Bucking the Downward Trend: Top 10 Revenue Growers of 2009

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 12/7/2010 | Article type: Security 50

Looking back, the true impact of the 2008-2009 economic recession was not felt until months later. Limited supplies and services, growing costs and dormant buyers all contributed to a challenging year. As the world takes small recovery steps, the top 10 revenue growers share how they managed to perform so strongly in 2009.

Despite an unfavorable economic climate and project delays, the majority of the top 10 revenue growers completed large-scale projects in transportation, government, education, city/public surveillance and entertainment.

Large-scale public projects funded by government or city administration bodies were able to continue, even when budgets are cut. Privately funded projects had more financial concerns, as Axis Communications found the slumped economy was one of the main reasons some customers deferred decisions regarding installations. Infrastructure is going strong in China and South America, with South America seeing an increase in city surveillance projects, said Ray Mauritsson, CEO of Axis. Mobotix completed several projects in Germany and abroad, including a sports stadium in Ukraine and a library in Vatican City.

Even in retail, the need for security installations resulted in positive growth. “The retail market has also contributed to the growth in revenue due to the fact that retailers face overwhelming security and loss prevention challenges, necessitating a more intelligent and efficient method of assessing and identifying site-related activities that result in these losses,” said Kenneth Tsang, Technical Director of APAC for Verint Systems.

According to the 2009 Global Retail Theft Barometer conducted by the Center for Retail Research, the first half of 2009 saw significant drop in security spending in the retail sector, predominantly as a direct result of the recession. By the end of the survey period, 15.9 percent of retailers surveyed had already installed new video surveillance systems and 28.7 percent planned to do the same. The 2010 survey showed a 29-percent increase in security equipment installations starting from the second half of 2009.

Geographical Divide
Some other revenue growers concentrated on making business advancements by region, and not necessarily by vertical, to boost sales activity.

Dato' Lee Boon Han, CEO of RCG, said in 2009 the company focused on regions less affected by the recession, namely Southeast Asia, Greater China and the Middle East, which contributed to most of the company's revenue.

For customers in various regional markets, Dahua Technology adopted different strategies. It provided OEM equipment for the European and American markets, while promoting Dahua's branded solutions for the South American and Indian markets. Tony Yang, International Marketing Director of Hikvision Digital Technology, noticed that the US and European markets were affected more in comparison to the rest of the world by the recession. IndigoVision's regional growth in Latin America more than doubled. Similarly, Mobotix considered export business a growth driver in 2009, suggesting the German company found ample opportunities abroad.

Analog-IP Shift
The migration from analog to IP technology continued throughout 2009. Despite the fact that many larger players such as Pelco and Bosch Security Systems have now joined the IP race, existing manufacturers like IndigoVision, Axis and Mobotix are confident about the added competition. “The video surveillance market is fragmented in a way that there is room for growth in many different concentrations, so the induction of larger players into the IP market has not affected us in any significant way,” Mauritsson said. “Analog also experienced decline in 2009, which allowed the transition from analog to IP to continue.”

Both Mauritsson and Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision, noticed that growth in the IP segment had accelerated since the slowdown in 2009. Even with several Asian IP manufacturers bringing lower-cost products into the market, the IP-driven revenue growers believed that the market was big enough for everyone. Standards bodies ONVIF and PSIA were important to IP revenue growers in 2009, as compliant solutions enabled greater compatRay Mauritsson, ibility and use with existing systems.

Outstanding Issues
With fewer projects and limited spending, the revenue growers continued to launch new products in 2009. Some took the opportunity to complete their product lines, offering a wider range to customers who might have otherwise considered another vendor. Axis observed that although interest in products remained high, customers' decision to invest was not as favorable as before. Despite this observation, all 10 makers — including Axis — believed that bringing new products into the market consistently remains a strong advantage and barrier over its competition.

To use new launches to increase market share, revenue growers did not reduce their budgets for R&D. As a core department in any enterprise, all 10 manufacturers devoted the same — if not more — resources and manpower to their R&D departments. Investments into R&D ranged between 10 to 13 percent of annual revenue. The ability to do so suggests that R&D resources should not be slashed even in critical times, where cost savings are a primary concern.

