Surveillance : Big Brothers Watching

Post the recent Mumbai terror attack, PRS Oberoi, chairman of the Oberoi
Group said: Unfortunately, hospitality and security dont go well together.
Well, strict security checks like the ones we see now wouldve surely drawn
criticism but security measures are seen as a necessity nowand adhered to
patiently. Leading hotel chains in India are now re-strategizing their security
arrangements and are investing in installing metal detectors and baggage
scanners. Ratan Tata has even gone to the extent of announcing plans to improve
their own anti-terror and security arrangements.

The Changing Picture

As Dhiraj Wali, head of security, safety and communications systems
business, Bosch says, Post 26/11 there is a surge in demand for video
surveillance systems from hotels and corporates alike. Hotels are looking at
augmenting their security, both physical as well as electronic. Physical
security constitutes well-trained guards, sniffer dogs, explosive detectors,
etc. For electronic security, hotels are looking for integrated security system,
wherein various security gadgets like access control system, CCTV, perimeter
protection, etc, can communicate with each other.

The Indian security market has never had it so good. While most sensitive
establishments like petrochemical refineries, nuclear power stations and
airports have always maintained a high level of security; the attacks on two
leading hotel chains has brought back the focus on perceived less secure
establishments like these. Earlier people perceived security as cost incurred
but now its more to do with investment, says Niju V, deputy director for
electronics and security systems, Frost & Sullivan.

According to the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India, with
increased focus on security measures Indias private security business will grow
up to Rs 500 bn by 2012 from the current Rs 220 bn.

Initially, man guarding was more popular in India as technology was not
well-equipped and the trust worthiness factor worked with watch men or security
guards. With MNCs coming to India and infrastructure developing in metro and
non-metro cities, the demand for electronic security is rising and is expected
to grow, says Deepak Thakur, director South Asia, Honeywell Security. Thakur
further classifies the surveillance market in three broad categoriesman
guarding, electromechanical device (locks, detectors), and electronic security
products.

An Integrated Solution

Post the Mumbai attacks, the two categories that have picked up in demand
include closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and access control systems.

In an integrated security system, CCTV becomes the most important component
since it makes other electronic security gadgets more effective. In normal
scenarios an access control system will just flash an alarm message on access
control panel if someone flashes a wrong card or tries to gain access to the
area where he/she is not authorized; whereas in an integrated security system
with CCTV, the operator will automatically get a video pop-up on the screen,
thus helping the operator to verify who is trying to seek unauthorized entry.
Also, this gets recorded for future references.

Traditionally, hotels and airports have been heavy users of CCTV. In 2008,
the CCTV market in India was worth Rs 550 crore with the market dominated by
analog systems. For sometime now the focus is shifting toward adoption of
digital systems, says Viju. He goes on to add that in the next 3-4 years this
market would see a growth of 25-30% y-o-y.

Apart from the hospitality sector, government establishments too are gearing
up to install video surveillance systems at public places and sensitive
government buildings. Demand in sectors like transportation (particularly for
city surveillance, traffic management system) has also gone up in the recent
past.

The other segment that has defined security in the past is X-ray machines
installed at airports for baggage scanning and hand-held and door frame metal
detectors. While many may argue over the usability of such devices, the truth of
the matter is that both X-ray machines and metal detectors continue to be high
on the purchase list. According to Viju, the X-ray market in India in 2008 was
worth Rs 70 crore while metal detectors (including door frame and hand-held) was
worth Rs 300 crore.

The Indian security market has considerably grown in the last few years and
Indian customers have rapidly adapted to the latest technology. And looking at
the present security threats in the country, security has taken a front seat in
infrastructure planning. The demand today is for integrated security solutions
instead of going in for a particular product. Users are realizing the benefits
of using an integrated security solution which gives them a sense of complete
security, says Thakur. Now when one talks about complete security, it also
involves biometrics, fire safety, and fire detection.

Intrinsic Traits

Biometrics is going to be a major focus area for the government, especially
in light of the heightened security threats. Considering that acquiring fake
identities is on the rise by terrorists, the government is working on a project
for a national identity card, similar to the US social security number. Rs 100
crore has already allocated for it.

The government has also started preliminary work on issuing biometric PAN
cards that would capture their fingerprints and facial features. This is being
done to ensure that no individual can have more than one PAN card. For the
biometric PAN card, the government will capture fingerprints of four fingers of
an individual (two from each hand) and the facial image, with the eyes clearly
visible. Bidders have also been asked to ensure that the digital image of the
application and documents submitted as proof are also captured in some form. The
Ministry of External Affairs is also deliberating on the idea to issue biometric
passports (currently being issued only to diplomats).

Digital Home Security

While most of us are tuned in to whats happening around us in terms of
terrorist attacks, bomb blasts or other such incidents, one of the most crucial
areas that we all tend to ignore is our very own home. Residential security will
be one of the major segments that will see a substantial growth in the coming
times. Currently, we have about 110 mn dwelling units in India and with the
increase in the number of nuclear families, one can expect a fair amount of
increase in demand for home security products. Even though the growth rate is
slow, residential security will continue growing twice that of normal security,
says Thakur. One of the reasons why home security market hasnt taken off in
India, the way it should have, is because of our continued dependence on our
neighborhood chowkidaar.

Low-cost luxury apartments, communities and complexes will be major targets
for security solutions, depending on their requirement. Products like video door
phones, intrusion products will be more in demand among the rest.

Stuti Das

stutid@cybermedia.co.in