Hikvision India’s ‘Make in India’ push boosts local manufacturing, cutting costs, driving innovation, and creating jobs in the security sector.
Excluive Interview With Mr. Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Private Limited.
IT Voice- What are the most significant innovations shaping the security and surveillance industry in 2025?
Ashish P. Dhakan – There are significant innovations happening in the AIoT technology space with specific reference to the evolving trends. As technology has advanced,the focus has broadened from merely securing our world—to making it smarter. AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) is leading this transformation, revolutionizing industries beyond security. In the year 2025, we dive deeper into the trends driving AIoT, showing how they are reshaping industries and fostering a more efficient, secure, and sustainable future.
- Perception technologies are adapting to varied environments and situational needs
Perception technologies are continuing to evolve to operate efficiently in diverse conditions. AI Image Signal Processing (AI-ISP) technology, for example, has already set a high bar on image quality performance in low-light conditions by significantly reducing image noise and addressing motion blur. For large-scale monitoring scenarios that require wide angles and detailed images, Ultra High Definition (UHD) technologies are becoming the norm. They offer faster frame rates, improved contrast, and richer details, making it easier to capture and analyze vast, complex scenes.
Beyond the visible light spectrum, millimeter-wave radars see through smoke, dust, and obstacles, providing precise speed and direction measurements widely used in traffic management. In noisy, harsh industrial settings with continuous operations, meanwhile, sound wave sensing enables non-invasive equipment monitoring for early fault detection, reducing downtime.
- AIoT is bringing digitalization to life in diverse industrial applications
Companies are increasingly adopting AIoT technologies to address specific operational challenges and speed up digital transformation. In retail, where loss prevention and maintaining a competitive edge is crucial, AIoT devices now provide valuable data such as inventory tracking, foot traffic, queue lengths, and area density. This information helps stores tailor their offerings, optimize operations, and mitigate losses. In the energy sector, meanwhile, safety is a non-negotiable requirement. AIoT solutions, such as automated personal protective equipment (PPE) checks, now use AI to streamline the inspection of proper safety gears, reducing manual oversight and enhancing workplace safety.
Furthermore, the development of large vision, audio, and fiber-optic models is being tailored with industry-specific designs, algorithm optimization, and model simplification. This trend aims to create lightweight, vertical-specific AIoT deployments that are practical and effective in real-world scenarios.
- There is a significant move towards open and collaborative ecosystems
As the demand for tailored AIoT solutions in fragmented industrial scenarios has increased, no single company can meet all the user demands on their own. Open platforms and tools are therefore becoming essential. These enable solution providers to seamlessly integrate third-party applications in order to accelerate digital transformation across industries. To further support this, standardized protocols are simplifying device communication, reducing development time and costs. These protocols make it easier for all types of devices to work together, addressing issues like configuration complexity, scalability, and network security.
- Building cybersecurity trust through proactive strategies and cross-industry partnerships
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern in the expanding AIoT landscape. Increasingly, companies are adopting proactive, yet responsive, cybersecurity approaches, which focus on rapid threat detection and effective response. By partnering with specialized security testing firms, they are able to evaluate products against a wide range of standards, identifying and tackling vulnerabilities early to prevent exploitation. Continuous testing ensures updates and enhancements consistently meet the highest security benchmarks.
- AIoT becoming a game-changing catalyst for sustainability
Organizations worldwide are seeking more sustainable ways to operate and conduct business, and many are turning to AIoT technologies to do this. By augmenting connected sensors with AI algorithms, AIoT is helping to optimize resource use, cut energy consumption, improve waste management, and boost operational efficiency in numerous industries.
IT Voice- How is AI-driven video surveillance transforming threat detection and response in real-time?
Ashish P. Dhakan – AI-driven video surveillance is revolutionizing threat detection and response in real-time by leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision. This transformation enables security systems to analyze video data in real-time, discerning patterns and anomalies that may escape human observation. AI algorithms identify and classify objects in video feeds, distinguishing between normal activities and potential threats. Facial recognition technology enables identification of individuals, helping security personnel track and monitor people of interest or identify threats. AI algorithms learn normal behavior patterns within an environment and raise alerts for unusual activities. AI differentiates real threats from everyday activity, reducing false alarms.
The key benefits include following enhancements in security management mesures.AI-powered systems detect security threats up to four times faster than traditional systems, improving response times. AI-driven surveillance systems reduce false positives by understanding movements and behaviors. It enhances accuracy. Automation minimizes human error and reduces operational costs by decreasing reliance on large security teams.AI-driven solutions enhance scalability, allowing surveillance systems to manage large volumes of video frames and adapt to growing data demands.AI integration enhances threat detection capabilities by up to 90% in retail applications. AI-powered surveillance systems detect anomalies and safety violations in industrial settings.AI-powered facial recognition systems identify individuals and provide enhanced security for high-risk areas.
IT Voice- What are the key challenges in implementing smart city security infrastructure in India?
Ashish P. Dhakan – Implementing smart city security infrastructure poses several challenges that need to be addressed for successful deployment and operation. These include technical challenges, operational challenges, regulatory challenges and social challenges.
