Exclusive Conversation with Mr. Ashish P Dhakan – MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd
IT Voice: How does the security and surveillance market in India compare to global standards?
Ashish: The Indian physical security industry has been growing rapidly in recent years. Developments and applications of cutting-edge technologies in this ever-evolving industry such as AI, machine perception, and IoT, are breaking boundaries all the time. We have seen security systems become deeply integrated and more comprehensive. It is expanding capabilities to do more intelligent tasks to improve efficiency in security as well as other operational functions.And all this is happening across many different industries and types of organizations.
As Indian economy is continuing its onward march as the fastest growing economy, the market is adapting the global security industry standards and best practices. India is heading towards becoming one of the largest security markets across the globe.
IT Voice: What technological advancements in the Indian security sector have notably impacted the industry in recent years?
Ashish: Hikvision India as one of the leading stakeholders in the Indian physical security market has observed the key trends that are shaping the future of the security industry. They are as follows:
AI applications and open ecosystems
We have seen more diversified AI products and applications that help solve intricate problems daily and meet customers’ fragmented needs. AI’s acoustic and textual capabilities are also being explored by the industry, beginning with visual AI. For example, AI-powered audio anomaly detection is being used to detect equipment failures in industrial environments for heightened levels of worker safety. Furthermore, AI technology itself is evolving to the stage of self-learning with training and optimizing itself much faster than supervised learning.
All of these require more ecosystems with open technologies, open resources, and even open protocols, for collaborations in the industry. Open technologies, such as container technology and virtualization technology, have significant potential for our industry, which are making hardware products more open.
AIoT Trends continue
Taking artificial intelligence further, we believe the combination of AI and IoT (AIoT) will continue to be a major trend, reshaping the scope of the security industry. More AIoT solutions have been introduced that will not only provide intelligent protections but also help advance the efficiency of operations in a multitude of industries and organizations.
AIoT will create an important path for boosting digital transformation across several industries. This can be done by creating a digital twin, bridging the physical and digital worlds. For example, in industrial park management, virtual sites can be created by applying 3D modeling, using VR and AR technologies to represent and reflect the real ones, empowering them with the dynamic insight to act quickly to make the whole site run smoothly.
Visual experiences improve
Capturing security imaging with sharp clarity and color around the clock is a core demand for users of video security, but dim light at night has always been the biggest challenge to achieving this. Now, with the development of several new imaging technologies, we are seeing these challenges removed. Bi-spectrum image fusion technology that employs two sensors is being used to combine IR and visible-light imaging to reproduce vivid colors in dim lighting conditions. Artificial Intelligence-based image signal processing (AI-ISP) technology leverages deep-learning algorithms to radically improve visual noise reduction for nighttime image optimization.
Expanding Perception capabilities
For security applications, perception capabilities are going far beyond visible light, extending out along the electromagnetic spectrum to expand capabilities of perceiving the physical world in new ways. And these multi-dimensional perception capabilities also converge to create innovative solutions that can accomplish a multitude of new operations, such as radar assisted video systems for perimeter protection, integration solutions of video and sonar arrays for traffic management, and alarm systems with a wide range of detectors for smart home applications.
More focus on usability
Usability of devices and systems impacts the daily life of security professionals, which has generated more focus now in light of workforce shortages and labor cost increases across our industry. This trend is requiring manufacturers to optimize their products with an easier configuration process, make better use of interactive experiences that will reduce installation time, and lower the costs of equipment maintenance and skill building.
Green manufacturing and low-carbon initiatives
Trends in green manufacturing and low-carbon initiatives in the security industry are very inspiring. Security manufacturers are rolling out products featuring longer life expectancies, recyclable materials and packaging, and renewable energy usage. Each of these initiatives reduces waste and emissions. For example, the solar-powered camera demand continues to increase due to its well-established effectiveness at using the sun’s limitless clean energy.
Zero Trust strategy
Cybersecurity remains a very important and challenging issue for all parties in our industry, as customers and regulators get more concerned about the security of their data and privacy, and have set higher standards and demands on this issue. We see the value in highlighting the idea of Zero Trust for everyone to consider when making cybersecurity strategies.
IT Voice: In what ways do you foresee the integration of futuristic technologies, such as AI, IoT, or cloud-based solutions, in the security systems in India?
Ashish: The Indian security market ecosystem is rapidly adopting the AI, IoT, and cloud-based technologies and diverse solutions. The adoption rate for AIoT solution is growing faster with the awareness about its advantages. Hikvision India is at the forefront of AIoT technology innovations, and it is offering these cutting-edge technologies in all of its latest products and solutions. The AIoT products and solutions are enjoying the fastest adoption rate compared to the other technologies.
IT Voice: What distinct initiatives or strategies has Hikvision India undertaken to influence this sector’s development?
Ashish: We have taken many pioneering initiatives like ‘Make-in-India’, Digital Transformation, Localization and Research and Development (R&D) has yielded good results in the rapid growth and development of the security industry. We have worked diligently over a decade to build an ecosystem to foster growth, innovation and excellence in the security product manufacturing. Our dedicated efforts and foresight has paid rich dividends.
IT Voice: With the evolution of Smart Cities in India, what role do you foresee Hikvision India playing in the development and implementation of intelligent security systems for these urban areas?
Ashish: The Smart City Mission program has empowered the Indian cities with an AIoT technology enabled security solution. Hikvision India is committed to the Smart Cities Mission. Hikvision India is committed to play a pivotal role in providing the latest products and solutions for the Smart Cities.
The advanced video security solutions are making cities smarter, safer, better and sustainable. The Smart Cities need to adapt the latest technologies like AIoT, Blockchain, Big Data and Cloud Computing technology trends in video security. The Advanced Video Analytics and Predictive Intelligence data will be the key driving factor in making informed and intelligent decisions for the essential services. The video security data can help in resolving some of the challenges and make cities better places to live.
IT Voice: The company’s commitment to the ‘Make-in-India’ vision is commendable. How does local manufacturing contribute to the company’s strategy and its impact on the Indian market?
Ashish: 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, and 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 totransform 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.
IT Voice: What are the future plans for Hikvision India? What are the technologies and trends that you want to focus on in the future?
Ashish: We are working on the elaborate future plan to expand the partner network across India in Tier-II and Tier-III towns to live up to the growing demand in the market. The expansion plans are underway for the ‘Make-in-India’ manufacturing facility. There is more investment and team expansion happening in the R&D Center. We are also expanding our RMA centers to strengthen the service support.
There is a renewed focus on skilling and training program to impart the latest product and technology updates to ecosystem partners and security professionals across India. Hikvision India is regularly conducting skilling and training programs across India, these initiatives are driving the electronic security product manufacturing to a new phase of growth. We are consistently contributing to the cause of job creation and employment generation through the manufacturing and allied activities across India.
IT Voice: As a leader in the security technology domain, what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make an impact in this industry?
Ashish: The security industry is growing at the fastest rate in India, considering this fact, there are immense opportunities available to upskill, update and grow as a security industry professional. There is a need to understand one’s capacity and enhance the capabilities according to the role. This is the best time to grow with the Indian security market. To tap the unprecedented growth potential and entrepreneurial opportunities the young and skilled professionals need to train and learn the latest trends in technologies, products and solutions.
