Kristian Sandvik, senior product manager, Avigilon, explains how cloud platforms are the key to multi-site retail security.
The buzz of opening new locations can be short-lived when the focus turns to security. Many boxes need ticking to keep a single location safe. So, the thought of managing multiple stores across cities and countries can be daunting. Fortunately, cloud platforms have made multi-site security much simpler than it used to be.
Many retailers still rely on on-site legacy systems. While well-maintained legacy systems can be effective against today’s security threats, they require significant space, IT teams, maintenance and regular security audits. All of it adds to the growing pains of scaling.
The common challenges of on-site security systems include:
- Poor visibility between locations
- Delayed response to threats and incidents across locations
- Isolated systems can be difficult to synchronise
- Inconsistencies across locations
- Access issues (staff, contractors, banned personnel)
- High maintenance requirements
- Compliance issues due to siloed data
- Long investigations
- Poor reporting and analytics.
Why cloud platforms are a growing trend for multi-site retailers
97% of 873 cybersecurity professionals surveyed in Fortinet’s 2025 State of Cloud Security Report said that unified platforms are the future of protection. While it’s not uncommon for companies to have some resistance to the idea of not having servers on-site, more retailers are switching to cloud platforms for many reasons.
The advantages of cloud platforms
- Faster response: A centralised system enables security teams to respond to an alarm in any location much faster. Within seconds, they can view a threat at any location with real-time visibility.
- Remote site-wide visibility: Centralised management gives security teams the ability to check all locations from a laptop or smart device. Hours are saved as they don’t need to sign into different systems or make regular trips to sites.
- Smoother scalability: Cloud platforms’ security systems are easier to add to than legacy systems. It’s common for new cameras, alarms, etc., to be set up within hours or days. The growing pains of scaling are reduced with lower costs and faster integration.
- Increased compliance control: Cloud platforms include features to help you stay compliant. Data is encrypted in the cloud, not scattered across locations. Role-based access controls can limit who has access to sensitive data and audit trails make it easier to prove compliance.
- Fast security updates: Cloud security platforms update regularly to protect against new threats while helping clients stay compliant.
- Lower costs: Using a cloud platform means you no longer need servers, storage or maintenance across locations. Security teams will make fewer trips to locations each year.
- Faster integration of cutting-edge technology: Cloud-based products such as Avigilon Alta Protect add real-time monitoring tools to help security teams manage multi-site locations. By leveraging the advanced AI and analytics of the existing cloud-based video security system, systems like Alta Protect can be added within days. Achieving the same level of technology with a legacy system would take considerable planning, as integration is far more complex.
Not only are cloud platforms helping retailers tackle the growing pains of scaling, but they also help retailers stay up to date with new technology. It can feel overwhelming to keep up with fast-growing technologies such as AI integrations and predictive analytics. Cloud platforms can ease this burden through native and third-party integrations, as well as new feature rollouts, which can be configured and installed as soon as they are available.
Despite the rapid growth of cloud security platforms, there are a few myths that turn people away.
“Cloud security platforms aren’t as secure as a legacy system.”
Cloud systems products have dedicated cybersecurity teams working around the clock, which would be costly for retailers to organise. Security is always on the mind of cloud providers; they regularly update systems to stay ahead of new and emerging threats. In contrast, legacy systems are more vulnerable as they require patches to combat new threats, which could take weeks to organise.
“If our internet connection goes down, we’re in trouble.”
Occasional internet problems are a reality for every business. Cloud security systems take this into account. Cameras and access controls will operate locally during outages. Once the internet connection is back, the service will sync. No data is lost. However, if frequent or prolonged outages are common, it’s best practice to have backup network connections in place.
“Cloud security systems are too expensive.”
Like any new system, cloud security platforms are a big investment. However, the cost should be weighed against the costs of maintaining a legacy system over many years. Considering the maintenance, consultancy, hardware and travel costs of sending IT teams across multiple locations, cloud security systems tend to save you money. Some cloud security providers also offer hybrid solutions, allowing retailers to migrate their systems over time as old technology needs to be replaced.
Cloud platforms are helping retailers improve security across locations while easing the burden of staying up to date with technology. Making the switch to the cloud frees up headspace to focus on growing your business without dreading the security challenges that follow it.
Kristian Sandvik
Senior product manager, Avigilon
With over 20 years of experience in product design, user experience and product management, Kristian currently serves as senior product manager at Avigilon, with a focus on intelligent, cloud-based security solutions. He specialises in technology that leverages video and audio analytics, as well as remote monitoring, to bridge the gaps that exist in physical security solutions today.
