A system and method for monitoring sensors via surveillance cameras is disclosed. In the system, surveillance cameras generating image data of scenes, where the sensors are included in the scenes. The sensors detect information concerning the scenes and encode the information so that it can be derived from the image data. Preferably, the sensors encode the information concerning the scenes by modulating a visible light source, the signals of which are captured within the image data by the cameras. An analytics system then analyzes the image data and decodes the information from the sensors encoded within the image data. Preferably, an integrated analytics system of the cameras executes the analysis. Exemplary sensors include sensors for detecting temperature, moisture, audio/voice, and product selection in a retail premises.