Safety and Security converging with IT!

Pramoud Rao
President, FSAI and MD,
Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd.

What is the role of Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI) in promoting surveillance and security industry?

India is the third-most terrorized nation in the world and yet the demand for commercial Safety and Security system is under one billion US dollars which is very small compared to the need and latent requirement. There are multiple challenges facing our industry, and FSAI plays the role of a catalyst to grow the markets and its members' business while ensuring we make our country safe and secure. FSAI, established in 2002, was incorporated as a society under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Rules, 1975 (Tamil Nadu Act of 1975). Its role is to create Awareness, Acceptance, Affordability and Availability of Security and Safety Products across the verticals in the country.

What is the mission in promoting FSAI? 

The mission is to create a safe and secure India by education, awareness and protecting life and assets.

How big is the Association? Please provide us with the brief on its members? 

The membership of FSAI is open for all individuals and corporates, who are willing to contribute towards the cause of safety and security of our nation. Currently, the Association has eight chapters based out of Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Kerala and Gujarat. The total membership stands close-to 1,000. We have three categories of members: Corporate, Individual and Individual Life Members. Recently, we started membership for women and to promote it offered a 30% discount. This has been received well and we are finally seeing traction from women wanting to contribute to FSAI.

How does the Safety and Security converge with IT?

We are getting closer to IT, thanks to the convergence which earlier was a dream, but is now becoming a reality. Security companies have realized the same and have started infusing the knowledge domain of IT into security integration business. Many projects which are in the market today are driven by IP and security companies and are making efforts to learn IT for the right business mix and customer needs.  

Can you brief us about the FSAI meets? What is PACC that you had recently organized?

On an average, FSAI networking meets are held four to six times annually, i.e. alternate months or quarterly.

Also, FSAI has started organizing each year an annual event called PACC. PACC is a business meet of Project Consultants, Architects, Project Heads and the safety and security industry mixed with pleasure. The first one was held at Goa and recently it was held at Pattaya Bangkok. PACC 2011 was a four-day event which was well attended by over 275 industry members - an excellent mix of business and family. 

Fire Safety and Security systems with integrating aspects of Life Safety along with their service, is worthy of the highest levels of professionalism. Members, 

• As Fire Safety service providers, have a unique opportunity to serve the public and hence all members should maintain high levels of honesty and integrity.
• Will balance the right to inform the public of noteworthy issues with the right of privacy of those we interact with.
• At all times, will maintain an altruistic or selfless concern for the welfare of others. 
• Will not use any business practice which violates any state, federal, or international law, rule or regulation.

For more contact:
beenish@varindia.com