Heroes do not win the Rugby World Cup; teams that plan, practise and work together to deliver the best performance in every facet of the sport and in each game are the ones that emerge holding the cup high.
In the fast converging world of security, i to i technologies has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on working as an integrated team and delivering service excellence to each customer at every opportunity.
Andrew Mthembu, i to i technologies' CEO says the company's teamwork begins at the top. The new board is focused on continuing the legacy of providing the market with excellent products and services, and is committed to expanding the reach of i to i with new solutions and technologies targeted at specific sectors.
Mthembu says the company's new vision will see it creating the environment for new specialised product and service packages at competitive prices. "And this is where i to i differs from the norm, we deliver solutions, not simply products. Our customers are not necessarily interested in the latest technology purely because it exists, but rather to ensure that the solutions we commission have positive effects on their bottom-line and reduce their organisational risk.
Spirited to lead
"Our industry expertise and business analysis skills empower us to understand our customers' business requirements and our technology know-how sets us apart in the field of technical and commercial systems design. This approach allows for outcomes-based solutions which inevitably show direct results to CFOs and CEOs. Simply put, i to i technologies aims to give its customer the ability to have all facts and figures about security, safety and productivity available at any time, irrelevant of location or activity."
And this winning attitude has resulted in some high-profile wins for the company over the past year.
Winning across industry sectors
i to i technologies recently completed a major security rollout for the University of Cape Town. The university is the first to implement a high-tech solution to tackle crime on campus and the system was showcased at the annual Campus Protection Society of South Africa in September.
The first phase of the project has been to convert the old analogue system to a modern IP (Internet Protocol) network system. Each camera now functions like a computer on a network and they can all be controlled from a centralised point. The recording process also has a greater capacity and reliability. Instead of recording onto VHS tapes as was the case with the old system, footage is now recorded in digital format on a hard drive that has a substantial memory and a backup system.
The new control room at the Campus Protection Services (CPS) office on UCT's lower campus has also been set up by i to i technologies and boasts state-of-the-art equipment, supplied by Bosch.
Canadian listed diamond mining company, Rockwell Diamonds has also signed a major deal with i to i technologies this year to establish one of the world's first turnkey security initiatives for its South African mining operations. The multimillion rand deal will encompass people, technology and processes.
Rockwell Diamonds has invested in a security solution encompassing CCTV, access control, biometrics, specially trained managers, control room operators, protection personnel and maintenance teams. Many process components will be integrated in a control room environment with multiple tiers, as well as remote-view control rooms that will, in essence, allow the company to monitor all operations and drive holistic security processes on its mines from anywhere in the world. The rollout of the system is already under way with teams actively working at Rockwell's Northern Cape mines.
Intelligent, automated security
These two examples highlight a major trend in industries around the world to move away from the old definition of security, ie gun and guards, to a more modern approach of inherently intelligent security systems. In this environment, i to i aims to add more value besides the primary electronic security offering. If implemented properly and with the necessary foresight, these systems can add value by increasing productivity, improving business reputation and providing substantial cost savings.
Engaging new frontiers
Mthembu adds, however, that the company will continue to adapt to market requirements and is in the process of conducting in-depth research into the needs of its customers. "i to i is embarking on a massive primary research drive to improve our understanding of the requirements of the markets we serve, and what technology and services are needed. For the first time, empirical evidence will be available on this sector and we aim to plough this back into the industry and wider business environment with the aim of making South Africa a safer and more productive business environment. The research will focus on new technologies and combinations of technologies available for use in the next few years that will give our clients the edge in terms of asset protection, control and increased productivity."
Supporting entrepreneurs
And while i to i is committed to commercial success, the company has not forgotten its social responsibilities. The company plans to actively participate and implement various charitable activities, sponsorship activities and invest in local talent and education as part of its socio-economic development commitment to previously disadvantaged communities.
"And this is only the beginning," Mthembu adds. "We are also continuing to improve our BEE scorecard rating and are engaged in a relentless search for new talent and business partners to work with us."
One such example is i to i technologies' commitment to a KwaZulu-Natal-based black sub-contractor, Albert Mgawu, trading as Vikela Trading Enterprises. i to i will be assisting Mgawu in setting up his business and appointing him as the preferred sub-contractor in the region, with first refusal on any outsourced work.
With a sterling reputation already firmly established in the security industry, i to i technologies continues to look for new ways in which it can offer customers and partners better, more effective security solutions. "When it comes to security, i to i is the leader in integrating people, processes and technology to create an effective security solution," concludes Mthembu.
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.
printer friendly version