Special Interview with
Ashish P Dhakan
MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd.
We are now out of the unfortunate pandemic phase. How did you manage your business during Covid?
It was a very challenging phase, but a great learning experience. We were resilient and agile during the Pre-Pandemic and Post-Pandemic phases that helped us to mitigate risks and overcome the challenges. The company faced the multiple challenges of supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. After a long spell of pandemic impact now we can see that. The surge in demand is spurring the growth of the security industry. It was a great learning experience for all of us to evolve further through the various phases of pandemic challenges and recovery. During this phase we focused on the digital transformation by optimizing our digital assets and apps. It further helped us to enhance our marketing collaterals and ecosystem partners to add value through digital initiatives.
What are your aftermath strategies to cope up with the lows occurred during pandemic?
We had the requisite resilience and innovative strategies on our side to communicate and engage the target audience in a simple and effective manner. We are following the ‘Make-in-India’ vision and it is a perfect manufacturing roadmap for the future. The key priority for our management leadership at Hikvision India is to keep on innovating and evolving as an organization while navigating through the evolving challenges and opportunities.
We have set the strategic priorities of our goals based on capacity, capital and capability. Our focused marketing initiatives are based on the evolving market trends, technology advantages, customer and employee demand for societal impact. The customer expectations are very high, there is an intense pressure to deliver results despite increasing competition, economic uncertainty and upheaval.
How do you find the security market today in India, and what are your competitions?
The Indian security market is expanding due to a big surge in demand. The competition is on the rise due to various new players joining the fray. The Indian security market is poised for an unprecedented growth due to various factors related to Indian economy, infrastructure development and ongoing projects. We are grateful to our channel partners and end-users for showing extraordinary resilience and impeccable trust. We are also thankful to the security professional community comprising of dealers, distributors, installers, system integrators and consultants.
Hikvision India is consistently leading the Indian security market with the largest market share in the segment. We are happy to share the good news that Hikvision India is leading from the front with a long term commitment to ‘Make-in-India’ vision. We promise our ecosystem partners and end-users of consistent customer centric approach, product innovation, excellent quality and agile service support. We are a pure play business to business channel driven company based on growth, mutual trust and long term relationship. We work through partners to empower the network and invest resources to spur growth. Our channel partner network is going through a robust growth and expansion cycle. The channel partners are the real heroes of our success story.
The year 2022 saw marked growth in the market for the majority of the Security 50 companies in video surveillance and access control. Hikvision has topped the global security rankings for the seventh year in a row since 2016. The revenue reported by Hikvision for the financial year 2021 exceeded the US$10 billion mark, standing at US $ 10.1 billion, growing 16.9 percent from 2020’s $8.64 billion.
What are your latest products and which products are in pipeline to come?
Hikvision India has introduced a slew of new products in the Video Security, Access Control, Video Door Phone, Inspection and Alarm Product segments. The significant product launches, included eDVR, ColorVu Pro series PTZ Cameras, 8-K NVRs, MinMoe Iris Recognition Terminal and Hikvision Solar-Powered Security Camera Setup apart from the high-end project oriented product offerings. Hikvision India has introduced the Deepinview Series camera for high –end project marked. These latest product offerings are adding value.
Hikvision India offers comprehensive products across the segments of Video Security, Access Control, Intrusion Alarm, Inspection and Perimeter Security. The end customers’ reaffirmed their faith in our innovative Video Security (ColorVu and AcuSense Range of video security cameras) and Access Control (MinMoe Face Recognition Terminals and Video Door Phones). Our Intrusion Alarm and Inspection products (AX Hub, Emergency Call Box and Smart Poll) generated lots of interest among end-users.
What are the new emerging trends in security industry and where do you compete?
The security industry has continued to shift, adapt, and develop in spite of challenges. Several trends have even accelerated. 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. 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. Here, Hikvision would like to share some of our ideas and expectations about the key trends that will likely shape the security industry in the future.
AI will be everywhere
Nowadays, Artificial Intelligence is quite common in the security industry. More customers in the industry have recognized the value of AI, and have found new uses for AI applications in various scenarios. Along with ANPR, automated event alerts, and false alarm reduction, AI technologies are being used for wider applications, like personal protective equipment (PPE) detection, fall detection for the elderly, mine surface detection, and much more.