When choosing channel partners, distinguishing between the ones from a traditional security background or others savvy in IP was unnecessary, as manufacturers usually provide extensive training to partners. “We don't have any preference on whether the partners are IP-savvy, although it surely will add value,” Tsang said.

Even if a channel partner understands networking, the partner might be familiar with a product's functions, but not necessarily its installation and applications. “We provide training for all channel partners to make sure that they understand and are able to provide customers with application-driven services,” Mauritsson said.

A raw material shortage coupled with logistics costs was another major challenge to some revenue growers. Component lead time was extended, sometimes up to a full year, and sufficient planning for earlier deliveries needed to be incorporated into logistics and strategy meeting schedules. “We have been shipping far more by sea this year, by planning ahead to get the right stock in place in our regional hubs,” Vellacott said.

Rosy Front
With the experience gained from the hard times, this year's revenue growers are optimistic about the recovery and have already embarked on new projects and R&D efforts. Remaining flexible, controlling costs prudently and adjusting business plans accordingly were essential for the revenue growers to scale new heights. “Keep moving forward,” Vellacott said. “We see plenty of opportunities ahead.”

Find More 2010 Security 50 Articles :

● Asia Weathers the Storm

● Growing Profits in Lean Times Part Ⅱ

● Growing Profits in Lean Times PartⅠ

● Security 50's Top Performers Rise Above the Fray Part Ⅱ

● Security 50's Top Performers Rise Above the Fray Part Ⅰ

UK Fashion Retailer Purchases Axis Network Cameras

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 11/11/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Axis Communications have partnered with Expedite IT, an Axis solution partner to provide network video cameras to Pulp, a UK fashion retailer, to help improve profitability and enhance the customer shopping experience.

As retailers head towards the busiest shopping season of the year, fashion brand Pulp is making the most of its investment in new surveillance cameras to help keep an eye on staffing levels, customer footfall, queuing times and sales uptake in store.

Pulp sells culture merchandise and music-inspired fashion and has nine stores in major locations in the U.K. Axis' network video cameras have been installed by Expedite IT as a trial at Pulp's flagship store in the Arndale Center, Manchester. If the trial is successful, similar surveillance systems will be rolled out to its other stores.

“As a growing retail chain, we have to exploit our resources and it's essential that we get commercial pay back on any investment we make. Expedite IT has positioned discreet Axis network cameras which are acting as a virtual area manager by allowing management team to log-on remotely to monitor the store at peak shopping times,” said Andy Martin, CEO of Pulp. “This allows us to keep an eye on how long customers have to queue to pay or try on clothes and we can check the consistency of our customer service which is an important part of our brand.”

“With Christmas approaching, we're hoping for record numbers of customers to visit our stores. I am interested to see the difference the surveillance system in the Manchester store will make to help us improve profitability and the shopping experience for our customers.”

The surveillance system installed in Pulp's Manchester store is being used for more than just a security system to monitor for shoplifter, shrinkage remains a major battle for the chain, especially during the run up to Christmas. However, Andy Martin is confident that the cameras will help deter shoplifting, and as they deliver such high-quality images that can be shared remotely, Pulp can share intelligence with the Arndale Center's security teams. Staff safety will be improved thanks to the cameras.

“The cameras will help Pulp to meet many of the challenges facing small retail chains as the image quality provided by network video cameras will allow it to analyze the shopping habits of its customers, closely examine how the store's layout works during busy periods and give evidence to prevent known shoplifters coming into their store,” said Daniel Hobbs, MD of Expedite IT. “This is done by some analytics that will provide a motion map of the busiest areas within the shop as well as footfall of people coming in and out of the store. Pulp's staff members are alerted when movement has been detected in areas outside the main retail floor, or if someone has entered the changing areas.”

US Grocery Store Deploys Agilence Analytics to Combat Losses

Editor / Provider: Agilence | Updated: 10/15/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Grocer minimizes shrink with chain-wide roll-out of Agilence's Hawkeye PoS video auditing solution

Agilence, a provider of point-of-sale (PoS) video auditing solutions, announced San Francisco-based grocer, Draeger's Markets has improved profit margins by leveraging Agilence's Hawkeye solution in all of their locations.

Draeger's first implemented Agilence in the second quarter of 2009. By the end of fiscal year 2009 (Dec. 31), Draeger's realized an ROI of more than 20 times their initial investment — highlighting the program's effectiveness in quickly reducing PoS losses.

