About Integrations in Watchful

This article explains what integrations are, when to use them, and how they fit into device setup.

See also: Integrations vs direct device connections

An integration is a connection between Watchful and another platform typically used to connect to VMS, Analytics, or Queueing platforms.

After you connect, Watchful can access the resources provided by the credentials e.g. cameras. This enabled you to connect once and reuse the connection across sites and devices.

Use an integration when:

• You use a VMS that manages many cameras or sites

• You want to avoid setting up device connections one by one

• You want one place to manage access and camera lists

You do not need an integration when:

• You connect directly to a physical NVR or camera using an IP address

When you set up an integration, Watchful can:

• Pull a list of available sites or cameras

• Let you pick the correct camera when adding a device

• Use the same connection across many customers and sites

One integration can support hundreds of sites.

An integration does not complete every device setup step.

You still need to configure the external platform.

Most VMS systems require you to:

• Create a notification rule

• Send analytics events to Watchful via webhook

• Choose which cameras will send events to Watchful

Go to the Integration Instructions category in the Help Centre, select your platform or device type, and follow the detailed instructions.

When both sides are configured, Watchful will begin receiving analytics events from the external platform. These will appear in the monitoring portal.