AIoT will digitize and pervade industry verticals
With more security cameras and other security devices being connected to the network, the security industry is becoming an important part of an IoT world, enriching its visual capabilities. It’s apparent that the boundaries of the security industry are blurring, going well beyond the physical security arena. Meanwhile the popularization of AI technology enables the connected devices to become intelligent “things” in the IoT world. The combination of AI and IoT, or as we call it, AIoT, is taking the security industry to a higher plain, automating the workflows and procedures of enterprises and aiding in the digital transformation of various industry verticals such as energy, logistics, manufacturing, retail, education, healthcare, etc.
From our perspective, AIoT brings more possibilities to the industry with rapidly expanding applications for security devices and systems. Meanwhile, more perception capabilities like radar, Lidar, temperature measuring, humidity sensing, and gas leak detection are being added to security devices and systems to make them more powerful.
Converged systems will break down data silos
Workers throughout private enterprises and public service sectors alike would jump at the chance to get rid of obstructive “data silos.” Data and information scattered and isolated in disparate systems or groups create barriers to information sharing and collaboration, preventing managers from getting a holistic view of their operations. Here, the convergence of various information systems has been proven to be an effective approach – hopefully enough to break down those silos.
Cloud-based solutions and services will be essential
Like AI, the cloud is not a new trend in our industry, but it is an expanding one. From small business markets to enterprise levels, we can see the momentum push more and more businesses to leverage cloud-based security solutions and services. And as we are witnessing even now, the pandemic has accelerated the movement to cloud-based operations for people and businesses around the world.
Crystal clear security imaging will be standard in any weather, under any conditions, any time of day or night
It is always vital for video security cameras, as a core function to maintain image clarity and capture details 24 hours a day, in any weather and under any condition. Cameras with low light imaging technology that renders high-definition and full color images at night and in nearly completely dark environments have been very welcome in the market. We are taking note of the impressive technology applied to more camera models, including 4K, Varifocal and PTZ cameras. Moreover, for clearer video security imaging in poor visibility – especially in severe weather – high-performance imaging sensors, ISP technology, and AI algorithms are being employed, enabling cameras to maintain clarity and details of the view.
Biometric access control will bring higher security and efficiency
In the past decades, authorized access control has moved a long way away from the keys, pin codes and ID cards. We now find ourselves stepping into the next phase of biometrics era. The access control market is rapidly becoming occupied by biometric authentications, from fingerprint and palm print recognition to facial and iris recognition.
The Zero Trust approach will take the cybersecurity spotlight
With more security devices connecting over the Internet than anyone ever imagined, cybersecurity has become an immense challenge in the industry. A strategic initiative that developed to prevent data breaches by eliminating the concept of trust from an organization’s network architecture, Zero Trust is rooted in a philosophy of “never trust, always verify.” The concept has been roundly accepted within the IT industry and it is now also slowly but steadily moving into the physical security realm, as it gradually becomes an important part of the IoT world.
Green manufacturing and low-carbon initiatives will take big strides
The consensus is in: low-carbon initiatives are valued by societies around the world. In the security market, we have seen products featuring low-power-consumption becomes the preferred options for customers, and demands for solar-powered cameras are increasing.
5G technology has been inaugurated in India. How does it impact the security industry? Kindly also describe its implications on Hikvision products.
The newly launched 5G technology in India is expected to bring many positive changes to the security industry in terms of faster data transfer capabilities. 5G offers enormous potential to advanced robotics, automation and security solutions. 5G’s greater bandwidth and lower latency makes the regular transmission of high-quality images possible, and, with the widespread adoption of ultra-high-definition (UHD) cameras, could bring new opportunities for video security.5G also enhances digital experiences through machine-learning enabled automation. Demand for high level network response such as video live streaming, Recording and Monitoring require 5G networks enlist automation with machine-learning and, eventually, deep learning and artificial intelligence. Automated provisioning and proactive management of data/network traffic and services will reduce infrastructure cost and enhance the connected experience.
5G technology is here to enhance security with greater bandwidth and lower latency. 5G can boost the safety of your network devices by tailoring security updates and improving encryption.
