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‘The state of the South African market for security equipment’ and ‘MarketPlace intelligence’ surveys

Security is never a single-faceted problem. It is always multifaceted and places a burden of responsibility on the person tasked with selecting the correct, effective security solution to a particular problem.

So says Dr Bennie Coetzer, Managing Director of Thales Advanced Engineering. According to Coetzer, companies often make the mistake of delegating the responsibility for their security arrangements to outside companies without first ensuring that these companies have the necessary know-how to implement the best possible system for a particular problem. "The precise security needs of the company has to be determined before a system is installed particularly in big projects," he says.

Coetzer further emphasises the need for systems integration when determining security arrangements. "A system, which is properly integrated, can be used to raise the profile of security as more sophisticated and complex systems can be used within the building, its perimeter and even through the process and production areas," he says.

In a nutshell, Coetzer is talking about a factor that Hi-Tech Security Solutions has been a strong advocate of - providing a complete security solution. Such a solution includes utilising the most suited products and technologies together with the most important link to the chain - the human factor. By and large, security has become part of a complete business module with any such implementation made with the view of yielding good profit margins. The role of security manager has evolved from being merely a protector of assets and personnel to a key decision maker in both small businesses and large corporates with much emphasis being placed on risk management and loss prevention.

No doubt, recent decimating world events have also brought security into the limelight, making many around the globe reevaluate their own security arrangements and policies, all of which spell good growth for the industry as a whole. And as we head into 2002, Hi-Tech Security Solutions will continue to bring you the latest industry news, technologies and trends as the journal for security professionals and business leaders.

Hi-Tech Security Solutions comes up tops

At the recent Magazine Publishers Association of South Africa (MPASA) PICA awards evening, Paradigma Publishing, publishers of Hi-Tech Security Solutions scooped awards in three business-to-business categories. Hi-Tech Security Solutions emerged as a winner in the Safety and Security category whilst the Hi-Tech Security Buyers' Guide also scooped top honours in its category. In addition, sister publication, eSecure received a highly commended award in the Information Technology category. We at Paradigma Publishing would like to thank all those who contributed to our success over the past year and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of publishing excellence in the security arena.

Till next year

Gerard Peter

Associate Editor

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