“There's a famous business axiom that says you cannot measure what you do not know — Agilence enables us to see the margin-robbing activities that were once unknown to us, and gives us a way to track and measure the effectiveness of the correction,” said Richard Draeger, President and CEO for Draeger's Markets. “It all boils down to the positive impact to margin.”

Agilence's patented PoS Video Auditing Software, Hawkeye, pulls data directly from the point-of-sale system and synchronizes it with video in real-time. The data for each individual item scan and key punch is perfectly linked to its associated video image. The instantly visible video for each suspect line-item enables retailers to view 50 times more transactions per day, allowing them to detect issues immediately and before they cause considerable shrink.

“Our unique ability to synchronize point-of-sale data with corresponding video enables retailers like Draeger's to identify operational, promotional and fraudulent shrink activities that directly affect bottom lines. As a result, retailers see a substantial ROI within only a few months,” said Derek Rodner, VP of Product Strategy at Agilence. “In less than a year, we also helped Draeger's correct problems in the supply chain that ultimately create margin gaps at the PoS.”

IndigoVision IP Surveillance Watches over Canadian Shopping Centers

Editor / Provider: IndigoVision | Updated: 10/13/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

A number of shopping centers, owned and managed by Ivanhoe Cambridge, are deploying surveillance systems using IndigoVision's IP video security solution. Mapleview Shopping Center, located in Burlington, Ontario, is the latest to undergo the transformation, following on from the installation at the company's Mayfair Mall in Victoria, British Columbia. The new 78-camera system was added as part of a US$60 million redevelopment project that included a 100,000 square-foot expansion with 20 new retailers. The surveillance system at Mapleview was designed and installed by IndigoVision's approved partner Quinn Digital in partnership with Hoffman & Company Security Management Consultants.

It was the first-hand experience of IndigoVision's surveillance technology operating in the Mayfair Shopping Center that helped the company to decide on its surveillance strategy for Mapleview. “IndigoVision's technology gives us a platform for our surveillance needs, allowing the systems to be updated as shopping centers expand and develop. This in combination with the partner network in Canada and the experience of seeing the technology installed in the Mayfair Center gave us the confidence to use IndigoVision's solution,” said Santo Polito, Property Services Manager for Ivanhoe Cambridge.

“We can add additional cameras and workstations for minimal cost, as the network is already in place. From a property management perspective this has significant benefits,” Polito said. “Where there is no network infrastructure, such as the car park at Mapleview, we used a point-to-point wireless bridge to extend coverage. The five cameras installed here allow us to better monitor the parking areas and manage incidents.”

IndigoVision's IP video solution can be used to provide benefits beyond store security. The shopping center management can access footage to help analyze events, promotions and footfall trends. Real-time analytics can be used for some applications. Mapleview is currently testing the directional virtual tripwire analytics function built into the IndigoVision video transmitter modules to provide the shopping center with a count of customers entering two of the building's entrances. This provides better accuracy than the traditional equipment installed on the doorways, which double-counts people as they enter and leave the premises.

Video is recorded on IndigoVision's NVR. Five units provide Mapleview with a minimum 30-day archive of video continuously recorded from all the cameras. The low power consumption of the NVRs help reduce the equipment footprint and running costs of the IP Video storage solution. One of the NVRs is used as a redundant backup, which automatically starts recording if another NVR fails or is taken off-line for maintenance. Evidential quality video clips can be exported from the system for police investigations in the event of an incident.

3VR Security Surveillance Search Helps Roseville Police Combat Crimes

Editor / Provider: 3VR Security | Updated: 9/30/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

3VR Security, a provider for intelligent surveillance and search, in partnership with security integrator Surveillance Systems Integration, announced that the Roseville, California Police Department identified and arrested a convicted felon just four days following the attempted robbery and threatening of a security guard of a major department store using 3VR's online community of fraud, loss prevention and law enforcement professionals dedicated to stopping crime.

“Using the solution, we were able to make a quick arrest on a case that was otherwise going to be unsolvable,” said Darin DeFreece, Detective Sergeant, Roseville Police Department.

The case involved an unknown suspect who attempted to steal high-end jewelry from a department store and then threatened a security guard with a deadly weapon before fleeing the scene.

