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Distributor spotlight with DTS.Solutions (U.K): “The shift in security comms from traditional two-way radio to broadband push-to-talk has been immense”
As part of this year’s IFSEC Distributor Network, DTS.Solutions (U.K) Ltd.’s Sales Director, Daniel Frith, offers his thoughts on the sector and what visitors can expect to see at IFSEC. Daniel highlights the explosion of broadband push-to-talk solutions for instant communication, developments in body worn cameras, and benefits of unified security solutions.
IFSEC Global (IG): Please can you give us a brief introduction to DTS.Solutions (U.K) and the solutions you provide customers in the security/fire sector?
Daniel Frith, Sales Director, DTS.Solutions (U.K.)
Daniel Frith (DF): DTS are one of the UK’s leading providers of voice, data and video solutions. This includes push-to-talk comms (two-way radio, broadband PTT), body worn cameras, CCTV, and access control. We support customers from various market sectors in keeping their teams connected and their campuses secure.
DTS are also specialists in system integration to provide truly unified, feature-rich platforms that benefit end users by increasing productivity, improving safety, providing traceability, and ultimately becoming the ‘hub’ of our customer’s businesses.
We also link into a whole host of third party systems, networks and devices including fire alarms, building management systems, smart devices and so much more. Linking all of an organisation’s systems and networks into a single platform ensures the end-user gets the maximum value from each system and the right information gets to the right people on the right device at the right time.
Our ranges include software and hardware from the likes of Motorola Solutions, Avigilon, IndigoVision, Ava, Entel, Mobile Tornado, Hytera, Sonim and Kenwood.
IG: And what’s new with DTS.Solutions (U.K)?
DF: There’s a question! Short answer, a hell of a lot!
From a technology perspective, without doubt, the move to unify voice, data, and video solutions under the Motorola Solutions ‘Safety Reimagined’ ecosystem. It’s never been easier or more cost-effective to link the technologies we provide together.
For example, a security professional can now utilise one of our push-to-talk smart devices and have access to all the apps they need. This includes benefitting from instant push-to-talk communication wherever they are by leveraging existing Wi-Fi and 3G/4G/5G networks. They can also view live CCTV and body worn video footage and receive alerts from onsite systems like access control and fire alarms via an app on the same device.
The officer can have access to everything they need on a single device for full situational awareness, connectivity, and safety whilst they’re ‘on the go’. What’s more, this often results in a cost-saving for the end-user’s organisation.
From a business perspective, DTS was acquired by CSE Global about a year ago which has meant a lot of positive changes and new challenges. CSE is one of Motorola Solutions’ biggest and most successful partners worldwide. Their forward-thinking nature and unmatched technical expertise are only going to benefit our customers and partners as we move through 2023 and beyond.
IG: You’re part of this year’s IFSEC & FIREX Distributor Network – what are you most looking forward to at the show in May?
It’s our first ever year exhibiting at IFSEC and we’re very excited and proud to be part of the show! We’re really looking forward to speaking with new customers, welcoming existing clients, and learning from other exhibitors and innovators. The IFSEC and FIREX shows are ones we’ve wanted to be part of for a long time, so we can’t wait to take part this year.
IG: Why should security/fire professionals come and see you in London?
DF: You might have seen the solutions we offer working independently of each other – but on our stand you’ll see how they can all seamlessly work together. We guarantee there will be at least one innovation on our stand that you weren’t aware of, particularly from a communication and integration standpoint. You won’t want to miss it!
IG: How do you feel the role of the distributor in the security/fire supply chain has changed in the past 5-10 years?
DF: The rate of evolution in the various technologies utilised by professionals across the security and fire safety sectors is more rapid now than it’s ever been. It’s a full-time job just to keep up with the innovations that are constantly being brought to market by manufacturers like Motorola Solutions. Our team are there to stay ahead of the curve on behalf of our customers.
It’s all too easy nowadays to invest in a cheaper system to meet tighter budgets, but we look to show our clients the value of the advanced solutions we offer and demonstrate a provable return-on-investment. Simply put, we spend our time learning, innovating, and developing solutions so our customers can focus on what they do best.
IG: From what you’re seeing, what are the key trends in the electronic security sector that professionals should be aware of?
DF: In the push-to-talk sector previously dominated by ‘traditional’ two-way radio and paging, there has been an immense shift in our business towards broadband push-to-talk solutions that give you the benefits of instant communication, but over existing Wi-Fi and 3G/4G/5G data networks.
This could be on a dedicated radio-like device with an embedded SIM, a ruggedised smart device with dedicated PTT and emergency buttons – or even your existing Android/iOS smart devices and PCs.
Just a couple of years ago, broadband push-to-talk didn’t even account for 1% of our business turnover. Last year, it accounted for nearly 40% of it, including several huge projects across the UK, Europe and globally. For end-users that want the reliability of ‘traditional’ radio for mission-critical/business-critical comms while having access to a full app ecosystem, there are various dual mode devices that offer the best of both worlds now too.
IG: And from a body-worn camera and CCTV perspective?
DF: From a body worn video perspective, the sheer amount of choice on the market today makes it even more difficult for potential buyers to understand the key benefits of each body worn offering. There are some incredible innovations out there, and our partners Halo have certainly done for body-worn what broadband push-to-talk has done for radio, but there is no ‘one size fits all’.
It’s incredibly important for end-users to understand the benefits and impact of features like live-streaming, auto-offload of videos to the cloud and more. Seeing the full picture allows end-users to make the best and most informed decision – and DTS are here to guide you through that process.
In the realms of CCTV and access control – where do we start! Some of the analytics that the likes of Avigilon offer in their set-ups are downright staggering. The acquisition of Ava by Motorola Solutions has also brought something new to the table from a scalability and ease of deployment standpoint.
And, of course, we can’t forget the ability to integrate all these different solutions together – but we’ve mentioned that enough already!
Come and see us at the show to find out more!
DTS.Solutions (U.K) Ltd will be on stand IF3025 at IFSEC between 16-18 May at London’s ExCeL as part of the Distributor Network.
16-18 May 2023, ExCeL London | IFSEC 2023: Recognising the past, embracing the future
Join thousands of likeminded security and risk professionals at IFSEC 2023 in May, as the UK's largest and longest running security event looks ahead to what's next in the sector as it celebrates its 50th birthday. This year will see the launch of the IFSEC distributor network, while London's new Elizabeth Line makes travel to the venue easier than ever!
You’ll find hundreds of leading exhibitors from the physical and integrated security sector, showcasing all the latest in video surveillance, access control, intruder detection, perimeter protection and software solutions. Join the community and secure your ticket today!
Distributor spotlight with DTS.Solutions (U.K): “The shift in security comms from traditional two-way radio to broadband push-to-talk has been immense”DTS.Solutions explores the explosion of broadband push-to-talk solutions for instant communication and benefits of unified security solutions.
James Moore
IFSEC Insider | Security and Fire News and Resources
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It’s our first ever year exhibiting at IFSEC and we’re very excited and proud to be part of the show! We’re really looking forward to speaking with new customers, welcoming existing clients, and learning from other exhibitors and innovators. The IFSEC and FIREX shows are ones we’ve wanted to be part of for a long time, so we can’t wait to take part this year.
It’s incredibly important for end-users to understand the benefits and impact of features like live-streaming, auto-offload of videos to the cloud and more. Seeing the full picture allows end-users to make the best and most informed decision – and DTS are here to guide you through that process.