Enhanced Security: 5G wireless technology is one the best solution for security surveillance due to its higher bandwidth and unlicensed spectrum. It will enhance better coordination among various agencies. Smart appliances which can be configured and accessed from remote locations, closed circuit cameras will provide high-quality real-time video for security purposes.
Internet of Things: IoT applications collect a huge amount of data from millions of devices and sensors and thus require an efficient network for data collection, processing, transmission, control and real-time analytics which 5G network is a better option.
Smart cities: Smart city applications like traffic management, Instant weather update, local area broadcasting, energy management, smart power grid, smart lighting of the street, water resource management, crowd management, emergency response, etc. Smart Cities can use a reliable 5G wireless network for its smooth functioning.
What is your take on the ‘moving to the cloud,’ and how will it impact the security industry customers?
The cloud is not a new trend in the security industry, but it is an expanding one. From small business markets to enterprise levels, we can see the momentum push more and more businesses to leverage cloud-based security solutions and services. And as we are witnessing even now, the pandemic has accelerated the movement to cloud-based operations for people and businesses around the world.
All businesses want platforms or services that offer simplicity, with as few assets to manage as possible, and a setup that’s as simple as possible. This is precisely where the cloud delivers. With a cloud-hosting infrastructure, there is no need for a local server or software. Users can conveniently check the status of their assets and businesses in real time, receive security events and alarms quickly, and accomplish emergency responses simply using a mobile app. For security business operators, the cloud enables them to remotely help their clients, configure devices, fix bugs, maintain and upgrade security systems, and provide better value-added services.
Cybercrime and cyber threats are on rise. How does Hikvision India ensure their customers and bring them out of their hitch to install a security system owing to cyber threats?
Several landmark ransomware attacks on enterprises in energy and food industries last year reminded us that we are living in a world with constant cyber threats. Every industry has now been prompted to reinforce their network security and strengthen their online protections. The security industry is no exception, as cybersecurity is also an on-going challenge for us, too. Here, we would like to offer some basic tips and practices to harden your network and keep your security devices protected.
Create strong passwords and change them regularly: Creating strong passwords is a very important first step in the process of hardening the security of your network and devices.
Set only the firewall rules you actually need: A firewall intercepts all communications between you and the Internet, and decides if the information is allowed to pass through to your devices. As you create rules to allow traffic in and out, you are creating tiny holes in your firewall for the traffic to flow through. The more rules you create in your firewall, the less secure your network becomes. You should only create minimum rules that you need, which can reduce risks of cyber threats through the firewall system.
Update your firmware in a timely manner: Firmware is the component that enables and controls the functionality of your network devices. Firmware updates are not just for bringing additional new features, but also often provide important security patches. It is recommended that you always use the latest firmware so that you get the best possible security updates and most recent bug fixes.
Encrypt your data: Another key way to safeguard your network and data includes using encryptions. This is the process of encoding your data in a way that can only be accessed through a corresponding decryption process. Data encryption is encouraged, as it keeps your data privacy safe from unauthorized hands – especially in the event of a data breach.
Define clear access permission policies for all users: The right users need to have access to the right applications and data for organizations to function. It’s necessary to make clear access permission policies for all users.
How have digital transformation trend in various enterprises impacted security industry and how have you grabbed the opportunity?
To remain competitive in the new age business landscape, Digital Transformation is a necessity. We are implementing Digital Transformation at various levels and core functions in the organisation. Staying competitive in a constantly changing global marketplace depends on an organization’s ability to rapidly adapt through the adoption of new technologies. We are embracing Digital Transformation to engage, educate and empower our partners, System Integrators and end-users across multiple channels. Significant steps taken by Hikvision India in driving Digital Transformation are:
- Enhancing Customer experience: Now partners can place orders through our Mobile App. It is an easy-touse app, which enables a seamless transaction, good customer service, or fast delivery. Also, partners can stay connected to receive latest product information via notification, they can access to the learning & development system to attend online training session and access to knowledge library. Our RMA Service is another relevant example of enabling the potential of Digital Transformation.
- Employee experience: We are providing the workforce with the latest apps and devices – it’s creating a simple, modern, more fulfilling experience for the most valuable asset; employees. Research has shown that companies that invest in employee experience have a more engaged, productive workforce, which translates to a better customer experience.