“In most cases it would have been very difficult to apprehend a suspect following this kind of confrontation, but the store was able to provide us with an image of the suspect from their own surveillance system,” DeFreece said.

“The online community has brought surveillance, collaboration and crime fighting to a new level,” DeFreece said. “Prior to the system, we were contacting people one by one. Not only is that inefficient, but there's no information sharing and coordination between communities. We've never seen anything like this.”

The City of Roseville's vision for collaborative crime fighting extends beyond 3VR's solution to include using the 3VR video management system. With services from Surveillance Systems Integration, the City of Roseville has installed 3VR system that provides video analytics and a next generation video search engine. Through 3VR's remote monitoring capabilities, Roseville Police Department has access to the city's 3VR system, allowing heightened situational awareness and rapid response to potential citywide threats. The video search engine makes it easy to search video and pinpoint specific people or vehicles in minutes, dramatically shortening investigations and leading to quicker arrests and even prevention. With a direct integration between 3VR's system and online service, DeFreece can upload surveillance video directly from management system.

“We're working with retailers, financial institutions and other law enforcement agencies to promote the use of 3VR solutions because of its tremendous potential as a crime fighting tool,” DeFreece said.

Bosch Security Systems Watches over Croatian Mall

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 9/24/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

A security solution from Bosch Security Systems has been installed in the Garden Mall in Zagreb, Croatia. 75 international and national retailers and service companies are represented on this retail complex, which covers an area of 38,425 square meters and offers parking space for 1,400 vehicles. The Bosch security solution encompasses customized surveillance, fire alarm and emergency evacuation systems to provide the security and safety for customers and employees. The solution was installed by Tehnozavod-Maru?i? of Zagreb.

The surveillance system consists of 64 cameras. In addition to providing antitheft protection, it offers features such as the monitoring of products and assets, assistance in managing manpower and operations and supporting safety equipment if an incident should occur.

The fire alarm system is based on the fire panel and incorporates more than 1,000 fire detectors. Together these allow control of fire detection throughout the shopping mall. The modularity of the system allows for easy extension and adaptation to country-specific regulations and conditions.

The voice evacuation system is based around emergency evacuation and digital public address system with 15 amplifiers and 600 speakers. It provides background music, prerecorded messaging and live speech calls. Besides creating a relaxed atmosphere for customers it enables the efficient evacuation of the entire complex within a few minutes if necessary.

“With the Bosch security systems, the Garden Mall meets the highest security and safety demands,” said Mile Nagli, who was the main designer of Garden Mall Zagreb.

Choosing Integrated Security Management for Growing Enterprises

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Ademco Far East | Updated: 8/17/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

The modern enterprise regards security as an integral part of their business and modern security concepts are about protecting business assets, managing risks and creating value to the business.

Businesses need to recognize the risks they may face. In an ideal situation, a reputable international security consultant should be approached to complete an assessment from a third-party perspective. However, if upper management and staff openly discuss the possible risks internally, they may be surprised at how much they can discover with little professional help.

This requires a top-down approach with open support by management. Employees will disregard the need for security if management does not place an emphasis on it. This can erode the organization's competitiveness, margins and accountability over time. Also, organizations need to realize that educating employees and raising security awareness is a long-term effort. Results are not visible overnight like they are when investing in systems.

Investment in a proper security system that drives business processes is very much like investing in financial or human resources software. It is a process that does not drive visible profit, but instead improves operational efficiencies which subsequently help lower the total cost of operating the business.

Selecting an enterprise security solution is not an easy task for growing enterprises. There are many factors to consider — from protecting business assets, managing risks and creating value for the business, to the finer, more complex technological aspects in relation to business needs.

Protection of Facilities AND Assets Controlling
access to facilities and company assets is an important issue to consider, since thief and damage can hinder daily business operation. Some SMEs do not believe that they are a target because there are no assets of significant value on their premises. However, they could not be further away from the truth.

Burglars do not have criteria when selecting their target — they will jump at the opportunity to rob any establishment with a weak security system. A burglar could enter into an office hoping to steal some laptops. During the process, a lit cigarette could be dropped, causing a fire that destroys the whole office. Even if the office were insured, the organization would have lost all their documents and server data. Such data is sometimes irretrievable, and many SMBs would not survive such an incident; business operations and cash flow would be severely impacted. A more important factor to consider is the disruption of services to the client base. Clients may likely move to other service providers and this will inevitably affect the long term viability of the business.

