printer friendly version

Mass supports local manufacturing

Local manufacturing can stand its ground against any competitors.

As far as the electronic security industry is concerned, South Africa falls behind the rest of the world. We cannot compete with the electronic engineering expertise so often seen coming from the Far East, we do not have the flair for software engineering and intelligent edge devices that is so evident from the European Union and we fall far behind the North Americans when it comes to knowledge of video transmission over any type of structured cabling.

That is the common perception is it not? Well, it may be the common perception but it is totally wrong. We in South Africa have plenty to offer that is unique, innovative and state-of-the-art. We are, after all, pioneers in the application of electronic security systems and specifically for that reason we are on the cutting edge of security technology. We can research, develop, design and build anything just as well as anybody else in the world.

Mass Solutions’ criterion in choosing its product line-up comes down to a few logical choices. The product must be unique, it must be solution based, it has to be technician and user friendly, it must be a quality product and most importantly of all, the product must be geared toward the requirements of the local market.

For this very reason, Mass has identified the very best locally researched, developed and manufactured security products.

Local stars

Saflec System is a locally-developed and manufactured access control system, providing high-level access control for low, medium and high security/high risk environments. The product architecture is easy to understand for sales people and system architects, hardware installation is easy and hassle-free and software is .NET based providing an easy to use and intuitive graphic user interface. R&D is very high on the list of priorities at Saflec, ensuring that new product offerings are constantly available, whilst ensuring backward compatibility.

BFR Digital pioneers transmission of video and data across any type of structured cabling medium that not only exceeds the functionality of imported products, but presents us with functionality that is, to say the least, unique in its ability to utilise transmission mediums to the limit saving time and money. Its long-distance coaxial transmission products are unique and the fibre-optic transmission products cater toward any type of installation from short to ultra-long distances in any environment. PSU, PSE and surge protection units are manufactured to specifically tackle unique electricity supply problems while maintaining the correct electrical supply required by expensive electronic equipment.

Cathexis provides video recording, video management and remote transmission systems. The functionality of the system quite often surpasses client expectations when compared to similar in-class VMS packages. It has the ability to seamlessly integrate with various access control systems, intruder detection systems, fire detection systems and PLC interfaces making it more than just your run of the mill VMS. All of this is combined in a friendly GUI that offers full functionality at the click of an icon. Virtual matrix functionality is built-in allowing for usage in anything from small to enterprise-class security systems – the system easily functions as a standalone VMS but can quite easily explode to monitor multiple sites from a control room environment with video walls, multiple operators, numerous alarm management gateways fully integrated with a multitude of third-party systems and devices. The remote transmission functionality is breathtaking, allowing for streaming of multiple cameras from multiple sites across a very low bandwidth data connection. This specifically makes Cathexis ideal for remote video monitoring control rooms.

As these products are locally conceived, researched, developed, engineered and manufactured, it presents Mass with an ability to influence the product offering to better suit local needs. Integration into and with other products is easier to achieve, engineering support is much closer and friendlier than on imported products and functionality can be changed in shorter time spans and with bigger ease than would be the case with imported products.

Apart from the obvious product, functionality and technical advantages there is another, just as important, advantage. Local manufacturers that contribute to local economy, that create local employment and which boost black economic empowerment. Imported products quite often lack the BEE credentials that are required by end-users, disqualifying system integrators that may want to utilise these products.

Share this article:

Further reading: