The security sector: multifaceted, complex, and strong: service providers and manufacturers must orient themselves clearly
maconda News February 2015
Accidents, disasters, and fires affect people and the environment everywhere and at any time. Throughout the developed world, ready-to-use fire departments, civil protection units, and police forces are deployed to intervene as efficiently as possible. At the same time, there are areas that are underserved or not served at all. In addition, there are burglaries, robberies, and the increasing fear of terrorist attacks. Private security services and specialists for security technology of all kinds are also active here.
Globalization, the rise of previously underserved emerging markets, new transport routes, and the expansion of tourism are increasingly forcing those responsible to provide more for public services, and thus also for the existential area of “Safety & Security.”
International terrorism—and not just since the 9/11 tragedy—has changed the world. Numerous small-scale regional conflicts are added to this. Climate change, with its impending catastrophic effects (storms, tornadoes, landslides, forest fires, water shortages, floods, etc.), places the highest demands on civil hazard prevention. Demographic change brings profound structural changes for the personnel structures of “first responders.” Concepts and technology for compensation must be developed and deployed.
However, independent of international structures and general trends, there are also significant deficits at the national level in Germany. These range from the investment backlog in the modernization of equipment and vehicles for fire departments and disaster control, the lack of detection and reaction capabilities in the area of CBRNE operations, the monitoring and securing of transport infrastructure (seaports, airports, railway lines, subways, etc.), and epidemic and hygiene monitoring and control, to problems in personnel and organizational terms.
These challenges can only be met with a fundamental, future-oriented transformation of the civil hazard prevention system. Approaches for modified security structures are already in place in many areas. Service models are finding their way into the security apparatus. Corresponding developments and initiatives are also taking place at the European level. One study points to above-average growth prospects in the field of security technologies, civil hazard prevention, and services. In Germany alone, an increase from 20 billion (2008) to 31 billion euros (2015) is expected.
The new requirements, technologies, and structural changes require corresponding products, solutions, and services. Some manufacturers and producers have not yet adapted to the requirements, are not yet “future-ready,” and are waiting for idea generators or growth financing. The market is in motion.
Companies active in this field must therefore position themselves sharply from a strategic perspective to prepare for further growth and to be able to competently pick up on complex technological trends. Examples include smart home applications, which also include security technology in the private environment, whether intelligent alarm systems, doors with “smart locks,” or video surveillance via IP networks. So-called “smart grids,” i.e., intelligent energy networks, also require security in many respects—supply stability as well as protection against external interference.
maconda accompanies security specialists and supports investors with an interest in the safety & security industry
maconda has accompanied clients in this multifaceted industry on several occasions. These include providers of security technology for a wide variety of applications (smart home, video surveillance systems, data security, etc.), specialists for passive fire protection, manufacturers of units, fittings, and special vehicles for active fire protection, as well as service providers specializing in the removal of fire, water, and hail damage, and service providers for civil security authorities. Last but not least, we have also worked for leading security service providers, although this is not a simple segment due to high personnel costs.
Please contact us at any time if you require expertise in this area. We are happy to assist you!