We met Philippe Roux, pictured, Vice President of Global Sales for Pelco by Schneider Electric at the company’s stand during IFSEC 2016 and went on to have a question and answer session with him.
Professional Security Magazine: It was recently announced that Pelco will be more focused on its core technology, can you expand further on this?
Roux: Pelco by Schneider Electric will continue to advance our core technology offerings and strengthen innovations for the future. We are also expanding our solutions for main verticals, such as oil and gas, airports and seaports, casinos and gaming, and Safe City. While our goal is to deliver the highest quality products to our customers, we are also focused on ensuring our technologies are scalable and flexible enough to handle the security and business requirements of these environments today and into the future. We are investing in innovations as well, which includes our Optera IP camera line and VideoXpert Video Management System. These solutions demonstrate the innovation we aim to deliver.
PSM: Pelco has recently launched a new VMS (video management software), how will this help end users in key sectors such as retail, transport and industrial improve their security measures?
Roux: VideoXpert VMS offers the kind of flexibility that many customers require from their video management platforms. VideoXpert gathers and manages information from multiple sites and devices to disseminate critical security data in an easy-to-use and easy-to-navigate interface. As VideoXpert was developed, we spoke with our customers and received a lot of feedback on the necessity of having an open platform that integrates easily with other technology components. The latest version of our VMS addresses those concerns: VideoXpert is based on open standards and operates seamlessly with legacy systems and a wide variety of technology solutions. This comprehensive software platform streamlines the way in which information is presented in an emergency situation, allowing security professionals to make fast, effective decisions that are critical to ensuring a high level of safety. Users also have the flexibility to integrate with intelligent software, such as video analytics, license plate recognition, point-of-sale integration and event/alarm management. All of these features and solutions help security practitioners make more informed decision to drive
PSM: Safe Cities and Critical Infrastructure are key concerns for most governments and public authorities; how does the Optera meet the needs of these influential security leaders?
Roux: At a basic level, Optera provides extensive video surveillance coverage where it’s needed most. Optera creates real value for customers, providing enhanced situational awareness with fewer cameras, along with built-in analytics that help bolster business optimisation. Not only does Optera allow operators to pan, tilt and zoom into areas of interest in both live and pre-recorded footage, the camera also optimises the images from each sensor, seamlessly stitching them together to form a natural, continuous panorama. Operators have the ability to retrieve collected information – which is being collected all of the time – after an event or incident has taken place, which ensures that no information is missed during an investigation.
But going even further, Pelco offers solutions far beyond cameras. Within the Safe City and critical infrastructure sphere, Pelco can deliver advanced security intelligence through a combination of best-in-class technologies that improve real-time responsiveness. Multi-layered, open platforms facilitate sharing of data that enhances collaboration across departments, and enables centralised security management that maximises analysis and evidence gathering in the event of an emergency. Additionally, real-time access to critical data and reports and audit trails are particularly impactful in these markets, and Pelco delivers solutions that streamline the reporting and trending process.
PSM: How does the Brexit vote affect Pelco’s plans for expansion and product development in the UK and Euro regions?
Roux: Short term, I expect that there might be little to no change since many of the projects are being completed in the market were in place before the vote took place. While a clear exit plan is being defined, however, Pelco plans to continue its focus on specific market segments – such as our main verticals and emerging opportunities.
PSM: How does Pelco’s strategy for 2016-2017 fit into the move towards open systems and integration and how can the choices be optimised for end users?
Roux: Pelco has worked diligently to develop an entire suite of technology platforms that help promote a more proactive approach to security and emergency response – while also being scalable and flexible enough to work seamlessly with other legacy systems that organisations may have in place. We’re focused on making sure our channel partners are supported when it comes to product functionality and customer service, and we’ve invested in training programs to help achieve this goal. We’ve seen many manufacturers that have taken full advantage of the adoption of open standard protocols, and we also have adopted this into our products because stake-holders seek out solutions that are capable of full expansion and scalability over time. Additionally, Pelco has a dedicated integrations team to support this strategy, and have fully adopted ONVIF standards within our camera and VMS platforms, making our technology as open and customisable as possible.
PSM: Does Pelco have a protocol in place to ensure that systems involving their products are protected against cyber-attacks?
Roux: Pelco recognises the importance of having an active and aggressive cyber security focus, and as a result, has incorporated protections and processes as we develop and deploy IP-based services and solutions. We’re continually asking our engineering team to design more IT-secure offerings, as well as taking the risk of cyber attacks into consideration as we create and update products in our portfolio.
PSM: The video surveillance world is increasingly commoditised and price driven, how can Pelco meet the requirements of end users and remain competitive?
Roux: With the shift to IP, Pelco has addressed customer concern by offering significant investment in IP-enabled devices and products to meet customer needs. Conversely, we do see an opportunity to expand our reach into other non-security – yet related – markets through innovations that include video analytics and panoramic surveillance technologies. There is a significant amount of data collected by surveillance cameras, and this data can be used to enhance safety. People counting can aid global companies that leverage smaller locations for development and manufacturing, as well as marketing entities to maximise investments. But before we can explore these avenues and revenue streams, we are dedicated to our product and technology innovation, as well as continuing to build and nourish relationships with current and future partners.
PSM: Installers and integrators are increasingly drawn into the IT-networked world when designing and installing security systems. How do Pelco solutions help to facilitate the learning curve and minimise complexity?
Roux: Pelco recognises the need to develop products that meet the requirements of the IT world. We offer a complete portfolio of security intelligence and surveillance solutions that address analogue and IP requirements. We’ve ensured that our integrator partners have a variety of technology options in which they can build a system that fits a customer’s specific needs. We’ve also listened to the requirements of security leaders to enable them to realise significant ROI and adaptability for evolving organisational needs. Going further, Pelco Global Training Institute (PGTI), allows security professionals to learn about new products and systems, as well as stay current with industry best practices.
PSM: Beyond the flagship VMS and panoramic offers, where does Pelco go next to make its mark in the UK and European markets?
Roux: As previously mentioned, we’ve shifted our focus to four verticals where we have identified strengths both in new technology and legacy achievements – oil and gas, airports and seaports, casinos and gaming, and Safe Cities. While we have secondary verticals in many regions, these four main verticals have remained consistent across the globe. Our organisation has been refocused to align with serving the security leader and our partners, which enriches product offerings and drives future developments to meet the needs of these customers. You will continue to see us monitoring market trends and needs and developing solutions to meet the needs of our end user customers to better protect people and assets well into the future.
About Philippe Roux, Vice President of Global Sales for Pelco by Schneider Electric
He has more than 20 years of experience leading multiple global businesses. He has led development as Sales or General Manager within several divisions of Thales, CST and Schneider Electric.
He has specialised in markets including Video Surveillance, Industrial, Automotive, Aerospace, Power Generation as well Security and Military. These businesses have included stable and mature as well as turn-around organisations. Responsibilities have included direct accountability for sales and marketing, strategy and business development, research and development, product planning, service, and manufacturing. His education includes specialised diplomas in Commerce and Marketing and an Engineering degree.
Philippe has consistently led dlobal teams with extended experience within the US, Europe, South America, India, as well as China.
In his spare time he enjoys family time along with car racing and mountain biking near his home in France.
