The South African security scene is changing rapidly. While the private security sector is still showing growth due to high crime levels, it is also beset with challenges. On the one hand markets are opening up for video remote monitoring and advanced access control systems as companies shift from physical to electronic surveillance – on the other, a shortage of skilled labour is affecting the installation and maintenance sector. A lack of standards for security systems has left the door wide open for a flood of inferior, low-cost imports – which means good local suppliers are forced to compete on price rather than quality or service.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is fierce competition among suppliers in a crowded bullpen. Security end-users are also faced with new technology every day, without always knowing how it matches to their specific security needs.
This may explain why so many security stakeholders are turning to shows like IFSEC South Africa to get a handle on the complexities of the industry. This is according to Ross Cullingworth, director sales and marketing at UBM Montgomery, as he announces IFSEC South Africa 2012, taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 19-21 June.
“Security providers are coming to the event with specific strategies – as active participants in the industry – to measure themselves against the competition and forge new relationships that will secure their positions going forward,” he says. “It is no longer just about networking but maintaining a visible presence in the industry as a service provider, supplier or manufacturer; it is about being there for existing clients and attracting potential new clients.”
For decision makers tasked with sourcing products and services, the show brings these individuals into direct contact with the latest and most advanced technologies, clearly explained by industry experts – often as live and interactive demonstrations. “Tough economic times mean budget constraints and buyers know that mistakes at the purchasing stage could be costly in the long run,” he points out. “So more people are doing their homework.”
Furthermore, the show is positioned to reflect the changing security landscape. “The markets for fire protection, intrusion detection and guarding services are fairly well established,” Cullingworth explains. “Primarily, we predict the shift from guard services to electronic security to impact the industrial and commercial sectors.”
Cullingworth believes that the high level of competition among suppliers has made exhibiting at IFSEC South Africa increasingly attractive to many local and international security brands. “With more than 100 companies competing for a slice of the security systems pie and over 500 companies pushing guard services, it is not difficult to see why the show has become important for the local market,” he points out.
The numbers from last year’s show reflect this growing importance. IFSEC South Africa 2011 broke its own records with 6214 delegates (a 6,4% jump on 2010) and some 200 exhibitors. Two new events co-located with the flagship IFSEC show – OSH EXPO Africa and FACILITIES SHOW Africa – boosted overall attendance to 8402. “More encouraging than the actual numbers, were the profiles of these visitors,” Cullingworth reports. “We witnessed such diversity at the show, which shows us that it is reflective of a dynamic, growing and changing industry.”
To this end, 75% of visitors were from the African continent; 88% of international delegates travelled to South Africa specifically for the event; 73% of visitors came to source new products; while a further 67% came to meet and network with new and existing suppliers.
For further information visit www.ifsecsa.com
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