Day: November 29, 2024

Pankaj Jain, Sr. Group Director & Digital Head, Informa Markets in India IFSEC India is a pioneer in its domain and the biggest electronics security expo held in South Asia since 2007 The 17th edition of IFSEC India Expo is at hand. Please share some key highlights. Informa Markets in India annually organises IFSEC India (www.ifsec.events/india), South Asia’s largest electronic security show, since 2007. This year it is scheduled to be held during 12-14 December 2024 in Halls 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 at ITPO, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. As part of the world’s leading portfolio of security and fire safety events, IFSEC India is South Asia’s pre-eminent authority on security products and solutions. The parent company to IFSEC India Expo, Informa Markets in India, is the Indian subsidiary of the UK-based and listed, live media company, Informa plc. As an Indian entity, we provide diverse industries in the country with B2B platforms, enabling trade. Over 300 brands will be exhibiting 5000+ products representing 20+ countries. IFSEC India showcases cutting edge products and solutions such as video surveillance, biometrics & RFID, access control, AI, IoT, Safe Cities, information security, GPS systems, video analytics, and intelligent building systems. This year the event is poised to host 14,000+ industry buyers and decision makers from among government and PSUs, CSOs, solution integrators and key end-user community in the security domain. We like to thank our premier plus partners – Adiance, CP Plus, Godrej, Hikvision, Hi Focus, Prama,  Realtime, Samriddhi Automation (Sparsh), Timewatch, TP Link, Trueview, Velvu and ZKTeco; our premier partners – A1 Fence, B-Cam, Bioroles, eSSL, Fyber, HiXecure, Hope Security, Marx, Mas-Tel, Maxemus, Seagate, Viewvision, Voltaic Cables and Western Digital; and other key partners such as Alba Urmet, Alagtec, Optex, Panasonic, Perto, Syrotech, Toshiba and many more. The expo is supported by industry association bodies such as ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) New Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad Chapters, CAPSI (Central Association of Private Security Industry), ESAI (Electronic Security Association of India), OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council), New Delhi and Chennai Chapters, IISSM (International Institute of Security and Safety Management), GACS (Global Association for Corporate Services), and Knowledge Partner – Mitkat Advisory. What are the top trends in security from an industry perspective? In recent years, the Indian government has initiated a wide range of vital infrastructure projects including new airports, seaports, highway development projects, urban rail systems, and the continued expansion of smart city technologies across the country.  These developments, coupled with advancements in the use of Internet of Things, advanced manufacturing systems, and smart technologies across industries, are primary drivers for demand in the security sector. End users of safety and security products and services in India include airports, mass transportation system operators, government agencies, law enforcement and intelligence agencies, military and paramilitary forces, emergency and disaster management agencies, private security agencies, manufacturing operations, and commercial and non-commercial enterprises. Beyond traditional ‘physical security,’ a host of frontiers like AI, cloud computing, IoT, and cybersecurity are being rapidly pioneered by entities big and small in our industry. India Video Surveillance Market size is projected to grow with a CAGR of 16.6% during 2020-26. By all appearances, the security industry is in a stage of redefining itself. It is moving from mere security and safety protections to encompass a wider scope of activity that will expand safety while also bringing new levels of intelligence and sustainability to communities, companies and societies. How has security as a domain evolved over the years? Which technologies security professionals are most interested in? While the incorporation of technologies such as AI, Deep Learning etc. in the security domain goes back to more than a decade; however, the increased focus on terrorism and cyber security threats have accelerated their adoption as part of security strategies of organisations. Security professionals are increasingly getting interested in knowing about the integration of AI as part of video surveillance, access control, perimeter security, and the like. Similarly, we see biometrics, face recognition, iris recognition, vein pattern recognition etc. are getting more advanced and accurate in identifying the right visitor. Such technologies not only make the job of a security officer easier but also help them in focusing on their core requirement, which is ‘zero security incident’ within their organisations. What new initiatives should we expect to see at IFSEC India Expo 2024? We are living in an era where digital is gaining prominence over physical and hence this year, we’re redefining IFSEC marketing to go beyond traditional promotion. We have created dynamic campaigns and platforms that empower our exhibitors to spotlight their brands and address critical industry issues. Through these campaigns, IFSEC