, and growing risks from both inside and outside the factory gates. For example, many manufacturers report substantial losses from security incidents each year, and unscheduled downtime costs the sector billions of dollars annually. Add to that the difficulty of maintaining worker safety and it’s clear: the stakes have never been higher.

Modern manufacturing plants need more than just cameras on the wall. They need intelligent, integrated systems that turn raw video and audio into actionable insights—solutions that help reduce the likelihood of accidents, address bottlenecks, and keep operations humming. Audio/video systems for manufacturing is no longer just about security; it’s about quality, compliance, and operational efficiency with Video AI.

This article compares the top 7 audio/video systems for manufacturing in 2025. We’ll break down their capabilities, highlight where each shines, and help you find the right fit for your plant—whether your priority is industrial monitoring, factory safety, or unlocking new efficiencies with AI video analytics.

At-a-glance: Top 7 audio/video systems for manufacturing

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the leading audio/video solutions designed for manufacturing environments. This table makes it easy to spot differences in deployment speed, integration, scalability, and more.

Deep dives: 2025’s leading audio/video systems for manufacturing

Spot AI

• Core Technology Capabilities and Specifications: Spot AI delivers a powerful video AI platform designed to make video as easy to search as Google. It supports any ONVIF-compliant camera, combines edge-based video intelligence with secure cloud storage, and provides real-time alerts for safety, security, and operational events. Video AI analytics detect events like missing PPE and forklift safety violations, and provide insights to help identify process bottlenecks.

• Implementation Requirements and Timeline: Deploys in under a week with plug-and-play hardware. No forklift upgrades—reuse existing cameras or add new ones. Minimal IT lift required; intuitive dashboard means less training, faster adoption.

• Total Cost Considerations: Transparent subscription pricing with no hidden fees. Hybrid storage reduces bandwidth costs. Low total cost of ownership (TCO) thanks to camera-agnostic design and automatic updates.

• Integration Capabilities with Existing Systems: Open API for seamless integration with ERP, MES, and access control. Supports multi-site, multi-user management—ideal for plants with distributed teams.

• Target Use Cases and Industry Applications: Factory safety (PPE, event detection), quality control (visual inspections), operational efficiency (bottleneck analysis), and supply chain security (dock monitoring).

Verkada

• Core Technology Capabilities and Specifications: Verkada offers a tightly integrated stack: cameras, access control, environmental sensors, and 24/7 monitoring via a single dashboard. Built-in analytics cover motion detection, air quality, and intrusion alerts.

• Implementation Requirements and Timeline: Proprietary hardware means new cameras must be installed. A typical installation takes 2–4 weeks, including configuration and onboarding.

• Total Cost Considerations: Subscription-based with bundled hardware and software. Higher upfront investment due to closed ecosystem; ongoing costs for monitoring and analytics.

• Integration Capabilities with Existing Systems: Limited third-party integration; best suited for organizations willing to standardize on Verkada hardware/software.

• Target Use Cases and Industry Applications: Unified security for plants seeking all-in-one control over video, doors, and sensors.

Rhombus Systems

• Core Technology Capabilities and Specifications: Rhombus specializes in cloud VMS with deep environmental sensor integration—air quality, temperature, and motion. Onboard AI supports intrusion detection and asset tracking.

• Implementation Requirements and Timeline: Requires Rhombus cameras and sensors. Installation time is typically 2–3 weeks, with IT involvement for network configuration.

• Total Cost Considerations: Per-camera subscription plus sensor costs. Higher per-device cost, but scalable for sensor-rich environments.

• Integration Capabilities with Existing Systems: Open API and broad integration support, including access control and building management.

• Target Use Cases and Industry Applications: Plants prioritizing environmental monitoring, compliance, and asset protection.

Eagle Eye Networks

• Core Technology Capabilities and Specifications: Eagle Eye is built for scale, offering a cloud-first VMS with support for thousands of cameras across global sites. Features include license plate recognition and smart video search.

• Implementation Requirements and Timeline: Camera-agnostic, but requires cloud bridge hardware. Installation varies from 2–6 weeks based on site complexity.

