SAFE West India Expo Promotes Security Innovation in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India successfully inaugurated the second edition of SAFE West India, India's leading security and fire expo, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. Held from May 9th to 11th, 2024, the three-day event served as a premier platform for industry stakeholders, government representatives, and security enthusiasts to engage in collaborative innovation.

The expo focused on addressing current challenges and opportunities within the industrial safety and security sector of Western India. SAFE West India showcased a comprehensive array of solutions and emerging trends in commercial security and surveillance, emphasizing preventative technologies specifically tailored for the regional market.

Esteemed Indian brands specializing in security solutions like CCTV, surveillance, biometrics, access control, and automation technologies participated in the event. Renowned names such as Hikvision, Prama, Panasonic, CP Plus, TP Link, ZKTeco, ESSL, Biomax, Matrix Comsec, Securus, Voltaic Cables, Realtime, and Timewatch were among the 75+ exhibitors showcased their latest advancements.

Complementing the exhibition was a dedicated two-day conference featuring presentations by over 40 industry experts. With over 5,000 visitors in attendance, SAFE West India fostered a dynamic environment for knowledge sharing and fostering industry growth.

Prof. Amol Deshmukh, Police and Cyber Advisor, Dept. of Home, Govt. of Maharashtra, said “From 1st July, significant changes are underway as three old acts—Indian Penal Code, Indian Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act—are being replaced by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nyaya Shastra, and Bharatiya Saksha Adhiniyam. These new acts aim to revamp and replace outdated colonial laws in India, focusing on a victim-centric approach and enhancing national and homeland security. Recent reports from the National Crime Record Bureau indicate an increase in cyber and physical crimes. However, with advancements in technology, law enforcement agencies are better equipped to solve crimes. Today, surveillance teams in control rooms can identify detailed information, including the brand of spectacles someone is wearing. This technological shift has revolutionized crime investigation and fire safety, aiding in both prevention and investigation. Integration of cyber and physical security offers a unique opportunity to create a safer India”.

Sandeep Sabharwal, Assistant Vice President - Corporate Administration, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd, said “The evolution of security is evident, from traditional methods to integrated technological solutions like AI, IoT, and cloud-based systems. Now security is an integrated form, not limited to a guard at the gate but includes sophisticated systems such as video monitoring, perimeter intrusion detection, and drone surveillance, enhancing overall safety”.

Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO of Prama Hikvision India, said “Indian security market ecosystem is rapidly adopting AI, IoT and cloud-based technologies and diverse solutions. The adoption rate for AIoT solutions is growing faster with the awareness of its advantages. Hikvision India is at the forefront of AIoT technology innovations and is offering cutting -edge technologies in all its latest products and solutions. The impact of 5G-enabled cameras, eliminating cabling needs for applications like highway surveillance. Even familiar products like X-ray scanners are getting smarter, now using AI to identify items and generate QR codes. These advancements underscore the growing importance of technology in security.”

Hikvision unveiled its 4G solar cameras, embedded network video recorders (eNVRs), smart hybrid cameras, and PT solutions. Hikvision showcased their latest in AI and robotics technology, featuring video security, access control, and perimeter security solutions. Notably, they introduced mobile robots, machine vision products, and logistic vision solutions.

Anup Nair, President Sales, CP Plus, said "In terms of industry size, the surveillance industry stands at approximately $2 billion including server storage at the consumption level and around $1.5 billion at the OEM level. Post-COVID, the industry has stabilized and is growing at a CAGR of 15 to 18 percent. CP Plus closed last year at about 3,000 crores, with a growth rate of almost 25%. We anticipate maintaining this growth rate for the next two to three years, outpacing industry growth. We are hopeful for government initiatives, especially with infrastructure spending, and expect a post-election push to further boost the industry. Continuity in policies, especially the 'Make in India' initiative, is crucial, and we are actively collaborating with the government. In terms of demand, residential segment has shown substantial growth apart from commercial and industrial surveillance. With the rise of 4G cameras, Wi-Fi cameras, and hybrid solutions, significant growth is seen in the consumer segment. Many SMBs are adopting hybrid and cloud solutions, leading to an overlap between B2B and B2C segments."

Bijoy Alaylo, Vice President, Channel Networking & Surveillance, TP-Link India said “With the industry experiencing a remarkable 15% year-on-year growth, it is currently valued between 7,000 to 8,000 crores. SAFE West India provides a crucial platform for various brands to exhibit their cutting-edge security systems, hardware, and software solutions.  TP-Link, a leading networking brand, has recently diversified into the surveillance sector, launching a wide range of products, including 2MP to 8MP cameras, ANPR cameras, PTZ cameras, and more. With over 1400 SKUs in the surveillance portfolio worldwide and a remarkable 42% market share in the networking industry, TP-Link aims to capitalize on the burgeoning surveillance market in India, planning to launch 250 new products by 2024. Additionally, the company is introducing an array of IoT devices, including sensors, doorbells, and smart locks under the TAPO brand. Security has become a vital addition to TP-Link's portfolio, with a major focus on enterprise-level surveillance solutions and consumer-oriented products. While the surveillance industry in India is growing, government involvement is crucial in regulating the market. Stringent regulations are needed to ensure the installation of reliable surveillance systems across the country, safeguarding the security of Indian citizens. Government-implemented measures would enforce quality standards and accountability among surveillance system manufacturers and brands.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the second edition of SAFE West India in Mumbai, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “As India strives to achieve its target of a $5 trillion economy, the government's investment of approximately $30 billion in smart city initiatives underscores the growing importance of security and safety infrastructure. Related hardware, including surveillance and safety equipment, communication devices, displays, video surveillance, access control systems, and detectors and sensors incorporating Internet-of-Things technologies, will be in high demand. Additionally, with the Indian Electronic Security Market projected to surge from USD 2.56 billion in 2024 to USD 7.36 billion by 2029, at a compelling CAGR of 23.57%, SAFE West India serves as a crucial platform. We're committed to bridging the gap between the show and end-users in key cities across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, parts of North & Coastal Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.”

Sanjeev Tiwari, ARVP, American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) West India Region, said “The emphasis on technology in today's security landscape is undeniable. Many organizations are now looking to replace mundane tasks with technology. Especially in a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is essential to adapt to the changing technological landscape. As the threat landscape evolves, from terrorism to insider threats and geopolitical risks, it's essential to adapt to these changes.”

Vijay Goel, Vice President, Trade Association of Information Technology (TAIT), said “Today, security is a primary concern, whether it's physical or digital. People are now willing to invest more in security than ever before. By providing a platform for OEMs, customers, system integrators, solution partners, and regional distributors, SAFE West India, organized by Informa Markets in India, has played a pivotal role in addressing the critical issue of security.”

India's forward-thinking initiatives, exemplified by the Smart Cities Mission, are fostering a business environment conducive to growth in the security and network solutions market. This mission prioritizes the elimination of infrastructural impediments, streamlining operational efficiency, and promoting a thriving urban landscape.

Recent advancements in surveillance, security, and network technologies are contributing to a price reduction for specialized products, while concurrently enhancing their overall effectiveness. Additionally, the digital transformation sweeping India, coupled with the expanding deployment of video surveillance systems, is acting as a powerful catalyst for market expansion.