Outsourcing has become a growing trend, and this is prompting many industries to regulate their security and safety standards. Compliance to security standards will determine the ability to grow for these enterprises.

Staff safety
No employee will be able to work effeciently when they feel insecure or unsafe. As businesses venture into more remote locations, security should become a top priority. Issues such as riots and protests, workplace violence and crime are significant concerns. While it is not realistic to control the dangers that happen outside the facility, it is possible to keep these dangers from entering the facility or office if a good security system is utilized.

Driving costs down
Operational costs can be lowered if business systems are integrated into a good security solution. Many SMBs are unaware that a good security system can be programmed to perform management and administrative functions such as managing attendance, updating payroll and controlling the internal usage of copiers. Retailers use video analytics software to count customers and detect overcrowding. These are just a few examples of security systems being used for business objectives and taking over functions that are tedious and prone to human error.

Total cost of ownership
Junior executives often do not have a very good grasp of the overview of the business; thus, decisions concerning the selection of a security system are often based on the upfront cost of the system. Upper management should take this into consideration and provide direct guidance over all security purchases to prevent wasting time and resources on an inappropriate system. The wrong system can result in frequent downtime, repairs and replacements, while failing to meet the security objectives.

Greater belief
There is a common misconception that security can be a source of inconvenience, but we have seen renewed confidence by customers and employees when better security is in place. SMBs who have implemented a well-integrated security management process see a large improvement in staff morale, which results in better productivity, punctuality, sense of ownership and reduces chances of disruptive behavior.

China Update (Part II): Ensuring Product Quality and Marketability through Stringent Control

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 7/23/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

Users' buying behavior is not the only thing that has been changed by the economic downturn. Chinese manufacturers continue to lower their production cost with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities while improving product quality and marketability through stringent control, increased R&D investments and value-added features. Branding becomes more important as vendors want customers to recognize that made-in-China products are not only affordable but are also of good quality.

More companies are developing IP-based technologies, including wireless alarm systems, 3-G surveillance, hybrid DVRs, NVRs and CCD megapixel cameras. Advances in components and transmission, such as intelligent pan/tilt mechanism in domes, lenses, dome cover optical designs and fiber optics, can also be seen.
The following eight Chinese companies are presented in alphabetical order.

Chuango Electronic
Chuango Electronic's current overseas sales account for roughly 60 percent of the overall revenue. Founded in 2001, the company's main products include wireless alarm monitoring systems and DIY alarm modules for residential installations.
Aside from its OEM sales, 90 percent of its revenue last year was generated from its own brand. Asia, Australia and the U.S. are its major overseas markets, with sales channels ranging from security system distributors and integrators to consumer electronics retailers.

Strategy and Core Competence
Chuango is ISO9001-certified and uses computer-aided surface-mount technology for mass production. High radio frequency is its core technology. “With more than 8 percent of our resources dedicated to R&D, we develop our own software and hardware,” said Ken Li, GM. The company is now focusing on developing 3-G network surveillance accessible via cellular phones. Reliability and ease of use make its products competitive in the residential segment. “Our four-channel wireless intelligent alarm system is SMS/GSM-enabled and complies with the requirements set by the International Mobile Equipment Identity,” Li said. “It can adapt to different countries' different network operations.”

Future Outlook
Smooth integration between video surveillance and intrusion alarm is critical in providing a reliable home solution. “We want to increase our product value and strengthen our brand name,” Li said. Chuango's resources will be allocated to R&D efforts in developing integrated video and alarm systems and market expansion plans.

Dahua Technology
Founded in 2001, Dahua Technology's overseas sales had a 50-percent growth rate in 2009. Currently, the company's overseas sales make up about a quarter of the overall revenue. NVRs, hybrid DVRs and megapixel network cameras are its latest offerings.

About 40 percent of the revenue is generated from its own brand, Dahua. Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe are its fastest growing markets, and public safety, finance, transportation, power plants and communications are its major verticals.

