Hikvision

Hikvision: the world’s biggest CCTV, NVR and DVR brand by global sales

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IFSEC Insider, formerly IFSEC Global, is the leading online community and news platform for security and fire safety professionals.
December 29, 2016

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Whitepaper: Multi-residential access management – The move to digital

Founded in 2001 Hikvision grew from a minor regional player to the biggest video surveillance brand in the world in a staggeringly short space of time.

This is a profile of the Chinese CCTV giant, retracing its history, detailing its increasingly muscular approach to acquisitions and its latest products in network video.

Hikvision background

Chinese video surveillance firm Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company Limited (Hikvision) was founded in 2001 and was first listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2010. Part-owned by the Chinese government, the Forbes 2000 company now has offices in 20 locations around the world including the USA and Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Korea, India and five European countries.

Hikvision has grown substantially in recent years, with revenue for the 12 months ending 31st December 2015 recorded as US$3.9bn (25% of which came from outside China), up 47% on FY14 and more than double the US$1.76bn posted in FY13. That increased turnover and global reach has been achieved partly through acquisition and partly organic growth.

Hikvision purchased UK-based intrusion alarm security firm Pyronix in May 2016 for an undisclosed sum.

Hikvision show room

Hikvision recently opened a new UK office, showroom and training suite in West London

Market position and strategy

Hikvision’s market share has accelerated in parallel with its revenue. Research company IHS calculated had doubled market share in two years, and currently held 19.5% of the global CCTV and video surveillance equipment market in 2015, up from 16.3% in 2014.

Hikvision’s growth is eclipsing other brands in CCTV industry, as can be seen in global searches for Hikvision (source: Google Trends)

Much of the company’s strength lies in its willingness and ability to reach new customers through an extensive network of technology and distribution partners, ranging from global giants like ADI right down to local players in individual countries such as WDC Networks in Brazil.

Recent examples of technology partnerships include a deal with Swedish video surveillance company Observit AB; a joint project with Eagle Eye Networks to provide cloud based security and business intelligence video management for the Lawrence Police Department in the US; and a software tie-up with ECMS on monitored surveillance system checking services.

That flexibility around joint sales and marketing initiatives is backed up by Hikvision’s embedded open platform (HEOP) programme which was designed to ensure that third party analyst, detection and recognition applications can be downloaded and installed to run on its network cameras.

That approach gives customers and security integrators a choice around which application, service or system management components they use alongside Hikvision hardware, and supports independent evaluation, application development, compatibility testing and software development kit (SDK) delivery.

It also allows systems integrators the option to feed footage from Hikvision cameras back to their own web pages without the manufacturer’s assistance and therefore create their own revenue streams for ongoing service provision.

While it is actively targeting customers in the retail, transportation, construction, finance and pharmaceutical industries, Hikvision traditionally has a strong presence in education selling surveillance and access systems to schools, colleges and universities across the world.

Latest Hikvision technologies

Hikvision maintains large security technology portfolio that includes:

  • IP network, analogue and HD CCTV cameras
  • Digital and network video recorders (DVR/NVRs)
  • Video encoders/decoders
  • Video management software
  • Access control and alarm systems.

Hikvision attributes much of its success to the speed and scale of its product innovation, asserting that around 8% of its annual turnover is ploughed back into research and development each year, with a third of its global staff (roughly 5,000 engineers) being directly involved. In 2017 Hikvision are planning to open two new high tech R&D facilities in North America –  Montreal and Silicon Valley.

Hikvision CCTV Smart Bullet

DS-2CD4A65F-IZ(H)(S)6MP Smart IP Outdoor Bullet Camera

Hikvision was fast to incorporate H.264 advanced video coding, video content analysis, cloud computing and big data into its product lines. Its latest Dome and Smart Box and Smart Bullet cameras support 4K video recording for example.

These offer 3840×2160 pixel resolutions that support more sophisticated video analytics applications like face or car number plate recognition and can cover a much wider area with a single camera than is possible with multiple HD models.

Whilst Hikvision’s early success was built on undercutting established rivals (particularly in the US and Europe) with comparatively inexpensive cameras, it has since used its broad product portfolio to reach every corner of the video surveillance market and offer security solutions at a much wider range of price points.

Rather than smaller sites requiring 10 or 20 cameras and associated infrastructure and management tools, the company now sees customers needing hundreds or thousands of cameras as its sweet spot.

It is also applying significant resources to identify gaps in video security and analytics provision within key vertical industries, developing new applications able to exploit the latest camera functionality to provide customers with some measure of operational advantage.

Examples of innovation here include intercom systems equipped with biometric readers that scan faces and fingerprints for accurate authentication and door entry, and “heat mapping” technology that use cameras to help retailers monitor traffic flow in shops and malls in response to marketing and promotion campaigns.

Elsewhere a mobile in-vehicle solution that deploys camera with magnetic ‘stick-on’ base, embedded WiFi and 3G/4G connectivity, long life batteries and integrated high capacity data storage options on the inside of buses and trains was developed for transport companies, with an all-in-one security terminal that combines video recording capabilities, storage and a display in one compact, movable unit having multiple uses.

