IFSEC Global finds out how BT Redcare has viewed the past year, and what visitors to IFSEC Connect can expect to find from the company’s booth throughout June.
IFSEC Global: How has your business responded to the past 12 months?
BT Redcare’s booth at IFSEC Connect
BT Redcare: We have continued to support the industry throughout the last 12 months in whatever way we can – face to face when permitted but virtually when restrictions meant that was the only way to respond. Regional Account Managers have been contactable by phone and teams/zoom to provide additional support, plus our technical team have moved seamlessly to provide virtual training when required. We’ve implemented contingency plans to maintain our 24/7 helpdesk, providing technical support to installers should they have any issues.
What have been the biggest challenges?
Our biggest challenge was making sure we maintained our service levels, ability to help customers as well as being able to continue the development of our portfolio. An account team that relish and enjoy face to face visits found the confines of working from home difficult as they thrive on meeting their customers face to face. Virtual meetings are better than perhaps a phone call, but they’re no substitute for meetings in person.
How do you feel the industry has reacted overall to the pandemic?
Very well overall, there have been some challenges for all as I am sure everyone knows someone who has been affected by the pandemic. Services have held up extremely well, along with the support to end customers.
Are there any particular trends to come out of the past 12 months that you believe will continue to impact the sector in the long run?
I don’t think virtual meetings will go away for a long time as it is an alternative that we have become used to, but face to face meetings cannot be replaced. On the negative side, a trend that has emerged is the impact of global component shortages. It is starting to have an immediate impact on the whole industry. On a more positive note, remote maintenance will be considered by more companies going forward as the benefits of this has been demonstrated over the last 12 months.
What new innovations are you excited to show off to the security industry at Connect 2021
Despite all the challenges of working during the last year we are extremely proud to have been able to develop and launch our latest alarm signalling product earlier this year, Essential IP. The product has quickly become a favourite for installers and end-customers alike. Cost effective and simple to install, it’s ideal for alarm installers as we head towards 2025 and the closure of the PSTN. Essential IP provides enhanced reporting and end to end encryption and is an ideal replacement for the legacy dial up devices that will need to be swapped out.
Connect 2021 is your first major opportunity to come together with the security industry online from 1-30 June!
The month-long online event will give attendees the opportunity to make up for lost time by browsing security solutions, connecting with suppliers and accessing thought-leadership content - all from the comfort of your own home or workplace!