Strategy and Core Competence
R&D is highly valued. “Apart from partnering with reputable software companies, 10 percent of the company's revenue is earmarked for R&D every year,” said Michael Chen, GM for Overseas Business. Video/audio encoding and decoding, image processing, network transmission and control are the company's core competence. “We design our own chipsets and offer value-added products,” Chen said. “Our HDMI DVRs allow users to switch back and forth between regular TV channels and surveillance footage on a regular HDTV display. Remote smart-phone surveillance is also supported.”

Future Outlook
Dahua will continue to strengthen its place in the domestic market and expand its overseas market shares. “We will push forward our technology advancements and add more network capabilities to our portfolio,” Chen said. In China, Dahua's products have been deployed at the Three Gorges Dam, some Olympic venues and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

Eversafe Electronics
Eversafe Electronics was founded in 2002 and has been exporting surveillance-grade lenses to more than 20 countries. In 2009, 90 percent of Eversafe's revenue was generated overseas. The U.S. and Europe are its major markets, constituting about 50 percent of its overall sales. EverSafe, the company's own brand, made its debut this year, targeting small domestic residential installations.

Strategy and Core Competence
Megapixel varifocal lenses and IR day/night varifocal board-mount lenses are the company's key offerings in 2010. Every year, at least 30 percent of the revenue is dedicated to R&D. The company also actively collaborates with local universities and research facilities. “Our reputation was earned through our high-quality products and good customer services,” said Allan Cai, GM. “With capable R&D personnel and well-trained employees, our manufacturing process is efficient and yields less defective products.”

Future Outlook
In addition to furthering market penetration in the developed countries, Eversafe will explore more new markets. Increased collaboration with international R&D teams will also take place to increase product competitiveness.

“We want to extend our reach and create brand awareness, especially in the various
domestic markets and developing countries. South America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa will be our key regions to watch in 2010,” Cai said.

Fran M&E Technology Development
Fran M&E Technology Development has been manufacturing high-quality dome covers since 1998, one of the earliest Chinese manufacturers of camera housings and optical covers.

The company experienced growth in 2009, through increased exports. Partnerships with well-known international brands have also increased since 2008. “We aim to increase our OEM sales and strengthen our market share in the domestic market,” said Min-Zhong Pan, GM.

Strategy and Core Competence
Quality, product innovation and fast market response are the company's key strengths. With growing numbers of megapixel cameras and speed domes, 36x zoom optical dome covers are in demand. “Our dome covers ensure the best refraction angle for cameras,” Pan said. Covers can be tailor-made to be explosive-proof, pressurized for submarines or rugged for mobile applications such as high-speed trains. “In a fast-changing market, understanding customer needs helps us serve better,” Pan said.

Future Outlook
To keep its technology up-to-date, the company is partnering with a local university in Fuzhou. Improved internal management processes will further help the company expand its global market. Target regions include Japan, Korea, Europe and North America, with increased OEM sales. “We want

Hikvision Digital Technology
Established in 2001, Hikvision Digital Technology has moved from manufacturing mainly back-end devices such as DVRs and compression cards to developing network cameras. With R&D personnel taking up more than 43 percent of employee resources, the company's R&D investment over the next three years will exceed US$100 million. Hikvision is part of a 2010 Shanghai World Expo project, opening in May. “It's one of the single largest HD video surveillance installations, where more than 10,000 HD cameras are installed to secure the venues and the streets all around,” said Tony Yang, International Marketing Director. The company's major products help with the migration to IP, and its latest releases include 2-megapixel real-time CCD network cameras and embedded NVRs.

Strategy and Core Competence
Solutions with high system flexibility are often expensive, but Hikvision makes its products cost-effective. To allow for better image quality and accelerated product rollout, the company engineers its own image-processing algorithms and works with major suppliers of DSP chipsets. Global branding and local marketing strategies also make market penetration easier for Hikvision. “It's vital to meet user requirements and create confidence among our customers about our services,” Yang said.

Future Outlook
Banking on its R&D capabilities and advanced technologies, Hikvision is anticipating a higher growth rate in 2010, with the annual revenue expected to reach $400 million.

JEC Electronics Technology
Founded in 1995, JEC Electronics Technology's current overseas sales take up about 50 percent of its overall revenue. OEM and ODM sales are the company's main focus.

The U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Taiwan are JEC's major overseas markets, and city surveillance, traffic monitoring, airports and military installations are its key verticals.