This video showcases the new Hikvision Falcon Series Drone to bring surveillance to the skies.

Hikvision at IFSEC International 2017

In this video Keen Yao, International Business, Hikvision discusses some of the innovative products they showcased at IFSEC International 2017.

Latest Hikvision articles

Exclusive: Hikvision publishes response to Surveillance Camera Commissioner Office – Categorically denies claim it asked for an NDA

Hikvision responds to claims made by the outgoing Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

Hikvision reaffirms commitment to UK market following ‘extensive engagement’ with Government

Hikvision has reaffirmed its commitment to the UK market after “extensive” engagement with the Government.

Hikvision responds to BBC Panaroma investigation on cyber security vulnerabilities

Hikvision has refuted claims made by the BBC Panorama investigation team about cyber security vulnerabilities found in one of its cameras.

“Breaking boundaries” – The value of education and changing stereotypes through volunteering

IFSEC Global speaks to security professional, Hannah Zemzam from Hikvision, as she shares her experience of volunteering in Zambia.

Why surveillance systems are more than just security devices in 2022 – In conversation with Hikvision’s Gary Harmer

At IFSEC International 2022 IFSEC Global heard from Hikvision’s Gary Harmer, to discuss the vendor’s new tech and major industry trends.

March dates announced for Hikvision Spring Insight Roadshow 2022

Providing customers with the opportunity to see the company’s latest innovations, the Hikvision 2022 Spring Insight Roadshow 2022 is back!

Hikvision launches Consultant Support Programme to provide “bespoke support”

Said to ensure security specifiers and consultants can take advantage of the latest technology, Hikvision UK & Ireland has launched its Consultant Support Programme.

Hikvision set to showcase latest developments at Spring Insight Online series

The Spring Insight roadshow series is going online this April, demonstrating the latest technology and developments from Hikvision.

Hikvision launches 4G solar kit for remote security

Find out more about Hikvision’s 4G Solar Panel Kit for standalone security sites, now launched in the UK & Ireland.

New distribution deal announced between Hikvision and COP UK

Hikvision has announced a new distribution agreement in the UK with COP UK, which will see the company offer Hikvision products as an authorised distributor.

Hikvision MinMoe awarded Security Hardware Product Innovation of the Year

Hikvision has won the Security Hardware Product Innovation of the Year award for its MinMoe Touch-Free Face Recognition Terminals.

Extended 5-year warranty announced by Hikvision

Hikvision has launched a new five-year warranty on premium project products in the UK & Ireland to further support its customers.

Things to consider when using thermal imaging for temperature screening

What do you need to consider when implementing thermal imaging solutions to undertake temperature screening of individuals?

Reducing the fire risk with thermal cameras at a waste management facility

ADJ Fire and Security has provided a solution to improve fire safety via Hikvision’s thermal bullet cameras for Recycling Lives.

Density Control Solution launched by Hikvision

Designed to support supermarkets, retailers, banks and other facilities manage the number of people on their premises at any one time, Hikvision has launched its new Density Control Solution.

Hikvision launches new App Store

Designed to ensure users can quickly and easily update their apps to the latest versions, Hikvision has launched its new App Store.

Ipswich Town FC receives upgraded CCTV system from ClearView and Hikvision

Faced with the need to upgrade its CCTV system or risk not being able to play in the league season, ClearView and Hikvision provided the security solution to Ipswich Town FC.

Touch-free MinMoe Face Recognition Terminals unveiled by Hikvision

We find out more about the latest access control solution from Hikvision – MinMoe Face Recognition Terminals.

Free thermal camera training from Hikvision

Hikvision is offering security installers, integrators and end users the opportunity to undertake free online training on its fever screening thermal products and solutions.

Hikvision recertified for Cyber Essentials Plus credentials

Hikvision has received recertification for Cyber Essentials Plus, demonstrating its “commitment to ensuring the security of its internal systems”, says the company.

WATCH: How to install the Hikvision 5A Bullet Camera

Follow this handy step-by-step guide and watch the video to get best practice advice on how to install the Hikvision 5A Bullet Camera when wall mounting.

Free Download: The Video Surveillance Report 2023

Discover the latest developments in the rapidly-evolving video surveillance sector by downloading the 2023 Video Surveillance Report. Over 500 responses to our survey, which come from integrators to consultants and heads of security, inform our analysis of the latest trends including AI, the state of the video surveillance market, uptake of the cloud, and the wider economic and geopolitical events impacting the sector!

Download for FREE to discover top industry insight around the latest innovations in video surveillance systems.

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GraceGui
GraceGui
December 30, 2016 6:28 am

Hikvision now is becoming the global leading security industrial conglomerate. This giant can offer diversity security products including access control, alarm system, intercom system, industrial cameras, sports cameras, video surveillance equipment and more, the company also manufactures robots and unmanned aerial vehicle now.
Resource: http://www.unifore.net/company-highlights/hikvision-launched-its-first-uav-in-cpse-cpse-exhibition.html

Turnoaks
Turnoaks
January 4, 2017 3:20 pm

Quoted from above – “Hikvision bought rival Chinese video surveillance product and service supplier Dahua Technology in 2015” Are you sure this is correct?