Development of electronic surveillance technologies are increasingly ruling out physical security as the only option. The rising incidents of crime, burglary, bank robbery, terrorist activities, internal frauds and the growing awareness about the benefits of the electronic security devices have driven the market. However, even though there is a huge demand for surveillance equipments, India is still an import driven market with over three-fifth of the surveillance equipments imported from other nations; according to a report by a research firm Netscribes. As various types of equipment are imported, the costs are inorganically inflated. In addition, companies selling surveillance products just focus on hardware components and emphasize less on customer experience.

Pioneering Electronic Security Surveillance in India

Mumbai headquartered Zicom Electronic Security Systems focuses more on consumer experience instead of focusing on just the hardware component by following Security as a Service based approach. “We believe we need to engage with our customers for a lifetime to protect what they value the most. Our approach always has been to engage with customers and make them feel safe rather than just sending a piece of hardware,” says Pramoud Rao, Founder and Managing Director, Zicom. The company offers Electronic Security as a Service on a pay-per-use model and clients neither have to incur any capital expenditure nor manage the system at any time.

He further briefs that Zicom is one of the very few security solutions providers with pan-India presence both for products and customer service. Since its inception in 1994, Zicom has established itself as a leader in the security domain by introducing distinct innovations that the rest of the industry has followed. In addition, Zicom is the first Indian Electronic Security Systems company to be listed on the Indian Stock Market in 1995 apart from introducing 24 x 7 Zicom Command Centre and wireless security equipments. In two decades the company has developed devices for CCTV Surveillance Systems, Alarm System, Fire Alarm System, Intruder Alarm System, Access Control System, Video Door Phone, Multi Apartment Video Door Phone and Fingerprint Locks to Manufacturers, Corporate, Retail, BFSI and Educational Institutes.

Redefining Security Service in Retail

Shoplifting in retail has been a global phenomenon. Pilferage in domestic retail sector is estimated to cost 2.7 per cent of annual sales, which is nearly two times the global average. Zicom has been assisting numerous retailers in controlling shoplifting and improving productivity of their stores. Pramoud claims that security in Retail Sector in India has been redefined due to the usage of Zicom products and solutions. Blackberrys, Lakme Salon, Enrich Salon, Tara Jewels and Metro Shoes are some of the clients in India that are benefiting from the service delivered by Zicom. “Our array of security services and products with business intelligence feature help retailers considerably improve the efficiency and productivity of their stores,” explains Pramoud.

Zicom’s E-SaaS based retail business intelligence solution enhances operational experience by recording the footfalls of customers and their conversations. Retailers are also able to track the man-hours dedicated by each of their employee at the store apart from helping them understand the customer preferences and their behavior. In addition, Zicom products enable retailers to track unauthorized movement of people. “Without making a huge capital investment, the retailer enjoys all the benefits of Electronic Security as a Service technology which functions round the clock. As the dependency on human intervention is minimal, there is no room for manipulation and dishonesty,” points out Pramoud. He believes that there are less chances of loss or pilferage as all information is available only to authorized personnel.

Security as a Service based Approach

Zicom’s Security as a Service which is popularly known as Zicom SaaS model has been a huge success in providing services namely Footfall monitoring, Time-Attendance Monitoring, ATM Monitoring, Managed Alert as a Service, Alarm System Monitoring, School Bus Tracking and Fire Alarm Monitoring. “In our SaaS based model, we offer service based products and solutions that are based on annual or quarterly subscription. Our security products not only reduce the burden from management, maintenance and monitoring fronts, but also facilitates purchasibility from the price front,” points out Pramoud. Apart from this, Zicom has recently launched Ziman app which acts as a personal bodyguard for the safety of citizens. “Ziman acts like a personal bodyguard. It is a safety service that comes in the form of an app! Ziman is the quickest first responder service in case of an emergency”, adds Pramoud. As of today, over 35,000 downloads of Ziman app has been recorded and is still being counted.

Filling the loopholes in the prevailing ATM security systems in India

With over one lakh ATMs across India, it becomes arduous task for security guards to manage ATMs throughout the year. In order to plug loopholes in the prevailing ATM security system, Zicom has launched a unique service model to monitor ATMs 24x7 from a remote location through cameras and two-way voice systems. “Any abnormality from the ATM Center is communicated in real time to Command Center which alerts the taskforce and the top bank executives to control the situation within a matter of minutes,” adds Pramoud. When attempts are made to impair the security device, Quick Response Team (QRT) immediately notices and swings into action by calling the police, ambulance or the fire brigade. “Generally, it is the bank which makes the whole investment as the ATM and it just has to pay monthly service fee for the service. Hence this particular model entails a lot of savings for the bank in terms of capital expenditure and operational costs,” explains Pramoud.

Leaving no stone unturned

Pramoud adds that Zicom has spared no effort to reach out to millions of customers. Their efforts include partnership with various channel partners, marketing on social media and organizing outreach program known as ‘MYCS’ (Make your city safe). “Zicom’s growth engine is going to be on the SaaS model and we are confident of overcoming competition to remain as the leader in the Indian surveillance market,” concludes Pramoud.