becomes not just an expo but a thought leadership stage where companies can share insights, innovations, and expertise directly with the community. AI in Security – #AIinAction – this campaign highlights the transformative role of AI in security, showcasing the latest innovations enhancing threat detection, operational efficiency, and real-time response. We aim to bring forward exhibitors’ success stories, expert perspectives, and cutting-edge tech in AI, positioning them as pioneers in creating smarter, safer environments. Women leadership in security – #BreakingBarriersInSecurity – despite their growing contributions, women remain significantly underrepresented in top security roles in India. This campaign celebrates the achievements of female leaders in the field and provides a platform for sharing their journeys, insights, and leadership lessons. By amplifying the voices of these trailblazers, we spotlight the immense value of diversity in security and inspire future talent to pursue leadership in the industry. We introduced our AI-powered ‘IFSEC Market Online’ at last year’s expo. The platform uses machine learning algorithms to connect you to the prospective buyers based on their preferences and interests & pre-schedule meetings with them. It has been designed to provide a year-long engagement between the sellers and buyers that goes beyond the three-day connect at the expo. In addition, there are several additional features that truly enrich your experience while interacting with prospective clients. Through a minimalist investment in this platform, exhibitors…

Ashish P. DhakanMD & CEOPrama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd. Ashish P. Dhakan is a prominent figure in India’s security technology industry. He serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd., a leading player in video surveillance and security solutions. As a great visionary in his domain, he has been instrumental in driving technological innovation and local manufacturing in India. Under his leadership, the company has established India’s first large-scale video surveillance manufacturing plant, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.Through his strategic vision, Hikvision India has expanded its offerings across various sectors, including smart cities, safe cities, transportation, and retail, and has made significant investments in research and development to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. SecurityLinkIndia has recently been privileged to have an interaction with him, here are the excerpts: We spoke one year back, which innovative security solutions Hikvision India has introduced and providing to the Indian security market? Hikvision India is providing innovative AIoT security solutions in the Indian security market by following the best practices and compliance with the norms. We have identified several key trends that are shaping the physical security industry. Here are some of the most impactful ones: Diversified AI Applications: AI applications are becoming more varied, addressing complex problems and meeting specific customer needs. AI’s capabilities are expanding beyond visual recognition to include audio and textual analysis, enhancing overall security measures. AIoT Integration: The combination of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (AIoT) is bridging the physical and digital worlds. AIoT solutions are not only improving security but also enhancing operational efficiency across various industries. 24/7 Imaging Technologies: Advancements in imaging technologies are enabling high-quality visual monitoring around the clock. This includes improvements in low-light and night-time imaging, which are critical for continuous surveillance. Cloud and Edge Computing Convergence: The convergence of cloud and edge computing is driving faster and more efficient security services. This allows for real-time analytics and smarter decision-making at the edge, reducing the need for extensive on-site hardware. Digital Twin Technology: Digital twins, which are virtual models that simulate real-world scenarios, are being used to improve business management and operational efficiency. This technology helps in creating accurate and dynamic representations of physical environments. Enhanced Perception Capabilities: Security devices are incorporating more perception capabilities such as radar, Lidar, and environmental sensors. These enhancements make security systems more powerful and versatile. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: There is a growing focus on sustainability within the security industry. This includes the use of energy-efficient devices and practices that reduce the carbon footprint of security operations. These trends highlight the ongoing innovation and adaptation within the physical security industry, driven by technological advancements and evolving societal needs. In ongoing trend of digital transformation, what impact do you see in the Security & Surveillance space? The best impact of digital transformation is the speedy transition of Indian security industry from analog to IP mode. As the security industry trends are moving towards IoT and AIoT trends, we hope for more speedy adaptation of IoT and AIoT solutions. The digitization trends are making significant changes in the