How to Reduce False Notifications from Your Verkada Cameras
Verkada's proactive notification system is a powerful security feature, but it can become overwhelming if you are constantly being bombarded with false alerts. Notifications for swaying trees, changing shadows, or passing cars can lead to "alert fatigue," causing you to ignore a notification when a real event occurs.
This guide will show you how to use the features within the Verkada Command platform to fine-tune your settings and ensure you only get alerts for the events that truly matter.
Understanding the Cause of False Positives
A "false positive" or "false notification" happens when the camera's analytics interpret irrelevant environmental movement as a noteworthy event. Common culprits include:
- Environmental Movement: Tree branches, bushes, or flags blowing in the wind.
- Lighting Changes: Fast-moving clouds, the sun rising or setting, and car headlights can all trigger motion detection.
- Animals: Pets, birds, or other wildlife can trigger alerts.
- Insects: A spider web directly in front of the lens can create what looks like large-scale motion.
- High-Traffic Areas: A camera aimed at a busy street or public area will generate constant alerts if not configured correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Your Verkada Alerts
Log in to your Verkada Command account and select the camera you wish to configure to get started.
1. Use People and Vehicle Analytics
This is the most impactful feature for reducing false alerts. Instead of getting notified for any motion, you can tell the system to only alert you for specific object types.
- How to Configure: In the camera's settings, find the motion or analytics section. Change the trigger from "Any Motion" to "Person Detection" or "Vehicle Detection."
- Why it Works: This uses Verkada's powerful edge-based analytics to intelligently ignore motion from things like shadows and swaying trees, and only alert you when it identifies the form of a person or a vehicle.
2. Create Precise Activity Zones
Activity zones tell the camera where to look for motion and what areas to ignore.
- How to Configure: In the camera's settings, you will find an option for "Activity Zones" or "Motion Zones." You will be shown the camera's view and can draw one or more polygons over the areas of interest.
- Best Practices:
- Be specific. Draw the zone tightly around the area you want to monitor, such as your doorway, a garden gate, or a specific parking space.
- Exclude public areas. Do not include public pavements, roads, or your neighbour's property in your motion zones.
- Refine as needed. If you are still getting false alerts, you can edit the zone to be more precise.
3. Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity
If you are using "Any Motion" detection, adjusting the sensitivity is key.
- How to Configure: There is typically a slider for motion sensitivity in the camera's settings. It is usually set to a medium or high level by default.
- How to Tune: If you are getting too many alerts, lower the sensitivity one level at a time. Wait and see how the alerts change before lowering it further. This may require some trial and error to find the sweet spot where it ignores environmental noise but still catches relevant events.
4. Set a Notification Schedule
Do you need motion alerts 24/7? If you are only concerned about security overnight or when your business is closed, you can set a schedule.
- How to Configure: In the notification settings, look for a scheduling option. You can set specific times and days of the week when you want to receive alerts. For example, you could disable all motion notifications during business hours.
5. Keep the Lens Clean
Before you spend hours in the software, do a quick physical check. A spider web or a large piece of dirt on the lens can blow in the wind and trigger motion alerts. A clean lens ensures the camera has a clear view and the analytics can work accurately.