Ashish stems from a deep professional background in the Indian surveillance and security market, committed to addressing challenges in this market under the ‘Make-in-India’ vision.

Growing infrastructure, urbanization and modernization among others have paved way potential for security issues. The situation calls for surveillance systems as a top priority for deterring crime and maintaining public safety in high-density residential, business, and public spaces. In conversation with CIO Insider, Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd shared his insights on the Indian security industry’s growth. He has raised the bar of security industry in the country and spearheaded initiatives to create awareness among the government and private sector. Below are key insights from his journey and his advice to upcoming entrepreneurs in the field.

What makes the Indian surveillance and security market different from the rest?
The Indian physical security systems market has several unique characteristics that distinguish it from other markets. It is one of the fastest growing markets across the categories. The physical market ecosystem has one of the largest share of MSME players as channel partners, dealers, distributors, system integrators, installers, consultants and end-users.

The Indian physical security market is highly price-sensitive, with customers seeking affordable solutions. The diverse customer base, including government, enterprise, and residential customers, is another differentiation. The regional variation of physical security system is quite to India market. These requirements vary across regions, with different states and cities having unique needs.

The key differentiating factors include regulatory environment, regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, technological advancements, infrastructure, geography, cultural, and social factors. Some of the dominant factors are as follows-

Government initiatives: India's government has launched various initiatives, such as Smart Cities Mission and ‘Make-in-India’, which drive demand for surveillance and security solutions.

Growing demand: India's rapid urbanization, economic growth, and increasing concerns about crime and terrorism drive demand for surveillance and security solutions.

Competitive landscape: The Indian market is highly competitive, with a mix of local and international players, leading to innovative solutions and competitive pricing.

Price sensitivity: Indian customers are often price-sensitive, which can impact the adoption of high-end security solutions.

Adoption of AI and analytics: Indian companies are increasingly adopting AI-powered surveillance solutions, such as facial recognition and video analytics.

IoT integration: The growing use of IoT devices in India is driving demand for integrated security solutions that can manage and monitor these devices.

These factors combined create a unique Indian surveillance and security market that requires tailored solutions, innovative approaches, and a deep understanding of local needs and challenges.

How did you find solutions to those India-centric challenges?
Hikvision India is working closely with end-users to offer innovative solutions to India-centric security challenges. Addressing unique security concerns related to various local, regional and vertical specific issues. We are offering customized solutions through R&D initiatives.

In addition, Hikvision India is spearheading ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives by manufacturing a wide range of products at its advanced facility in Mumbai. This emphasis on innovation and research and development enables Hikvision India to provide top-quality products and reliable technical support across India.

Some of the key technologies used by Hikvision to address India-centric security challenges include:

AIoT Video Security Solutions: providing high-resolution video feeds and real-time monitoring across verticals.

Smart Analytics: using AI-driven analytics to detect unusual activities and sending instant alerts to security personnel.