How AIoT and ‘Make in India’ are powering Hikvision’s next growth phase

With India’s electronic security market set to soar to USD 3.7 billion by 2027, we’re seeing a major shift from traditional surveillance methods to smart, AIoT-driven systems. At the forefront of this change is Prama Hikvision India, which has made significant strides in local manufacturing and research and development to support the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

In this exclusive Q&A, Ashish P. Dhakan, the Managing Director & CEO of Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd., shares insights on the technologies that are paving the way for the future of surveillance—covering everything from AI-ISP and UHD imaging to tailored AIoT applications for various industries. He also discusses the key factors driving growth, the ethical aspects of surveillance, and how India is positioning itself as a global leader in smart security solutions.

How do you see the Indian security and surveillance market evolving in the next 5 years?

The AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) landscape is transforming industries big time, moving beyond security to make things smarter, more efficient and sustainable. In India this will accelerate over the next 5 years in line with global trends. Key innovations are AI-ISP for better low light imaging, UHD and radar for better monitoring, sound wave sensing for industrial fault detection. AIoT is also transforming retail and energy with customised solutions – from inventory tracking to automated safety checks. The move towards open ecosystems is enabling greater integration and faster digital transformation. While cybersecurity is top of mind, companies are adopting proactive approaches and cross industry collaborations. Most importantly AIoT is emerging as a key tool to achieve sustainability goals by optimising energy consumption and resource utilisation.

What are the key growth drivers for Hikvision India in India?

The Indian Security Market has come a long way from being a nascent market to become one of the fastest growing security markets in the world. It has seen the paradigm shift in the physical security market. The electronic security systems have evolved with better versions of products in CCTV Surveillance, Access Control, Perimeter Security and Intrusion Alarm segments over the period of time.

 The Indian security market is transforming from an unorganized sector into a high growth organized sector, the green shoots of economic growth and transformation are visible across the industry ecosystem. The ‘Make-in-India’ program achieved its prime objective as some of the leading global security brands have invested in India to set up their manufacturing facilities. This contributed significantly to the overall growth of the Indian security market.

The government’s Smart Cities Mission program empowered the security Industry to grow exponentially.  The ‘Smart Cities Mission’ program is one of the key growth drivers for the security industry stakeholders.  There are more than 12 vertical markets, which are driving the growth in the security industry. The most significant markets, include Smart Cities, Homeland Security, Real Estate, Banking, Retail, Education, Healthcare, Transportation, Manufacturing, Power, Petroleum, Oil and Gas, Heavy Industries, Manufacturing, Logistics, Warehousing, Entertainment and Sports Arenas and Tourism, etc.

How do you differentiate Hikvision from competitors in the Indian market?

Hikvision India has strong competitive edge in the Indian market, which stems from several key factors. It has an impressive product portfolio backed by advanced technologies and excellent service support.

Advanced Technologies: Hikvision leverages deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, big data, and IoT to deliver innovative security solutions.

DeepinView Cameras and DeepinMind NVRs: These cutting-edge products have received positive responses in the Indian market.

Increased Local Production: Hikvision India plans to boost production at its Mumbai plant, focusing on vertical solutions.

Expanded Manufacturing Footprint: The company has made big ticket investment  in the world class manufacturing facility in India.

Research and Development Investments: Hikvision India dedicates a significant part of its annual revenue to R&D, driving innovation and staying ahead of competitors.

India-Specific Products: The company develops products tailored to the Indian market, such as solutions for the gems and jewelry industry.

Strong Distribution Networks: Hikvision has an extensive marketing network and reliable distribution channels in India.

Customer-Centric Approach: Hikvision India's success is attributed to its customer-centric approach, ensuring products meet local needs. 

Beyond current manufacturing, what are the strategic growth plans for expanding domestic production and market penetration?

We are working on the elaborate 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 state-of-the-art 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.

Could you detail the latest advancements in your AIoT technologies, and how they enhance surveillance capabilities?

Hikvision India is at the forefront of AIoT technologies, pushing the boundaries of innovation in various sectors. Here are some of the latest advances:

AIoT Technologies are adding value and advancement in the video security segment.

AI-ISP Technology: Reduces image noise and addresses motion blur in low-light environments, enhancing image quality.

ShotN and AWDR: Improves clarity and detail in imaging, providing better surveillance capabilities.

Environment-Adaptive Products: Includes solar-powered cameras and self-cleaning cameras, ideal for challenging environments.

Perception Applications: Utilizes millimeter waves, infrared, X-ray, and sound waves for advanced sensing capabilities.

AIoT technologies are offering Scenario-Based Solutions to myriad sectors.

Manufacturing: Enhances operational efficiency and security.

Energy: Improves safety and efficiency in power plants.

Retail: Optimizes store operations and customer experience.

Smart Buildings: Enhances building management and security.

Traffic: Reduces congestion and improves road efficiency.

We are forging alliances with other companies to explore AIoT and highlight industry collaborations. Hikvision India is expanding its portfolio to deliver customer-centric solutions for AIoT digital transformation.

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