• Total Cost Considerations: Subscription per camera, with added costs for advanced analytics. Cloud storage can drive up TCO for high-retention needs.

• Integration Capabilities with Existing Systems: Extensive API platform for custom dashboards, ERP, and logistics integration.

• Target Use Cases and Industry Applications: Multi-site manufacturers, logistics hubs, and global operations needing centralized video management.

Avigilon

• Core Technology Capabilities and Specifications: Avigilon offers unified security with self-learning video analytics, HALO environmental sensors, and forensic search tools. H.265 compression optimizes bandwidth.

• Implementation Requirements and Timeline: Hybrid deployment; supports Avigilon hardware and select third-party cameras. Rollout typically 3–5 weeks for large facilities.

• Total Cost Considerations: A considerable upfront hardware investment, plus annual software licenses. Bandwidth requirements can increase costs.

• Integration Capabilities with Existing Systems: Centralized control room integration, supports access control and alarm systems.

• Target Use Cases and Industry Applications: High-risk, compliance-driven environments (chemical, pharma, automotive).

Axis Communications

• Core Technology Capabilities and Specifications: Axis manufactures high-quality, edge-analytics cameras—including explosion-proof models. Focus on supply chain transparency and sustainability.

• Implementation Requirements and Timeline: Axis cameras integrate with a wide range of VMS partners; supports cloud, hybrid, or on-premise deployments. Installation time varies, typically 2–4 weeks.

• Total Cost Considerations: Hardware costs plus modular analytics subscriptions. Scales well for quality-sensitive operations.

• Integration Capabilities with Existing Systems: Open API for MES, ERP, and robotics integration.

• Target Use Cases and Industry Applications: Plants with strict quality standards, hazardous environments, and sustainability mandates.

Pelco

• Core Technology Capabilities and Specifications: Pelco’s SureVision tech enhances low-light visibility; VideoXpert platform integrates with SCADA for process monitoring. OSHA reporting tools included.

• Implementation Requirements and Timeline: Cloud-optimized with edge devices. Installation in 1–3 weeks for mid-sized plants.

• Total Cost Considerations: Hardware plus cloud subscription. Analytics modules available à la carte.

• Integration Capabilities with Existing Systems: SCADA and building management system integration.

• Target Use Cases and Industry Applications: Safety compliance, mid-sized manufacturers, and logistics centers.

Ready to improve your plant's operations? Book a demo with Spot AI

Choosing the right audio/video tool for manufacturing is an investment in safer, smarter, and more efficient operations. The right system can lower accident rates, reduce downtime, and give you the real-time insights you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re ready to see how video AI can make your team safer and more productive, our experts are here to help. Book a demo to see Spot AI in action, and discover how easy it is to deploy, manage, and get the most from your factory’s video data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest benefit of AI-powered audio/video monitoring in manufacturing?

Video AI platforms turn video into actionable data. This means faster incident response, real-time safety alerts, and insights that help you improve productivity and reduce downtime.

Can I use my existing cameras with current video AI platforms?

Yes—leading solutions like Spot AI are camera-agnostic and support most ONVIF-compliant IP cameras. This lets you upgrade your analytics and management without ripping and replacing your current hardware.

How do these systems improve factory safety?

Video AI analytics can detect missing PPE, unsafe worker-machine interactions, and specific unsafe conditions in real time. Automated alerts help reduce the likelihood of accidents, and video evidence simplifies compliance documentation and incident reporting.

What are the main cost drivers for industrial video systems?

Costs include hardware (cameras, sensors), software subscriptions, storage (cloud or hybrid), and integration with other systems. Cloud-first and hybrid models reduce upfront investment and offer predictable monthly pricing.

How long does it take to deploy a full video solution in a manufacturing plant?

Deployment times vary by vendor and plant size. Spot AI typically goes live in under a week, while others may take several weeks depending on hardware requirements and integration needs.

About the author

Amrish Kapoor is the VP Technology at Spot AI, specializing in AI technology, system architecture, and technical innovation for industrial operations, safety, and security. With over a decade of experience in building scalable, cloud-connected video solutions, Amrish helps manufacturers improve operational efficiency and safety through advanced AI video analytics.