Info4Security (I4S): Why have you chosen to be part of the inaugural edition of the Global Security Summit?
Ian Compton (IC): We enjoy giving as many people as possible the opportunity to experience Panasonic and the innovative security and surveillance solutions which we can deliver to reduce costs and drive profit across different areas of different businesses.
At this year’s Global Security Summit we’ll be showing our latest award-winning equipment, including the WV-SP509 which was voted the best overall surveillance camera in a recent CCTV ‘shoot-out’, was a finalist in the Computing Security Awards and an IP Camera Excellence Award winner in the Secutech Awards.
We’ll also be discussing Panasonic’s role as a TOP Olympic partner and the equipment used to secure the London 2012 Olympic Games.
I4S: What’s the central focus of your company’s presence this year… and why?
IC: This year, Panasonic is aiming to present a completely new approach to security by explaining its role in profit generation and how it can be implemented in a range of industries including retail, banking, public transportation and logistics.
We will look at how business intelligence video systems are renewing the sector and how they will change the perception of what security – and, in particular, ‘surveillance’ – actually means.
Finally, we’ll be discussing how Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU) functions as a single point of vendor contact which can deliver an integrated technological solution resulting in a consultative and bespoke approach to the management of corporate customers and large accounts with the best HD camera technology available.
I4S: What do you hope to realise by participating in the event (for example the opportunity to be recognised for thought leadership and the generation of informed debate, etc)?
IC: An event such as the Global Security Summit is excellent as it presents an opportunity to engage end users and discuss their needs. As a company we want to create technology to improve the lives of our end users, and it’s through discussion and end user engagement that we can discover how to achieve this.
Events also demonstrate the direction which the market is taking and how competitors are aiming to meet the needs of the market. Only by being aware of end users’ needs, the market and competition can we respond to the ever-changing environment, and this makes events such as the Global Security Summit invaluable and beneficial opportunities.
I4S: What elements do you feel render your company’s presence absolutely vital to the end users in attendance at the 2012 Global Security Summit?
IC: The Global Security Summit is not just a security event: it’s also a technology event. It’s an opportunity to display great solutions to complex and unique challenges.
Panasonic security solutions offer this ability not simply because of the technology, but also because of the company which they are part of: Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU).
This offers end users a single point of vendor contact for all of their business technology needs, not just their security needs. The ability to integrate Visual System Solutions, Communications Solutions, Pro Camera Solutions and Computer Product Solutions and deliver it in a single roll-out makes the Panasonic offering unique and the Panasonic stand an essential visit during the Global Security Summit.
I4S: From your own point of view, how would you define ‘the end user’ in today’s security business sector?
IC: Today’s end user takes on a variety of forms and works within a variety of industries including banking, logistics, retail and public transportation. This expansion is a result of the increased relevance of surveillance technology in the business environment for uses other than security alone.
The new role of surveillance technology products will also see the introduction of end users in new business departments including marketing, operations and facilities management, in turn rendering the management of security systems a more involved role which functions in line with marketers and general managers.
I4S: Are knowledge levels among ‘the end user collective’ showing a continual elevation in focus and breadth, or do we perhaps need more emphasis on, for example, continuing Professional Development?
IC: Education and training will always be key to raising awareness and, whilE there are seasoned surveillance and CCTV experts in the industry, there is also a need to engage others to raise awareness of the capabilities of surveillance technology.
As technology itself becomes more intuitive and simplified, focuses are shifting to encompass IP networking expertise along with application experience and software development.
In other areas, operations that surround surveillance and security will evolve to capture new capabilities offered by ubiquitous IP and HD surveillance technology.
I4S: What sort of individual traits should characterise ‘the security professional of tomorrow’?
IC: Flexibility, open mindedness, technical skill and knowledge, communications and interpersonal soft skills.
In short, many of the basics of traditional CCTV and security professionals but with a willingness to respond to customer needs and find complete and finished technology solutions.
