“The Indian security market continues to attract global players despite myriad challenges.”
What are the recent trends in the Industry of surveillance and Security?
Today’s top security and surveillance trends include, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning, AI Cloud and Advanced Video Analytics. On the security and surveillance hardware front Drone Cameras and Body Worn Cameras are in vogue due to their special capabilities.
The Data Privacy and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is another major trend. The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on May 25, 2018, potentially impacting all the companies doing business in the European Union. As a global market leader, Hikvision is committed to protecting personal data and fully supports the implementation of GDPR requirements. We at Hikvision are taking several initiatives to protect personal data on the use of its products and solutions.
What potential do you see in a country like India as far as video surveillance and security is concerned?
India’s security market is rapidly growing due to increasing demand from across the verticals. The Government is playing a proactive role in driving the security industry growth through initiatives like Smart City Mission, Safe City, Make in India and Digital India. This is the best time to be a part of security industry. The security and surveillance industry in India is growing at a high growth rate. This exponential growth is opening up new opportunities for security professionals.
We have a long term commitment to the Indian market. As per our future plan, we are working on an India specific product roadmap. For channel expansion, Hikvision is constantly expanding its partner network across India. We have plans underway to expand our distribution network to Tier -II and Tier -III cities.
The company has set up a service center, it is enabling RMA processes with SAP to support Pan India dealer and distributor network. The company also has a complete and enabled training center, which regularly conducts a Hikvision Certified Security Associate (HCSA) training and certification program.
Prama Hikvision India has made a substantial investment of Rs. 500 Crore in Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ Initiative, and it is a significant step towards achieving the India specific product manufacturing roadmap. Through this initiative Hikvision has set up a state- of-the- art manufacturing plant near Mumbai to cater to the Indian market.
Drones are being used as a tool for video surveillance worldwide. What do you have to say about “Drone Laws” in India?
The key challenges in Drone Camera applications for video surveillance is, policy framework, training and awareness. The policy framework of Government continues to be an evolving process. Though Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, has taken a step further by releasing a draft regulation of the civil use of drones in India. Despite these challenges this segment has a strong growth prospect in near future.
Since you are covering more than 100 countries, what are the differences you have experienced in Indian market than the others?
India is one of the largest security markets in the world. The Indian security market continues to attract global players despite myriad challenges related to pricing, customization and standards. With our intense decade long experience in the Indian security market, we can say that finally it is the innovative solution with customization of technology, hardware and software works for the end-users. The end-users have realised the value of post-sales support and service as India’s security market is heading towards maturity amidst huge growth opportunities.
What is the scope of AI in India and how bullish are you on this space?
India has been ranked 3rd after USA and China in terms of artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, according to the BCG study- “The Ghost in the Machine: Artificial Intelligence in the Factory of the Future.”
The scope of AI enabled security solutions in a highly populated country like India is immense. Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled security and surveillance solutions will continue to add value. It will enhance capabilities in key security segments of Video Surveillance, Access Control, and Perimeter Security through Real-time Face recognition and Video analytics. We are optimistic that AI will further spur the growth in Retail, BFSI, Transport, Smart Cities, Safe City and Critical Infrastructure verticals. AI has matured to the point where it is starting to be used as a competitive differentiator.
