A new whitepaper from Axis Communications has highlighted the effects of the pandemic on the physical security industry in UK and Ireland, primary concerns for the future and the benefits of technology to improve business resilience.
The online survey, conducted in December 2020, sought the views of senior decision makers within circa 200 partner companies across the UK and Ireland.
The report identifies ways that technology can facilitate a smarter, safer world, by helping businesses to continue to operate through careful management of social distancing and other COVID-led requirements.
While the majority of Axis’ partners continued to work, albeit some with limited capacity, under their classification as essential services, 41% of respondents expressed concerns about their supply chains, while anxiety over general economic recovery was repeatedly referenced as a top concern for both partners (67%) and their customers (55%).
On the need for continued support for partners from manufacturers, David Needham, Sales Manager UK and Ireland, Axis Communications, commented: “Despite the unprecedented disruption that COVID-19 has caused, Axis is proud to have been able to effectively respond and adapt… Through careful analysis of the experiences of senior decision makers from a wide range of industries, we will be able to determine where the greatest support is needed and identify ways that technology can facilitate safer and more effective business operations.”
Over half of the partner companies that responded serve medium to large enterprise in a wide range of industry sectors, with more than one in ten employing over 1000 people. Analytics are highlighted as being key to ongoing success, with crowd management and assistance with appropriate social distancing measures also welcomed. In addition, contactless entry to avoid the unnecessary touching of shared surfaces, and integrated solutions such as video surveillance combined with access control, are emphasised. In terms of which particular sectors are viewed as having the most potential in the year ahead, (73%) of respondents cited commercial, followed by industrial (58%) and education (50%).
On the effects of the pandemic to businesses to date, changes in workflow were reported by most respondents, who indicated that both they and their customers have been challenged by the shift to remote working that has accompanied Covid. HR issues were raised as a cause for concern by 29% of partners; and 33% of end customers, according to the partners, had been affected by HR related issues and 32% by their ability to effectively function remotely.
The survey responses indicated that process changes have also been widespread throughout the physical security industry, but few regarded this as a concern. Respondents touched upon several key areas, such as increased use of video conferencing, a shift toward remote management systems and changes in sales activity. A third cited changes in service delivery and sales processes. Many believe that the increased emphasis on health and safety processes would likely continue, even as restrictions are eased.
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