Strategy and Core Competence
“We have 38 patented technologies that are crucial to product development, and each year we make more R&D investments,” said Jun Gao, Overseas Sales Manager. “With our own lab that generates all kinds of application scenarios, we are able to test and ensure product quality and reliability.”

JEC also teams up with a number of technology universities, research facilities and organizations to keep its offerings ahead of its competition. The all-in-one intelligent pan/tilt mechanism is JEC's core. “Our intelligent pan/tilt mechanism can operate under weight as heavy as 50 kilograms and as light as 3 kilograms,” Gao said.

Future Outlook
JEC will continue to advance its product developments and lower its production cost. Tracking with wireless technology for military installations is on the R&D road map. The company will also focus on increasing product compatibitliy between network cameras and 3-G networks.

OB Telecom Electronic Technology
Founded in 2000, OB Telecom Electronic Technology provides large-scale transmission solutions to the security market.Transportation and city surveillance are its major verticals overseas.

Its project references include the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2010 Shanghai Expo, and its customer base is growing fast in regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Strategy and Core Competence
Transformed from the Fiber Optic Communication Technology Research Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, OB Telecom has the experience and R&D capabilities to stay competitive.

“To ensure product quality, all the components we use are carefully selected from quality suppliers. Close cooperation with universities and institutions allows us to keep our R&D team up-to-date with the latest technology,” said Jack Xu, Marketing and Sales Director of Overseas Business.

OB Telecom solutions cater to a wide range of user requirements. The company's customized solutions can transfer data signals through fiber optic cables over 120 kilometers. All products are designed to support point-to-point, drop-and-insert and fiber-ring topologies for harsh environments.

Future Outlook
The fiber-optic transmission platform and compressed and uncompressed transmission solutions for HD video are its major products in 2010. The company will continue its overseas market expansion with different approaches in different regions. “By strategically increasing our production quantities and diversifying R&D know-how, we could further satisfy a wider range of users around the world,” Xu said.

Sunell Technology
Founded in 2002, Sunell Technology exports to more than 87 countries. The company's major markets include the U.S. and Europe, and banks, airports and city surveillance as its major verticals. “We work with Sony's sensor division and use CCDs in our megapixel network cameras,” said Ann Wu, VP. The company's main products include box cameras, vandalproof domes, IR domes, noiseless portable reflex cameras and megapixel PTZ cameras. The company mainly sells through its own brand, Sunell.

Strategy and Core Competence
“With a good handle on 3A algorithms, we supply the market with the latest technologies such as low-lux, long-range IR, ultrahigh-resolution and sense-up cameras,” Wu said. With more than 90 professionals on the R&D team, the company practices the rational unified process developed by IBM to ensure product quality. All products are designed and manufactured in-house with carefully chosen CCD and DSP components. “All of our products undergo ISO9001 and ISO14001 quality control, and are compliant with RoHS, CMA, FCC and CE requirements,” Wu said.

Future Outlook
Sunell products are now ONVIF-compliant. “We also want to work with the PSIA so that our network cameras can be integrated with more solutions, Wu said.” The company will allocate more of its resources to software development as well.

Open Platform Adds Value Through Integrations

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Milestone Systems | Updated: 7/14/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

Mads Bo Frederiksen, Sales Director APAC, Milestone Systems, discusses the
advantages of open software platforms.

When making purchase decisions to invest in new security systems, or upgrade existing ones, it would seem logical to choose a solution that allows you to get the most for your money — both now and in the long run. A true open platform is the answer because it lets you choose what you need today without locking you out of options in the future. As new innovations come along, you can incorporate them.

The most open platform you can get is when you decouple the hardware from the software, which ensures the ability to choose whichever computer or camera hardware you wish. If you go with a system from one vendor whose software works only with their hardware or just a few types of devices, you will be very limited in your choices as new products come out on the market that you may want to use. And the rate of innovation seems to be speeding up, with so many players in the industry and new ones coming along all the time.

