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Solutions are us

Hi-Tech Security Solutions took some time out to visit IFSEC UK once again this year to keep an eye on what’s happening internationally in the security market. As always, IFSEC did not disappoint. It’s impossible to compare the size of IFSEC to any local event, it is simply huge.

All the major brands were there with impressive displays and the latest technology on show. One thing we quickly realised as we moved through the various stands was that the days of selling cool technology are over. The fact is that there are few companies with systems that are completely unique, especially when it comes to hardware. You can come out with a new product today and find that a couple of weeks later others are doing the same, so it’s about how your product integrates and offers value to the customer.

Every company we spoke to now focuses on selling solutions. The solutions may be an integrated combination of in-house hardware and software, or an open system that allows third parties to build additional functionality into your base systems, or both.

As an example, and there are many more companies that we could highlight, Pelco has a bunch of new systems on the market, including a new management platform. Now users can build a solution from only Pelco products, but the company has realised it needs to offer customers the option to use products from competitors as well. Pelco even has a new facility in its software that functions like an app store where users can buy additional applications and functionality right from within the management platform.

Among other interesting finds, DVTEL is pushing its 4K cameras, but has also adopted a vertical solution focus and has released a cyber defence solution – about time. DVTEL has stolen the lead in this area and it won’t be long before others start offering similar solutions. Hikvision is also branching out into access control, and wants to offer a full solution. The list goes on.

Nice has a suspect identification application which it has patented. The system allows you to look for suspects in real time or through historic video footage. The suspect can be entered into the system from existing video footage or a photograph, or an avatar can be created for the system to search for (the avatar is a description of the suspect when no images are available). That made for an impressive demonstration.

There is much more to report regarding IFSEC and Hi-Tech Security Solutions will be providing more information on the event in the August 2015 issue. If you thought the security industry was getting boring, well, think again.

SIA awards

Has a staff member within your company committed an act of bravery or encountered danger while on duty, assisting others in the prevention of crime? Are you aware of an individual who has made a major contribution to the protection of people and/or their property? If the answer is yes, nominate them for the SIA Awards. Deadline for nominations is 31 August 2015. Send your entries to [email protected] or surf over to www.securityalliance.co.za.

Andrew Seldon

[email protected]

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