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When the smartest work together seamlessly

Over the last couple of decades, surveillance technology has undergone a mini-revolution. When one looks at the quality and capabilities of cameras, recorders and software, it’s nothing short of incredible.

Companies such as Forbatt SA have been at the forefront of ensuring South Africa keeps pace with the global developments. Forbatt SA has introduced some of the world’s most respected CCTV brands, namely Kedacom, TVT and NUUO. It is also the driving force behind the professional series of lead acid batteries, Forbatt Batteries, and the power backup solution from Peak Power.

Forbatt SA lives by the words of well-known management guru, Ken Blanchard: “None of us is as smart as all of us.” When we look at the composition of the Forbatt team, the selection of brands and the distribution networks, it’s all about teamwork, seamless integration and smooth operations coming together.

Gino De Oliviera.

When asked what its winning formula is, business developer Gino De Oliviera said, “Forbatt is not simply a product supplier, we are a solutions partner with the right solution at the right time, in the right place at the right price. Whether it’s surveillance technology or backup power, when the market speaks, we listen, and we deliver.”

Seamless integration

When asked for his view on what the market wants, product manager Vaughn Tempelhoff said: “In the CCTV industry, there has been quite a drive from the consumer side to have freedom with regards to camera choices and the recording devices they use. This has forced manufacturers to broaden their horizons and move from a propriety standpoint to an open platform supporting more and more brands on their recording devices.

Vaughn Tempelhoff.

“Our flagship brand selection is all about integration. This is where the NUUO brand stands head and shoulders above the rest, seamlessly integrating more brands than ever before.”

Clean user experience

Another demand from the market for current and future builds is ease-of-use. Tempelhoff said the brand that comes to mind to meet the challenge is TVT. “TVT puts tremendous effort into a simplified user experience when it built its N9000 software. This is true of the mobile side as well. It’s simple to setup and use. If push notifications are enabled on your recording device, you will have the ability to effortlessly setup notifications based on your preferences. This will allow you to always know exactly what is going on at your site.”

The market wants versatility

Another area that Forbatt touched on is the market’s right to versatility. An example is the Kedacom body-worn camera. According to Tempelhoff, it wins the fair play prize because “it can make use of its standalone application or can be used as part of a fleet in a docking station, it can record to Kedacom NVRs and report to the VMS. Whether it’s one unit or a fleet, once out the box, it will get the job done.”

The key areas where Forbatt SA sees increased demand is in retail analytics provided for by the NUUO range, power solutions provided by Peak Power, and a host of other products and solutions targeted at a cross section of industries.

The market wants us to expand

This focus on seamless integration, smooth distribution operations and a cohesive team has seen much success and the brand is now focused on an expansion drive. They have recently set up in Cape Town, with eyes on other local and regional markets.

When asked about the expansion drive, De Oliviera said, “As you would know, each region is a unique market with unique needs and unique terrain. Because Cape Town is the tourism hub of South Africa, public safety and security are high on its agenda. The focus is mobility, speed and deterrence.

“Our goal is not just to supply product, we are solutions partners. In addition, localised warehousing makes life more seamless for our distribution channels and our business development team can work alongside our channels.”

When asked where you see the brand in the next 10 years, De Oliviera had this to say: “Our brands stretch across different market segments and we believe we are already leading in some sectors. However, we believe that there is always room for growth and in 10 years we will be the preferred brand across different industry segments.”

To get in touch with Forbatt SA for its solutions, distributors and product range, give us a call +27 11 469 3598, [email protected], www.forbatt.co.

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