- Process optimization: We are working on process optimization for various core functions. Our ability to deliver great employee and customer experiences hinge on the ability to seamlessly operate on the back-end. Streamlined workflows, digital processes, and automated tasks are the ways we are creating efficiencies.
- Product digitization: We are using the transformative technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and IoT (Internet of Things) based smart-connected devices to enhance the value of product offerings.
Kindly give a brief on Artificial Intelligence enabled DeepinView series cameras? How do they fortify the security ambience of users?
As technology advances, artificial intelligence (AI) is used in increasingly disparate ways to help achieve automated security measures. It’s now also being used in business scenarios, making it possible for business owners to resolve complex issues or tedious jobs with minimal effort. AI-powered applications, such as automated event alerts, false alarm reduction, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), and people counting, have already become popular in a variety of scenarios.
Hikvision offers DeepinView cameras and DeepinMind NVRs with embedded Deep Learning algorithms, such as ANPR, people counting, and queue detection, to achieve a suite of intelligent functions for businesses.
In the retail vertical, as an example, people counting provides valuable insights for shopping center operators. It provides tracking patterns in customer footfall to predict when to expect a rush of visitors, allowing them to keep crowd density control. At the same time, queue detection can calculate how much time people are waiting in line, notifying cashiers before a customer’s patience runs out.
On the other hand, parking management can be a headache for apartment buildings, office towers, and business parks alike. Powered by Deep Learning, cameras with ANPR capture vehicle license plates, with the sharp rendering of the letters and numbers to deliver clarity. When installed at parking entries and exits, these cameras trigger automated responses to open or close the gate as well as notify personnel when needed, greatly improving parking efficiency.
You have recently diversified to robotics as well. Kindly let us know about your robotic products?
Focusing on the core technology of robots, we provide customers with safe and reliable intelligent mobile robot products and systems, and build smart internal logistics solutions in industrial factories. The major product portfolio includes, Latent Mobile Robot (LMR), FMR (Forklift Mobile Robot), CMR & HMR (Conveyor/Heavy-duty Mobile Robot), CTU (Carton Transfer Unit) Robot, Accessory and Platform. We provide a fully integrated suite of AMR vehicles, including Latent Mobile Robots (LMR), Forklift Mobile Robots (FMR), Conveyor Mobile Robots (CMR) applicable across a broad range of applications in the Manufacturing and Intralogistics related industries.
What are your take on ‘Make-in-India’? How Hikvision India is implementing the vision into reality?
Make-in-India 2.0 is a collective success for all the stakeholders. India is fast developing into one of the top manufacturing hubs across the world. There are multiple reasons for the positive industry sentiment for local manufacturing. The government’s flagship ‘Make-in-India’ program is one of the key drivers to boost the manufacturing sector. They are helping to lower dependence on imports and boost local production of high-value products. The other reasons that are helping to regain the momentum for local manufacturing include, economic stability, robust legal system, cost effective labour, skilled workforce, high quality production, cost savings on import duties, domestic market demand and ease of doing business.
Hikvision India is committed to the ‘Make-in-India’ vision with a long term perspective. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Vasai is a living testimony of a marvel that is unfolding through Indian video security products and solutions. These solutions are customized for Indian environment and conditions and specific local requirements. Our mission is to be aligned with the government of India’s ‘Make-in-India’ program to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub. Through the local state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, ‘Hikvision India is manufacturing its wide range of products and solutions as per our long term commitment to ‘Make-in-India’ vision.
You have been a perpetual participant of IFSEC- since the beginning. What makes you so participating in the event?
Hikvision India is planning to showcase the latest offerings in the transportation solutions at the IFSEC-2022. We have planned elaborate product launches and fringe programs to live up to the expectations of the visitors, guests and stakeholders. We will be showcasing our wide range of products and solutions portfolio in Video Security, Access Control, Entrance Control, Alarm and Inspection Products. There will be special focus on the latest vertical solutions and AI technology applications. We will also showcase Intelligent Traffic Management Solutions (ITMS), Mobile Solutions, Automatic Number Plate Recognition Solution (ANPR), Vehicle Surveillance, Smart Parking Solutions, Smart Boom Barriers, Command and Control, Under Vehicle Surveillance Solution (UVSS), Emergency Call Box (ECB) and Smart Pole, etc.