The survey polled approximately 2% professionals in the industry and showed that facial recognition and thermal cameras are among the most sought-after technologies.
The demand for security solutions geared towards the new needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic increased by 401,300, according to research by the Brazilian Association of Electronic Security Companies (Abese), conducted among industries, distributors, and service providers throughout the country in April and May. The study surveyed 227 companies, equivalent to approximately 21,300 in the sector, and showed that facial recognition and thermal cameras are among the most sought-after technologies.
Before the pandemic, they represented 6.21% of sales in the segment and were mainly used for security. After the start of the quarantine, sales of this equipment increased to 13.71%. This is due to the fact that this equipment is capable of identifying individuals with a temperature above 37.8°C, showing signs of fever, one of the symptoms of COVID-19.
New health protocols
In the case of cameras with facial recognition, the growth was 12.3%, due to the requirements of the new health protocols and the need to avoid interactions within residential condominiums and companies, since this type of equipment works autonomously, identifying people and enabling greater security in restricted access areas.
According to the research, there was a 20% increase in demand for remote concierge services, a tool that allows for remote service in condominiums and companies.
Business owners (17,6%) also responded that there was expansion in the residential segment, mainly in remote monitoring solutions for vacation homes that were left empty due to social isolation rules.
According to the president of Abese, Selma Migliori, with the increased demand for this type of solution, the sector has sought to improve what already existed, implementing more effective tools and launching products that, in her assessment, should help throughout the process starting next year.
“We need to highlight the technologies that, in some way, contribute to this moment of the pandemic. Previously, thermal cameras were used for other purposes by the Army, and, at this moment, the industry began to adapt this technology to the current need, to assist large enterprises, mainly in the resumption of activities,” she said.
He added that, due to this demand, 65.21% of companies did not lay off any employees and 20.31% hired new employees during the same period.
“"Therefore, we realize that this is a truly essential sector at this moment in terms of implementing technologies that contribute to the current scenario. There was no business growth during the pandemic, but there is pent-up demand and there are indications of future implementations. The expectation is for an increase in demand and implementation, generating growth.".
The research also indicates that there are new job opportunities in the sector: 7.91% of respondents stated that they have not yet finalized hiring, but are looking for new talent. Among the areas with the most opportunities are: technical area (39.61%), commercial area (27.81%), and marketing (111%).
Hospitals and shopping malls
Selma pointed out that some businesses – which usually develop security plans at a certain point in the project without much concern for the technology involved, such as shopping centers, large industries, hospitals, and supermarkets – have been seeking to implement these tools for the surrounding areas of their establishments as well, and not just inside them.
“Security starts from the outside. That's why we understand that there is this pent-up demand and, after the pandemic, the sector should grow even more with these deals being finalized and with this concern for ensuring secure access by verifying people who may put the health of others at risk,” he explained.
According to Abrese, the electronic security sector is responsible for generating more than 250,000 direct jobs and more than two million indirect jobs. In 2019, the electronic security market in Brazil generated R$7.17 billion in revenue.
SOURCE:
VICTORY SHEET
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