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The changing systems integrator business model

An electronic security systems integrator is essentially an organisation that sources different components and combines these components with unique technology implementation methods to provide the client with a functional business operational process. It uses as much of the client’s existing infrastructure as possible to keep the costs as low as possible while not compromising on the system functionality.

In current times, and with the economic struggle worldwide, the above business model is becoming quite challenging to provide complete and holistic solutions to a client within an acceptable budget. The most significant influencing factor is budget, with the understanding that system integration is only a small part of providing a complete solution.

Considerations:

1. We must consider cybersecurity and the effects thereof in this new, fast moving world of technology. To ensure proper protocols and security, this would require maintenance/updates, which ultimately adds to the cost of the holistic solution.

2. We must consider the current infrastructure’s compatibility with the newer security technology manufactured. For example, a 32-bit operating system versus all the latest equipment solely working on a 64-bit system ultimately inflates costs to upgrade old infrastructure. Alternatively, the client compromises, uses lower-end technology, and changes its operational procedures to meet partial requirements.

3. Cloud solutions are not being considered on high-risk sites due to information security risks and the cloud solutions attracting monthly costs.

4. Delayed component lead times are changing the technology and integration proposal. The clients cannot wait to implement a solution with a four months lead time (some lead time is up to 10 months), which pushes us to change our solution or lose the business with the client.

Perspective on residential estates

Estates and estate security have evolved tremendously over the last five years. People want surety in their security using functional technology, not just a boom and guard posted at the entrances or exits with high walls around the perimeter.

Currently, most estates are looking for an integrated solution consisting of CCTV, access control, electric fencing, security lights, and perimeter beams. The cost factor plays a huge role in delivering a functional holistic security solution, which naturally limits the extent of the solution integrators can provide. Currently, the two biggest trends within estates are speed monitoring to maintain the safety of all residents and kids, and licence plate recognition (LPR) integrated into access control, allowing estate security to identify and control all users entering and leaving the estate.

Most of the higher-end CCTV systems currently offer the function of speed monitoring; raising an alarm when people are speeding, and sending emails with photos, videos and other information. The gap is on the LPR side and the integration of LPR into access control systems. There are limited solutions in this regard, and the costs are currently very high for this integration. Some of the larger estates are willing to explore development in this area, but many grey areas must be addressed to achieve this requirement.

We see a considerable shift to estate living and the lock-up-and-go lifestyle, leading to an increased demand for functional, integrated security solutions.

In closing, the system integrator business model is definitely changing. As RR Electronic Security Solutions, we are focusing on our core offerings and skills to stay ahead of the curve. This requires us to plug the gap between where we are and where we want to be, exposing our teams to new situations/latest trends and developments in the industry.

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