Besides a major technological shift from analogue to IP based solutions, demand for application based full proof security solutions is growing dramatically
By Richa Chakravarty
Saturday, November 09, 2012: Indian security and surveillance industry is undergoing radical changes. In a span of less than two years, there have been some major transitions in both technology and application fronts. Earlier, the market was dominated by analogue based installations, but now, the focus is shifting more towards Internet Protocol (IP) based video surveillance. Let’s find out more about the latest trends in the market.
Technology driven trends
IP or network camera surveillance has picked up well in the Indian market unlike what was forecasted by experts. Despite being a price sensitive market, the acceptance of IP cameras is increasing, especially in the private sector. The biggest advantage of IP based surveillance is its proactive monitoring. One can easily access the footage from any remote location over the Internet.
According to industry experts, the IP based surveillance market in India is valued at about US$ 50-60 million and is expected to grow at 45 per cent year on year for the next four to five years. IP surveillance in India has increased its reach in verticals such as government, small and medium businesses (SMBs), and small office home offices (SOHOs). Informs Hemendu Sinha, business head, B2B sales, LG India, “Though India is a price sensitive market, yet the acceptability of IP network cameras is increasing, especially due to implementation in private sector is fast picking up.”
Recently, indegenous CCTV camera manufacturer, Samriddhi Automation, popularly known by its brand Sparsh, launched its ‘Made in India’ series of Z-Secure IP cameras developed with technology partner Texas Instruments. “Sparsh is the first Indian company to launch a complete range of indigenously designed and developed IP cameras,” says Sanjeev Sehgal, managing director, Sparsh. The new IP series is based on Texas Instruments’ DaVinci Technology. “We are expanding our range of products and solutions to better address the next generation video surveillance needs. The products being designed and developed in India, makes them full-proof, secure products,” he adds.
The Z-Secure IP camera series offers intelligent and smart cameras, ideal for securing locations such as airports, railway stations, offices, hotels, etc. These intuitive and dependable cameras offer best in class image quality and professional monitoring capabilities.
Trends driven by applications
Demand for security and surveillance products from different verticals are growing, leading to a shift in technology and applications. More and more customers are moving towards network video surveillance, mainly because of its real time benefit.
Security today is no more restricted to surveillance alone. With the advent of embedded applications in security products, it is now emerging as a tool for gathering business intelligence as well. This feature of video surveillance has opened up various business opportunities for the existing as well as new players in the security and surveillance space.
In the midst of increasing use of security cameras in places like airports, railway stations, malls, corporate houses, and expressways, prisons are another application area that has registered an upsurge in demand for CCTV cameras. Recently, the government of Maharashtra has undertaken installation of over 700 cameras at various jails across the state. The proposals have been sanctioned for jails in Mumbai, Thane, Taloja, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Kolhapur and Ahmednagar.
Players like Bosch Security Systems had identified this unique business proposition three years back while installing advanced IP based CCTV solution in Tihar Jail.
Using VIDOS systems configuration, Bosch helped jail administrators in creating various trigger alarms, including alarm inputs, motion detection, video loss, and video contrast. Interval and weekday timers were used in conjunction with the alarms, ensuring security personnel react to alerts only when necessary, such as when motion is detected during the night. On receiving an alarm, the system was configured to switch a specific camera to the workstation as well as trigger the NVR to recording mode. This helped the jail staff to efficiently monitor and keep a track of jail inmates in keeping strict vigilance.
“At Bosch we take into account the specific needs of our customers, while proposing the products/solutions for diversified project requirements. We have in the past offered state of the art safety, security and communication solutions to various prominent projects like Metro Rail, Stadia, city/market surveillance and traffic management solution in major metros, surveillance solutions to numerous airports, sensitive high profile buildings, hotels and top corporate houses,” says Sudhir Tiku, senior general manager and country head, Bosch Security Systems.
New business trend
Another striking and positive development in the Indian security industry is the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Today, the SMEs in this space are neck to neck with the international players in terms of product range, services delivered and technology adoption, with the added benefit of low costs. In fact, joining hands with international players has helped SMEs not only to adopt new technologies, but also indigenously design and manufacture technologically advanced electronic security devices.
Sparsh is one such example for SMEs to emulate. It joined hands with Texas Instruments in a technology partnership for its IP range of products, and for its analogue range, it partnered with Sony to use its chip technology. Hence, by partnering with two majors—TI and Sony—Sparsh has leveraged itself into becoming one of the most reliable brands in the domestic market.
Electronics Bazaar, South Asia’s No.1 Electronics B2B magazine
