Michael Lawrence, Marketing Director at Dahua Technology UK and Ireland discusses the company’s work in the local market.
Not only is the surveillance market undergoing significant development as it continues to innovate new technologies, the spaces these products are being deployed in have experienced similar change. With footfall and effective management of areas being thrown into flux as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for efficient and cost-effective solutions is not only increasing, but the need for such technologies is vital to the operation of multiple industries and verticals.
One of the companies leading the charge to manufacture a range of solutions is Dahua TechnologyUK and Ireland, whose regional team has experienced significant growth since its inception, working project-by-project to provide maximum security in a range of installation environments. To find out more about some of the key surveillance trends and the work the company is doing in region, Security Journal UK spoke with Michael Lawrence, Marketing Director at Dahua TechnologyUK and Ireland.
Key trends and a growing portfolio
One of the major talking points in surveillance over the last few years has been the emergence and growth of artificial intelligence within camera technology. Lawrence clarifies: “There are just more and more capabilities being added to these devices, more processing power and solutions at the edge of the networks which can be taken back to the core.
“It is amazing what is possible in cameras already. The other things, for pure CCTV, are the continuing advances in low-light technology as well as intruder deterrence within the devices themselves. Another major trend is surrounding data, video metadata and how this is being captured around the technology; using this data to create specific solutions is critical. In addition, low-power, rapid deployment solutions’ growth has been significant. Highly capable but super low-power cameras are enabling more effective use of solar power. This is enabling surveillance in many more locations.”
In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dahua TechnologyUK and Ireland led the market with many solutions surrounding temperature monitoring and people counting. As the market continues to open up and accelerate, logistics, warehousing, construction site and enterprise security continue to be growing sectors of interest. “We are seeing a dramatic growth in what we would call ‘core CCTV’ services,” Lawrence adds. “Demand has naturally changed for surveillance technology across the board, but overall, there is a very strong appetite for a range of technologies.”
With a major global presence and a wide range of products – not just in surveillance in fact, but also in sectors such as access control and entrance control – Dahua, as a corporation, has a rich product portfolio which continues to expand in-line with market trends and demands.
Lawrence continues: “Dahua has an incredibly broad product portfolio and is proud to lead the market with innovations such as HDCVI, our TiOC (Three in One Camera) and Next Generation PTZ ranges. A great example is our Hubble and Hunter cameras; our Hunter Pro is an amazing product that is made up of twelve cameras delivering panoramic, 360-degree views, clear overview images and auto tracking. Whether this is deployed in large outdoor car parks, storage areas or industrial sites, this really is a game-changer and is an exciting product for us. In 2021 we have also been talking a lot more about access control and entry solutions for both pedestrians and vehicles and this is a fascinating part of the industry that we are going to continue exploring in the new year.”
A major presence in the market
When looking back at the work of Dahua TechnologyUK and Ireland over the past 19 months, there are many major projects that spring to mind when thinking about the company’s involvement in the UK and Ireland markets. The business continues to work hand-in-hand with strong distribution channels, system integrators and end users – Dahua UK and Ireland is moving in a positive direction as it prepares for 2022.
At the main UK warehouse for Pets Corner, a nationwide chain of more than 150 stores dealing with pets, pet food and pet accessories, the Dahua TechnologyUK and Ireland team specified a 64-camera solution to monitor the health and safety of workers and protect assets at the site overnight. Lawrence describes the project in more detail: “The 43,000 sq ft facility located in West Sussex was opened last year and it supplies all the UK stores as well as the company’s online business. The site features solar panels for lighting, heating and electric charging points.
“Another key installation was at a large freight and logistics hub in Cannock, West Midlands; the 37-acre site, which had old, analogue cameras, had to be upgraded. We therefore put in a 54 camera solution to manage the site and provide full surveillance capabilities. Last but certainly not least, Glentoran Football Club – which is around a 20,000 seater stadium – had 12 people-counting camera solutions installed and a full surveillance system so that they can maintain the safety and security of staff and crowds across all areas of the site.”
The Northern Ireland football club is again playing in Europe this season and installed the cameras from Dahua as part of an ongoing upgrade of its ground. The cameras offer several people counting functions and the built-in microphone and speaker provides two way audio to help manage queues.
“In terms of the vertical sectors we are looking to cover next year, we are working across many, however, we see significant opportunities in the logistics, construction, retail and residential markets. In addition to this, transport is also a huge market which is only going to grow as the technologies that power it continue to improve.”
In addition to its surveillance projects, Dahua Technology UK and Ireland’s access control and door entry solutions are frequently being installed in a variety of large scale property sites. Looking ahead to 2022, it is clear that the company is going to continue expanding and innovating.
To find out more information, visit: https://www.dahuasecurity.com/uk/
This article was originally published in the December edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, visit: digital.securityjournaluk.com