When to use integrations vs direct device connections

This guide helps you choose the right setup method: integration or direct device connection.

About integrations in Watchful, read the article here: About integrations in Watchful.

Use an integration when:

• Your cameras are managed by a VMS

• You want Watchful to pull all sites and cameras from one place

• You want to reuse the same connection across many customers or sites

• You prefer centralised access control

If a VMS controls hundreds of cameras across multiple properties, you only set up the integration once in Watchful.

From there, choose the site and camera from a dropdown when adding devices.

Use this method when:

• You have the NVR’s IP address

• You can access its username and password

• The NVR holds a small number of cameras

• You want to manage devices one by one

Add a direct connection from Sites → Devices → Add Device.

• Small sites with 1–10 cameras

• Locations where every NVR is managed separately

• Simple setups without a central VMS

Integrations are usually set up by:

• Senior technicians

• Integration engineers

• IT administrators with access to the VMS platform

New Watchful users can pick integrated cameras when adding devices. Someone who knows the external system should make the first connection.