There are many technical challenges. They are as follows:
- Integration Complexity: Integrating various systems and technologies can be complex and time-consuming.
- Data Management: Managing and analyzing large amounts of data from different sources can be a significant challenge.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Smart city infrastructure is vulnerable to cyber threats, which can compromise security and privacy.
- Interoperability: Ensuring interoperability between different systems and technologies can be a challenge.
There are many operational challenges. They are as follows:
- Resource Allocation: Allocating resources effectively to manage and maintain smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
- Training and Capacity Building: Providing training and capacity building for personnel to manage and operate smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
- Public Awareness and Education: Educating the public about the benefits and risks of smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
- Funding and Budgeting: Securing funding and budgeting for smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
There are many regulatory challenges. They are as follows:
- Regulatory Frameworks: Developing and implementing regulatory frameworks for smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
- Data Protection and Privacy: Ensuring data protection and privacy in smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
- Standards and Interoperability: Developing standards for smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
- Liability and Accountability: Establishing liability and accountability for smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
There are many social challenges. They are as follows:
Public Acceptance: Gaining public acceptance and trust in smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
Equity and Accessibility: Ensuring equity and accessibility in smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
Community Engagement: Engaging with the community and involving them in the planning and implementation of smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.
Addressing Social Concerns: Addressing social concerns and mitigating the negative impacts of smart city infrastructure can be a challenge.IT Voice- How does Prama Hikvision’s technology support government initiatives for safe and connected urban environments?
Ashish P. Dhakan – Prama Hikvision’s technology supports government initiatives for safe and connected urban environments through various solutions and services.
Smart Video Security Monitoring : Advanced video security monitoring systems with AI-powered analytics for real-time monitoring and threat detection.
Intelligent Transportation Systems: Smart traffic management solutions for efficient traffic flow and reduced congestion.
Public Safety Solutions: Integrated public safety solutions, including emergency response systems and crisis management platforms.
Smart City Infrastructure: AIoT-enabled infrastructure solutions for efficient management of city resources and services.
Hikvision’s technology enhances public safety through advanced surveillance and emergency response solutions.Hikvision’s Smart City solutions improve the efficiency of city operations and services through smart infrastructure management.Hikvision’s technology increases productivity by providing real-time insights and data-driven decision-making capabilities. These solutions contribute to a better quality of life for citizens by providing safe, efficient, and effective city services.IT Voice – How has Hikvision India contributed to India’s self-reliance in security technology through its ‘Make in India’ initiatives?
Ashish P. Dhakan – Hikvision India has contributed significantly to India’s self-reliance in security technology through its ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Hikvision India has established a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in India, which has enabled the company to produce high-quality security products locally. The company’s ‘Make in India’ initiative has created numerous job opportunities in the security technology sector. Hikvision India has enabled local manufacturers to produce high-quality products. The company has established a research and development center in India, which focuses on developing innovative security solutions.
Hikvision’s ‘Make in India’ initiative has reduced India’s dependence on imports of security technology. The company’s manufacturing hub in India has enabled it to develop security products for Indian market. Hikvision’s focus on quality has improved the overall quality of security products available in India. The company’s solutions have enhanced the security of various sectors, including government, public safety, and transportation.
Hikvision India has aligned it’s future roadmap with Government Initiatives. Our ‘Make in India’ initiative aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ program, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing. The company’s focus on self-reliance in security technology aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, which aims to promote self-reliance in various sectors.IT Voice- What advantages does local manufacturing bring to the Indian security industry in terms of innovation, cost, and job creation?
Ashish P. Dhakan – Local manufacturing in the Indian security industry brings several advantages in terms of innovation, cost, and job creation. The slew of innovation done under our Make-in-India initiatives are as follows:
Customized Solutions: Local manufacturing allows for the development of customized security solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Indian market.
Research and Development: Local manufacturing hubs can facilitate research and development, enabling the creation of innovative security products and technologies.
Collaboration with Local Institutions: Local manufacturing can foster collaboration with local institutions, leading to the development of new technologies and innovations.
There are significant cost benefits attached to Make-in-India initiative, they are as follows:
Reduced Logistics Costs: Local manufacturing reduces logistics costs, as products are manufactured and distributed within the country.
Lower Labor Costs: Local manufacturing can take advantage of lower labor costs in India, making it a cost-effective option.
Government Incentives: The Indian government offers various incentives for local manufacturing, which can help reduce costs.
On the job creation front, the Make-in-India vision is delivering positive outcomes. They are as follows:
Employment Opportunities: Local manufacturing creates employment opportunities in the security industry, contributing to economic growth.
Skilled Workforce: Local manufacturing can lead to the development of a skilled workforce in the security industry.
Economic Growth: Local manufacturing can contribute to economic growth by increasing the country’s GDP and reducing dependence on imports.The additional benefits of ‘Make-in-India’ include improved quality control. Local manufacturing allows for better quality control, ensuring that products meet the required standards.Local manufacturing can reduce the time-to-market for new products, enabling companies to respond quickly to changing market demands. This initiative can improve supply chain security by reducing the risk of counterfeit products and ensuring that products are manufactured in a secure environment.