| 2014 has been a year of significant growth for TDSi |
In 2014 we saw continued growth at TDSI, largely through unprecedented interest in integrated IP security systems. Asian markets have continued to be very buoyant, although there have continued to be some flat spots geographically, such as Europe.
Compared to other technology markets, security has grown very quickly since the recession, and TDSi has enjoyed double-digit growth. Manufacturers have invested heavily in new products, especially IP and open architecture platforms, either through development or strategic acquisitions.
Access control has moved out of the shadows as the “poor cousin” to video systems and has achieved a higher growth rate – which I believe will continue for at least the next three to five years along with greater symbiosis of IP security and ID management.
Looking ahead to 2015, trends such as biometrics will continue to grow rapidly. Some markets believe traditional security lacks the strength to deal with theft or security breaches. Biometric systems beef up security and manage the whole process more efficiently. Some ineffective early biometrics systems left customers reticent, so the security industry needs to educate the market on the benefits, such as robust service, accuracy and user convenience.
TDSi has had many significant successes in 2014 including double-digit growth figures, increased staff across all our departments (including sales and marketing) and new offices opened in Poland and Australia.
A significant challenge is still in finding and recruiting the right staff to drive our expansion, particularly in the software and engineering fields. The UK education system struggles to produce enough engineering graduates. Being based in Dorset, we also find that a lot of engineering talent is drawn to London, even though we have some excellent higher education training on the south coast.
There is a lot of unrealised potential in the security market, driven by evolving technology such as the Internet of Things. Software also offers excellent ROI for operators, suppliers and manufacturers. Some technologies may take a few more years to mature, but now is the time to start investing in development. There has never been a better time to be building success in the security market.
See the full coverage of 2014/2015 Review and Forecast articles here