security and surveillance segments. These changes are driving innovative solutions based on smart integration, remote monitoring and smart video analytics. Hikvision Embedded Open Platform (HEOP) enables technology partners to develop and run their own applications on Hikvision’s hardware, facilitating custom security systems to respond to the specific needs and unique installation scenarios of customers. HEOP features open-architecture hardware, standard interfaces, and the HikFlow algorithm development kit. Partners can easily join the HEOP ecosystem through Hikvision’s Technology Partner Portal. HEOP 2.0 facilitates partners to deploy proprietary deep-learning algorithms on Hikvision’s edge devices, providing more intelligent and tailored applications for end users. The HEOP 2.0 system architecture ensures smooth running and quick migration of applications among varied types of underlying hardware. HEOP 2.0 works on four layers including Application Layer, Interface Layer, System Layer, and Physical Layer. How has Hikvision India performed so far? The brand Hikvision is a thought leader and technology innovator across the categories in general and video security in particular. Our vision is to empower vision for the security and sustainable growth. We work closely with our partners to explore innovative ways to better perceive and understand the world, to empower vision for decision-makers and practitioners, and work together to enhance safety and promote sustainable development. Hikvision is committed to serving various industries through its cutting-edge technologies of machine perception, artificial intelligence, and big data, leading the future of AIoT. Hikvision provides a broad range of physical security products, covering video security, access control, and alarm systems. We also provide integrated security solutions powered by AI technology to support end-users with new applications and possibilities for safety management and business intelligence. Over the past several years, we have deepened our knowledge and experience in meeting customer needs in various vertical markets with professional and intelligent solutions, including smart city, transportation, retail, logistics, energy, and education. In addition, Hikvision is extending its business to smart home, robotics, automotive electronics, intelligent storage, fire security, infrared sensing, X-ray detection, and medical imaging to explore new channels for sustaining long-term development. How AI and Analytics are revolutionizing the Security & Surveillance Industry? AI analytics is changing and developing fast now, we understand and use data, particularly in physical security. By using artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning, AI analytics help in providing useful insights from the raw data, revealing patterns and connections that would usually need human analysis. This automation boosts efficiency and opens doors to creative security solutions. As a leader in security technologies, Hikvision harnesses AI analytics to redefine surveillance and security management. Our advanced algorithms automate the detection, categorization, and analysis of objects and movements within a camera’s scope. This not only accelerates response times but also introduces cost-effective, accurate, and innovative practices in security monitoring. Hikvision’s AI analytics capabilities include: Hikvision has developed AI analytics tools, they are more than just features – they represent a shift towards smarter,…

GAURAV TAYWADEDirector, India OperationsVicon Industries With a passion for advancing cutting-edge security solutions, Gaurav Taywade, Director, India Operations, Vicon Industries has dedicated over his eight years leading Vicon’s efforts in introducing innovative surveillance technologies to the Indian market. His journey with Vicon began as a Chief Software Architect, where he focused on the development of their Video Management System (VMS). That role allowed him to deeply understand the technical intricacies and customer needs that drive the security industry.Over time, his responsibilities expanded as he took on new challenges and contributed to broader strategic initiatives. Through hands-on experience and a commitment to innovation, he gradually moved into the role of Director, overseeing India operations. Today, he is proud to lead a team that consistently delivers state-of-the-art solutions tailored to India’s unique security needs, positioning Vicon as a trusted partner in the region’s rapidly evolving market. Recently SecurityLinkIndia had the opportunity to interface with Gaurav on multiple facets of Vicon and the industry at large, here are the excerpts: What were the defining moments in your career that shaped your approach to leadership and management? Throughout my career, pivotal moments have shaped my leadership approach. Leading the development of Vicon’s Video Management System as Chief Software Architect taught me to balance technical precision with customer-focused solutions, translating complex needs into practical outcomes. Transitioning from a technical role to managing team emphasized empathy, clear communication and empowering others, and fostering collaboration and turning challenges into growth opportunities. These experiences drive my commitment to integrity, innovation