Canon Europe Q&A: Our Plans for IFSEC International 2014

With IFSEC International less than three weeks away, we spoke to a key figure from the photography pioneer’s European division about their plans for the security industry’s premier event.

Julian Rutland, visual communication products and solutions director for Canon Europe, also covers the company’s latest innovations and why he believes analytics will be a big talking point during 2014’s show.

IFSEC Global:Why is it important for you to attend IFSEC International?

Julian Rutland: We’re attending IFSEC International for the sixth consecutive year and it’s marked as one of the most important dates in our diary. Canon is well known for its high quality cameras, but the network camera market is most definitely an area that’s still in development.

We see IFSEC as a key opportunity to meet with both existing and prospective partners and engage with system integrators, all of whom are crucial to our network camera business. Equally, we also view the show as a chance to demonstrate our expertise, by showcasing our entire portfolio and collaborative partner solutions.

IG: What are your main goals for the 2014 show?

JR: Relationships are our main focus for us this year. Ultimately, we’re looking to meet new contacts and deepen our existing connections within the security industry, with the aim of working with our solution partners and system integrators more effectively to establish breakthrough momentum throughout Europe.

IG: In previous years IP, hybrid solutions, the emergence of networks or video analytics have been dominant show themes. Is there a key theme you think might characterise the 2014 event?

JR: We see analytics as a continuing theme within the security market and one that is of considerable interest to Canon. We’re continually hearing our customers request more than basic security solutions, as instead they’re expecting the inclusion of solutions analytics to meet their specific requirements.

All Canon network cameras feature in-built analytics to enhance security systems by sensing movement, abandoned and removed objects, camera tampering and also detect changes in volume. Our S series is a great example of this, especially when used with some of our partners’ VMS solutions to provide a powerful combined video management package.

IG: Can you briefly outline the new solutions and products that will be showcased on your stand in June?

JR: This year we will be demonstrating the capabilities of the S series – our latest range of ultra-compact Network Security Cameras with in-built analytics. The range of Full HD cameras are designed for indoor environments which require sensitive monitoring of specific areas or items, making them ideal for the retail, education, commercial and hospitality sectors.

There will also be an opportunity to speak with some of our key partners, including Nedap, NETAVIS and Wavestore and learn more from one of our valued customers, the British Library, about how it is using Canon’s Network Cameras to protect its valuable collection of books and manuscripts.

IG: Are you targeting end users, installers/integrators or perhaps consultants this year, and what’s influencing your decision here?

JR: In addition to engaging with our existing and prospective partners, this year we will be focusing on establishing deeper relationships with system integrators and end-users by demonstrating the strength of our growing network camera portfolio.

IG: Are you targeting any particular vertical sector at present? If so, why? What opportunities do you see emerging?

JR: We’re extremely well positioned as our varied range of network cameras, partners and solutions enable us to target a large number of vertical sectors. For example, our S series makes it possible for us to target retail, education and business environments, while our partnerships with companies such as NETAVIS mean that we can successfully reach new customers and geographical regions.

IG: What do you think is the most exciting theme currently happening in the security industry?

JR: Again, we believe analytics brings a new dimension to the security industry, especially as it can have the ability to completely enhance the performance of network cameras. For example, the in-built analytics from our cameras offer comprehensive sets of intelligent features like Moving Object Detection, Abandoned Object Detection, Removed Object Detection, Camera Tampering Detection, Passing Detection and Volume Detection.

The benefit is that detected activity can be fed back to a camera’s recording platform, uploaded to an FTP server, sent via an email alert or recorded directly onto the MicroSD card, making it a necessity to any surveillance system.

IG: What’s your company doing to promote the corporate social responsibility/’green’ agenda?

JR: Sustainability is important to Canon. It involves focussing on reducing environmental impact; engaging with communities; and supporting wider economic growth. Alongside this, we anticipate and comply with regulations and standards and even look to exceed them where possible.

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