How to Connect Your Existing Cameras to De Flow AI
De Flow AI runs on the CCTV and IP cameras your store already has. There is no new hardware to buy and no technician visit: you connect your cameras through the browser, and the AI is live in about 24 hours. This guide covers what you need and each step.
What you need
- Cameras from a supported system (listed below).
- The login for your cameras or your video recorder (NVR or DVR).
- A computer with a web browser.
- About 24 hours for the AI to calibrate to your store.
Supported cameras and systems
- Hikvision cameras and recorders
- Dahua cameras and recorders
- AXIS network cameras
- Milestone XProtect video management systems
- Any RTSP-compatible IP camera
POS systems, Shopify POS included, connect alongside the cameras so that refunds, voids and self-checkout transactions can be checked against the footage that shows them.
Step by step
- 1
Check that your cameras are supported
De Flow AI works with Hikvision, Dahua and AXIS cameras, Milestone XProtect systems and any RTSP-compatible camera. Most IP cameras and network video recorders support RTSP; if you are not sure about yours, the camera manual or your installer can confirm it, and you can ask us on the demo call.
- 2
Request your setup
Book a demo or start your free trial through the contact form. Tell us which camera system you use and how many stores and cameras you want to connect.
- 3
Connect your cameras through the browser
You connect your existing cameras to De Flow AI from a web browser, using your camera or recorder login. No new hardware is installed and no technician needs to visit the store. We recommend a separate view-only user for De Flow AI rather than sharing the administrator password.
- 4
Choose what to watch and where alerts go
Decide which areas matter most, such as tills, self-checkouts, entrances and high-value aisles, and where alerts should go: WhatsApp, SMS, email, mobile push notification or the De Flow AI dashboard.
- 5
Let the AI calibrate (about 24 hours)
De Flow AI's vision models calibrate to your store layout, product zones and staff patterns within the first 24 hours. After that, alerts and reports start arriving.
- 6
Review your first alerts
Every alert carries a timestamp, the video clip that shows the event and a confidence score, so you can judge it without searching through footage.
Ready to connect your cameras?
Tell us your camera system and store count, and we will get you live in about 24 hours.
Book a demoRelated: AI loss prevention · Real-time alerts · Visual recognition
FAQ
Connecting cameras: frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy new cameras or hardware?
No. De Flow AI runs on the CCTV and IP cameras your store already has. There is no new hardware to buy or install.
Does a technician need to visit the store?
No. Cameras are connected through a web browser, so nobody has to come on site.
My cameras are a different brand. Will they work?
Any RTSP-compatible camera works, alongside Hikvision, Dahua, AXIS and Milestone XProtect systems. Most IP cameras and recorders support RTSP; the camera manual or your installer will confirm it.
How long does it take to connect cameras to De Flow AI?
About 24 hours in total: you connect the cameras through the browser, and the AI calibrates to your store within the first 24 hours.
Where do the alerts go once my cameras are connected?
By WhatsApp, SMS, email or mobile push notification, to the De Flow AI dashboard, or into your existing POS or CCTV platform.
Does De Flow AI use facial recognition on my cameras?
No. De Flow AI analyzes behavior and events, not identities, and does not use facial recognition.