and building strong, supportive teams. Kindly explain the entity Vicon Industries. What do you see as Vicon Industries’ unique value proposition in the Indian market? Vicon Industries is a globally recognized leader in security technology with over 55 years of expertise in delivering advanced surveillance solutions. Renowned for high-quality cameras, Video Management Systems (VMS) and robust security platforms, Vicon emphasizes innovation, reliability, and meeting the evolving demands of modern security landscapes. In the Indian market, Vicon’s unique value proposition lies in its commitment to NDAA-compliant, cybersecurity-focused solutions tailored to India’s growing focus on data security. By aligning with local regulatory standards such as BIS, STQC, and ER, Vicon ensures compliance while addressing the country’s diverse security needs. The focus on modular, AI-enhanced cameras and easy-to-deploy VMS minimizes installation costs and complexity, enabling seamless integration with existing systems. This positions Vicon as a trusted partner for Indian enterprises seeking cutting-edge, regulation-compliant security solutions. How would you describe the company’s vision and goals for India, and how do they align with the global objectives of Vicon Industries? Vicon’s vision for India focuses on becoming a leader in the security market by prioritizing compliance with critical certifications like BIS, STQC, and ER. This ensures our products meet stringent quality and safety standards, aligning with India’s regulatory environment. A key achievement in this direction is our STQC-approved, Made-in-India VMS, Valerus, tailored specifically to local needs. Our goals also include developing products designed for India’s unique industries and environments, offering targeted security solutions. Embracing ‘Make in India’ initiatives, we aim to support local manufacturing, boost economic growth, and deliver cost-effective, high-quality products. Globally, Vicon is synonymous with advanced security technologies, and we bring the same innovation and reliability to India. By integrating global expertise with local insights, we align our efforts to meet India’s specific demands while upholding Vicon’s international standards. What are the challenges that Vicon encounter in India and how do you overcome them? Vicon faces challenges in India’s dynamic, price-sensitive market, where premium positioning can be a hurdle. However, this also presents an opportunity to showcase the superior value and efficiency of our advanced solutions. To address this, we focus on educating customers about the long-term benefits of high-quality products, emphasizing total cost of ownership over initial expenses. By highlighting the performance, reliability, and innovation our technology offers, we aim to shift the conversation from price to value. Government initiatives promoting cybersecurity compliance further bolster demand for reliable, high-quality solutions. Vicon leverages this momentum by positioning itself as a trusted partner, aligning with quality and compliance standards. Consistent stakeholder engagement helps foster awareness of the critical need for robust security solutions tailored to India’s evolving requirements. STQC is new essential requirement for security industry in India. Can you briefly explain in perspective of your products and business?  One of the key challenges in the Indian security market is adapting to new regulatory requirements such as STQC and ER, which have become essential for the industry. Vicon has embraced these regulations, recognizing their importance in strengthening security and quality standards in India. Our VMS, Valerus, has already received STQC certification, and we have also applied for STQC certification across our camera lineup. This demonstrates our proactive approach to compliance and our commitment to the highest standards We welcome this initiative by the Indian government, as it brings an additional layer of security to the surveillance infrastructure in the country. With our entire portfolio already NDAA-compliant, we see these requirements not as challenges, but as opportunities to highlight the robust security of our products. By staying at the forefront of compliance and quality, Vicon is well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the Indian security landscape. What other standards and certifications do you have for your products in your pocket and what are their implications? Vicon’s products adhere to several international and industry standards, underscoring our commitment to quality, security and reliability. Our VMS, Valerus, is STQC certified, meeting the stringent requirements set by the Indian government. Additionally, Valerus complies with most ONVIF protocols, ensuring seamless interoperability with a wide range of third-party security systems. Our cameras are NDAA-compliant, a critical standard for ensuring that no restricted components are used, which enhances security for government and regulated industries. They are also UL listed, verifying their adherence to rigorous safety standards, and FCC Class A certified for electronic emissions compliance. Furthermore, our cameras meet CE requirements for European markets, carry IP67 and IK10 ratings for durability (including front glass), and support ONVIF…