Skill and knowledge in other areas of AV and technology within business will also be required as the competitive market thrives and the cost of business and new business opportunities increases.
I4S: On the macro level, what are your opinions on the current security business landscape?
IC: At Panasonic, we believe that the security business landscape is currently undertaking a vital transition which will create a shift in the role of surveillance by taking it beyond security and generating new and exciting opportunities.
This shift will not come easily, however, as these opportunities require end users to alter their view of security and surveillance from a cost to an investment which can generate business profit.
Only through this mental shift can the security business landscape experience renewal through the advancement of businesses from standard security systems, many of which are analogue based, to IP-based business intelligence video systems.
I4S: In what ways do you feel the economic conditions prevailing in the UK are affecting the security sector in either a positive or a negative way (or perhaps both)?
IC: The economic downturn has challenged the majority of markets, and the security sector is no different. The common reaction of end users across most sectors has been to reduce expenditure and limit unnecessary costs. In the case of the security sector, however, this may do more harm than good as new systems offer ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
The challenge is to create awareness regarding these possibilities and assisting those using older, analogue systems in overcoming technical hurdles. Therefore, the current economic climate has presented both opportunities and threats simultaneously.
I4S: In addition, can you impart your views on the present state of the UK and international security spheres?
IC: The industry has changed and there is more competition and more manufacturers than ever before. Many manufacturers claim the ability to offer the same capabilities and it’s challenging to differentiate each business.
The greatest differentiating factor is, therefore, in the business offering as opposed to the technical offering.
It’s important for an end user to receive a total solution, managed by a single vendor, which encompasses every area of their needs. It’s for this reason that Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU) works across all of Panasonic’s business-to-business units and offers third party integration to create a fully bespoke solution.
I4S: Can you offer you’re considered opinions on the subject of convergence in the security space (wherein information security/IT security and physical security are being brought closer together)?
IC: There’s definitely a converged view of security and businesses have targets in place that cover physical and information security management. Panasonic offers a range of solutions that also include Toughbook rugged notebook PCs which have a number of specialist features that can automatically ensure data stored on PCs is secured should a device be stolen or lost.
In the projector range, projectors can automatically notify system administrators if, for example, IP projectors are removed from a university or school network.
It’s not just industry skills that are converging – it’s also the technology.
I4S: What goals should the UK security sector be working towards both in the short and longer terms?
IC: The UK security sector is bound by the traditional view of security as there are a lot of businesses which lack the technological foundation to be able to take their surveillance solution beyond security alone.
The security sector must educate on the advantage of IP and business intelligence video systems so that businesses see the benefit of investing in IP and upgraded systems in terms of the potential to use surveillance in applications outside of security and how systems can be used to generate profit.
I4S: Are there any central themes you can see on the horizon to be tackled by the security world in 2013?
IC: In the future there will undoubtedly be a move across all verticals towards high definition and video analytics in an aim to take surveillance beyond security alone.
I4S: What’s the main focus for your own organisation in 2013 and beyond?
IC: Panasonic will be aiming, as we always have, to provide the best possible solutions for our customers. We want to provide technology to meet end users needs’, no matter how unique the challenges they face.
As part of Panasonic System Communications Company Europe we have the capabilities and technological understanding to deliver sophisticated, high quality and reliable systems which support the customer beyond the sale and provide more than surveillance technology for business.
I4S: Do we already have a ‘security profession’ in place here in the UK, or are there any missing elements you believe must be included before we can use that expression?
IC: Electronic security and surveillance is a part of the security profession. There are many of tiers of stakeholders involved, and it’s important for security professionals to have a knowledge and experience of every one of them.
As the role of surveillance changes it’s important that the security profession responds to this by becoming more engaged in the internal functions within the business and communicating the intelligence which surveillance systems can gather.
Ian Compton is head of the security division for the UK and Ireland at Panasonic System Communications Company Europe