Milestone is a true open platform IP video surveillance software developer, and has always had the independent business model of supporting the widest choice for customers. This freedom of options extends beyond our support of the largest number of camera and encoder brands (more than 850 models from more than 80 manufacturers) to also include an ever-growing choice of integrations with other software solutions like analytics, access control, Point-of-Sale (PoS) systems, RFID, ATM transactions, baggage claim handling, ERP data, and so much more. The Milestone ecosystem of global partners includes not only the thousands of channel partners who implement our platform, but also almost 200 solution partners who have integrated their offerings with our video management software. This wealth of options is helping customers all over the world to improve their business operations — whether the goal is safety, security, loss prevention or resolution, quality control, logistics tracking, health care monitoring, insurance claims or training, just to name a few.

Such integrations are really all about what we call “video-enabling” your business.

Some examples
●  When you combine video with access control, you can visually verify who is using the access cards in your buildings: if the face doesn't match the name for that ID, rules in the software can alert you to respond fast. Likewise, camera views of the people buzzing to enter a door or gate can trigger or lock down access — especially useful after hours.

●  A food processing concern uses Milestone video surveillance integrated with their production machinery, which saves them unnecessary costs. The audio capability in XProtect triggers an alarm when the popping noise in their air-burst machines signals they are not working optimally. A global packaging company uses another Milestone integration with its line validation equipment to maximize its production capacity as well.

●  In the retail sector there is growing uptake for the benefits of video integrated with PoS that allows verification of which products — and how many — are really being sold at what price. This helps cut down on shrinkage from personnel errors and internal theft or “sweethearting” (giving employee discounts to friends), short-change returns and more. One of our global customers is using Milestone integrated with their ERP system's personnel list to track how often each staff member opens the cash register during the workday, when discount prices are used and more.

●  Retailers are also improving the bottom line through better customer service that comes from video integrated with people counting or other analytics. Queue management, personnel staffing schedules and merchandise placement in the store are just some scenarios where this applies. Large retail chains have different profit protection policies, so they are asking for special customizations of the Milestone video platform integrated with their systems. Their processes require tailoring of the
front-end of the solution to best reflect those — and Milestone makes that possible.

These examples illustrate the endless possibilities for video-enabling business and the open platform ability to add new innovations over time — the rainbow of options is truly exciting. Open platform IP video management software is proving to be a robust foundation of technology that lets you build countless improvements into your business for years to come.

Related articles:

• Understanding VMS, GUI and SaaS Wars
  
• Alphabet Soup or Hot Technology? Let's Talk About GUI, VMS and PSIM
  

* The article is sponsored by Milestone Systems. The column shares Milestone's expertise in video surveillance in three chapters. For more information, please reach Milestone at mbf@milestonesys.com or visit www.milestonesys.com

Sponsored by:

Axis Network Cameras Count Visitors at Global Furniture Stores Worldwide

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/22/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Axis Communications announced its network cameras were installed at the biggest furniture supplier to keep track of the number of visitors passing in and out of the stores. The installation comprises some hundred cameras equipped with software from Axis' partner Cognimatics.


"There is a clear trend in the retail sector towards using network cameras equipped with intelligent software for other purposes than surveillance," said Johan Akesson, Director Business Development, Axis Communications. "This means that our network cameras are increasingly being used to optimize sales efforts and to streamline staff, store and inventory planning on site or remotely. Together with our partners we offer solutions tailored to customer needs."


The network cameras will be mounted in the ceiling at store entrances and exits and automatically keep track of the number of visitors passing in and out. All video processing and counting will be done by the individual cameras, making the solution reliable, fast and easy to use. As a security feature data is stored locally in the cameras for one month and can be remotely collected over a network. Data can be accessed live and data from several stores and regions may be aggregated for analytical purposes. The solution is practically infinitely scalable and standard camera equipment is the only hardware needed for the complete setup.


Axis partner Cognimatics will supply its people counting software for measuring visitor traffic. It is a stand-alone people counting application embedded directly in Axis network cameras, letting users leverage existing IP networks. Cognimatics also supplies Web-based statistical software for managing and analyzing counting data. The complete solution is easily installed in an existing local area network and configuration can be done at any physical location using a standard web-based interface.


"By using our people counter, our clients enjoy a 100-percent IP-based solution where all counting and data processing is done inside standard network cameras, using the built-in processor," said Tomas Tengren, Director of Marketing and Sales of Cognimatics. "The solution provides retailers with precise knowledge about customer traffic statistics which allows them to increase the performance of their business. It is probably the market's most affordable systems in all aspects of installation, operation and maintenance."