Analytics

Can You Trust Your Sensor Data? Why Most CCTV Analytics Leave You Guessing

May 21, 2025

Data-driven decision-making is now commonplace, yet most sensor data isn't as reliable as it looks. Commercial real estate operators increasingly depend on sensor insights for leasing strategies and space redesigns - but many analytics solutions deliver incomplete or inaccurate findings that lead teams to confident conclusions built on shaky foundations.

The Sensor Mirage: Why "More Data" Isn't Always Better

Most buildings employ IR sensors and CCTV analytics that promise footfall counts and occupancy tracking. However, these tools often capture what's in front of them without context and without accuracy. Common problems include misplaced sensors, no mechanism to validate accuracy, blind spots in seated areas, and IR sensors confusing heat signatures for actual occupancy.

Common Issues We See Every Day

Sensors installed above wide entrances cause blur and undercounting. Most deployments lack validation mechanisms. Collaborative and lounge spaces are missed entirely. High-activity zones trigger false positives from heat detection. The result is data that looks clean but systematically misrepresents actual usage patterns.

Not All Angles Are Good Angles: Why Placement Matters

Fyma employs placement experts who review camera networks, select optimal feeds, and apply AI sensors while continuously monitoring results across global deployments. The process begins with a thorough review of the existing camera estate - assessing angles, coverage gaps, and lighting conditions before a single virtual sensor is deployed.

Real-World Use Case: Revalidating Occupancy with QuadReal

A major Canadian real estate firm struggled with inconsistent sensor data during a return-to-office initiative. Fyma's virtual sensors revealed a 54% increase in occupancy for one tenant and a 30% uplift in another, along with behavioural shifts including earlier arrivals and longer stays - none of which the existing system had captured.

Why Validation Is the Real Insight

Data without validation is just a number. Every Fyma deployment includes tested placements, visual verification behind every count, and ongoing monitoring to flag anomalies before they corrupt downstream reporting. Accuracy is not a feature - it is the prerequisite for everything else the platform delivers.