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Local is a lekker challenge

There are a number of companies focused on producing solutions locally, primarily in the software arena, but we still have hardware producers churning out products, many doing business locally and internationally. SMART Security Solutions spoke to Secutel technologies and asked GM, Andre Vermeulen, how the company succeeds from idea to sale.

SMART Security Solutions: Secutel has come up with numerous innovations over the past few years. Where does your team find the ideas that turn into profitable products? What is the process for turning an idea into a final product?

Vermeulen: Secutel’s innovation process is driven by:

• Customer-centric ideation: Ideas often stem from analysing client needs, industry challenges, and technological trends.

• Collaborative development: Cross-functional teams brainstorm, prototype, and refine solutions.

• Agile implementation: Rapid testing and iteration ensure that concepts are viable and address real-world problems effectively. For example, the Visual Verifier and NoKey mobile access control solutions were conceived by identifying gaps in intrusion detection and access management systems.

SMART Security Solutions: Skills are a significant issue for many companies in South Africa, especially in the technology world. Have you found challenges in finding the skills you need and retaining them so they do not wander off to jobs overseas? Additionally, how do you try to upskill staff and keep them on board?

Vermeulen: Secutel has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled tech professionals, a common issue in South Africa. The company addresses this in the following ways:

• Training investments: We offer hands-on training, certifications, and continuous learning opportunities through partnerships with SETA, PSIRA, and SAIDSA.

• Employee engagement: By fostering a culture of innovation and career growth, we retain talent despite market competition.
While some employees may seek opportunities abroad, Secutel’s focus on providing meaningful work and career advancement has minimised turnover.

SMART Security Solutions: Support and maintenance is not the most popular task for an innovative company, but it is vital. How do you ensure your innovations are properly supported once out in the field?

Vermeulen: Ensuring product reliability and performance is a priority we address through:

• Thorough quality assurance: Tools like the Vecu testing tool validate system functionality before deployment.

• 24/7 support: With a 4-hour response time in main cities, we minimise client downtime.

• Certified installers: Installation is handled by trained partners or in-house teams, ensuring optimal setup and adherence to best practices. This comprehensive approach ensures client satisfaction and maximises product longevity.

SMART Security Solutions: The security industry is very price sensitive. Do you find yourself continually under pressure when it comes to pricing in the local market?

Vermeulen: The security industry’s price sensitivity demands a strategic balancing act. We approach it as follows:

• Competitive pricing: Secutel delivers cost-effective solutions like the SecuVue Cloud Video Recorder, enhancing existing CCTV setups without costly upgrades.

• Export opportunities: A favourable exchange rate enables competitive pricing for overseas markets, despite local production costs.

• Value-driven approach: Advanced features like business intelligence reporting and cloud integration provide ROI, making our solutions attractive even in cost-conscious environments.

SMART Security Solutions: What are some of the latest products/solutions you have released to market, and what can we expect to see in the near future?

Vermeulen: Our latest product released to the market is NoKey Mobile Access Control. The Secutel development and innovations teams are working on various products and concepts for future release, as well as constantly innovating existing products to ensure longevity and ROI.

SMART Security Solutions: How do you see AI impacting the innovation process in your company going forward, firstly in terms of the products you provide and, secondly, in terms of the innovation and development process?

Vermeulen: AI is pivotal in shaping Secutel’s future:

• AI will drive advanced features such as predictive threat detection and multi-sensor integration, which will aid in proactively detecting possible incidents based on various data sets.

• AI-powered tools will enhance prototyping, testing, and deployment speed. By embracing AI, Secutel ensures its products stay ahead of industry trends while optimising internal innovation processes.

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