THE BOTTOM LINE JULY 2020

What is the role of the distributor in today’s market?

More than ever, a distributor has a lot more to offer beyond the typical process of sending out a box. Our clients expect us to look at the technologies available in the marketplace and configure them in a way that allows them to easily identify the benefits and potential for their business. They also require us to deliver training for our offerings, enabling them to have true confidence in the products and to help them deliver a positive experience to their customer base.

We test all our products and services at DVS, to ensure we deliver maximum value back to our customer base and the product does exactly what it says it does. We also try to pick products and services that fit into what I like to call “the eco-system”. This is an environment where technologies from multiple providers and manufacturers can be used – or exist – in a successful and complementary configuration.

What are the latest technologies exciting in the sector?

The most exciting is probably Thermal Screening Solutions for abnormal temperature detection. Many Installers are being asked to provide these to ensure retailers and offices can reopen safely following the Covid lockdown. In addition to this, People Counting Systems are another useful solution that is proving very popular in the market. Footfall counting is not new by any means but with some adaption, we can show how many people are not only in the store but when someone can enter or must wait for the capacity to fall below the safe levels.

Facial Recognition is also playing a revitalised role within many of these systems. The solutions offer GDPR compliant, facial recognition technology which includes mask detection. The fight against Covid-19 and shop theft goes on even when masked!

All these devices rely on one common link – reliable connectivity. This provides a gateway to send data from the system on-site to the platform or monitoring centre. It also allows remote access into the system for
programming updates, analytics and maintenance. Devices like CSL Router provide the support and reassurance that is needed right now. Moving forward, these remote connections offer so many possibilities.

Additionally, many IT departments are unwilling to allow installers to connect systems to a business network. In these instances, 4G routing provides secure and stable connections to allow flexibility whilst not being reliant on IT to make changes or limit their capacity. We all know how frustrating this can be, and with speeds ever-increasing, they sometimes outperform conventional landline communications! There has also been a rise in rapid deployment devices which need immediate connectivity, such as PTZ, body and vehicle cameras that can all be interconnected and easily deployed.

How do you see CCTV being used as a confirmation technology for both Fire & Security?

Fire and CCTV have long been two separate technologies, but there is now a drive to enable these to co-exist within the same systems. This would allow visual verification and more detailed information to help tackle the fire. CCTV technologies such as AI are being used to help reduce false (or unwanted) alarms and raise the focus on actual events. AI has a lot more to offer moving forward, especially as we see the improvements in high image resolutions and lower connection speeds.

YOU SAID IT!

“Great & simple-to-use equipment, and great customer service & support”

Cerri Mobbs (CDS Fire Safety Ltd) – Facebook Post – 7th April