Increasing demand for biometric and face recognition applications: TDSi IP access control sales surge in Europe

28 Aug 2015

Customers are seeking systems integration as a solution rather than a component

The migration of access control systems from conventional technology to IP has had a positive impact on TDSi’s sales for IP equipment.  Increasing demand for biometric and face recognition applications has also paved the way for better and improved access control systems. According to John Davies, Managing Director of access control company TDSi, the state of any given market depends on where that market is situated. For example, Europe was in the doldrums until a few months ago and is starting to pick up now, while the UK is buoyant with sales for TDSI up 10%. Other high-performing regions are the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China.

 “There are a lot of infrastructure projects going on in China. All in all, we are continuing with double digit sales growth from 2012 onwards,” says Davies. TDSi’s key verticals in the UK are commercial, industrial, health and education; transport and finance in China; and government ministries and healthcare facilities in the Middle East.

Rise of web-based security systems

The use of cloud based systems or web based security management systems is on the rise according to Davies. “IP is the norm now rather than the new kid on the block. We sell more IP than conventional access control equipment.”

The trend towards more megapixels and higher definition CCTV images is also having a positive effect for access control in the shape of face recognition and biometric applications.

“Customers are seeking systems integration – a solution rather than a component – for example linking access control with a building management system for heating, cooling and ventilation. We are also seeing the linking of access control with IT systems such as controlling access to computers.”

Skilled personnel

Another European advantage for the company is finding appropriately skilled engineers. Because TDSi finds it difficult to recruit software engineers in the UK, it opened an office in Poland staffed by Polish engineers servicing the UK market. “I’d like to employ more people in the UK but I can’t wait for the UK education system to produce the engineers we need. We have more software engineers in Poland than in the UK.”

Economic policies

Turning to the political situation in Europe, Davies thinks the UK should stay in the EU, but with the rules of engagement changed so there shouldn’t be economic or benefit migration. “There has to be a realisation that there needs to be a two-speed EU; with countries in the Eurozone closer together but those outside it with more sovereignty.”