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Speed up decisions — turn video into instant answers

Detect queues, blocked exits, and dock activity with live alerts and zero tagging. Move from question to action in minutes with Ask Optra Anything.

December 26, 2025

Ask Optra Anything (AOA) converts your existing camera feeds into an on‑demand AI assistant that delivers clear, trustworthy answers in real time. Watch the video to see how quickly you can go from camera to answer.

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In five simple steps you can move from questions to action, reduce manual video reviews, and give teams the live visibility they need to act with confidence.
See how quickly you can get the answers you need.

Watch the how-to video

   

Move from questions to action instantly

Cameras are everywhere, but insights rarely are. Ask Optra Anything (AOA) brings real-time video intelligence into daily operations so teams can:

  • Act faster — live visibility and automated alerts let teams resolve issues immediately

  • Cut review time — surface only the events that matter so staff focus on action, not footage

  • Improve safety and compliance — automated checks for blocked exits and unusual activity reduce risk

AOA answers plain‑language questions directly from cameras, so nontechnical teams get reliable results without complex setup.


Get real answers, shown simply

Whether you need to track yard activity, monitor aisles, or verify equipment usage, AOA transforms existing camera feeds into a smart assistant that answers operational and safety questions in real time. Examples of instant answers:

  • “How many customers are in line?” → Two customers.

  • “Is the emergency exit blocked?” → The exit is clear.

  • “Is a truck at the loading dock?” → A delivery truck is at the dock.

 

Meet your new AI-powered monitoring app

Ask Optra Anything guides users from problem to production faster by combining video understanding, automation, and real-time intelligence. Setup typically takes minutes for basic monitoring.

  1. Identify the scenario — pick the problem: queue length, dock status, blocked exits, or equipment use.

  2. Connect your camera — RTSP or ONVIF; no tagging required.

  3. Describe what to detect — type plain language queries and define the desired output.

  4. Review insights — validate detections and watch patterns and safety issues in real time.

  5. Deploy results — push outputs to dashboards, alerts, and workflows so teams get the right information at the right time. 


Explore the tailored value by role 

Ask Optra Anything guides users from problem to production faster by combining video understanding, automation, and real-time intelligence. Setup typically takes minutes for basic monitoring.

If your team depends on cameras every day, Ask Optra Anything gives you the clarity and speed you need to act.

  • Retail operations

    • Reduce queue times and optimize staffing with live headcount answers that let managers redeploy staff where customers need them most.

  • Logistics and transportation 

    • Speed dock turnarounds with instant truck detection and status alerts so loading and unloading happen without delay.

  • Site management and facilities

    • Automate safety checks and receive notifications about blocked exits or unusual activity to keep sites compliant and secure.

Discover how fast you can move from questions to action


Get answers about Ask Optra Anything 


What is Ask Optra Anything (AOA)? 

AOA is an edge-intelligent skill that turns your existing cameras into a live video intelligence tool for faster, safer decision-making.


Who can benefit from AOA? 

Transportation, logistics, retail, and site management teams rely on AOA to improve visibility, reduce manual reviews, and streamline daily operations.


What kinds of questions can AOA answer? 

AOA supports common operational and safety checks, including:

  • How many customers are in line?
  • Is the emergency exit blocked?
  • Is a truck at the dock?


How does AOA improve efficiency? 

Instead of reviewing footage manually, teams get instant clarity that speeds up decisions and reduces workload.


Can AOA enhance workplace safety? 

Yes. AOA uses computer vision to detect blocked exits, unusual activity, or safety hazards so teams can respond quickly.


Which AI providers does AOA support? 

AOA works with OpenAI, Microsoft Azure OpenAI, Google Gemini, and Anthropic Claude — and you can use different engines for different needs.


What devices and cameras are compatible? 

AOA supports RTSP-enabled, ONVIF-compliant cameras and Lexmark Optra Edge devices such as CX2000¹, VZ5000, VZ5100, and VZ6100. 
¹Recommended model.


Do I need technical expertise to set it up? 

No. Getting started takes five simple steps: install cameras, define regions, connect AI providers, create rules, and track results.


How does AOA fit into my existing systems? 

AOA includes built-in APIs for easy integration with your current tools and workflows.


How can I get started? 

Watch the how-to video and connect with a Lexmark expert to explore how Optra Edge and the Optra Skills Marketplace can support your monitoring needs.