Sam Jennings is the integration director at ABCA Systems Group in Newcastle.
What are your company’s main business activities?
ABCA Systems specialises in the installation, servicing and repair of fire safety and security systems, operating primarily in the social housing market. With nearly 40 years of experience under our belts, our skilled and varied workforce combined with industry accreditations allows us to work across a wide variety of system types in the industry, specialising in active and passive fire safety and electronic security systems.
What emerging technologies do you see shaping the future of the industry, and how is your company adapting to stay ahead?
As with virtually every industry, artificial intelligence and machine learning are proving to be vital tools in the implementation of security systems. For example, AI-driven facial recognition is becoming more accessible to clients, whilst machine learning offers possibilities for automated analytics of video footage, such as slip and spill detection. We are constantly scanning the market and proactively engaging with both system manufacturers and AI developers, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of emerging technology and are first to identify and implement opportunities to improve the service that we deliver for our clients.
In what ways does NSI certification differentiate your company from competitors and enhance your credibility within the industry?
NSI certification is imperative in assuring potential customers of our skills and experience in the industry. Customers know that when choosing an NSI certified organisation like ABCA, the initial step of time-consuming due diligence has been carried out for them by NSI, so they can be assured they are appointing a professional and competent organisation for their project.
How has the rise of smart/home automation technology influenced your business and the services you offer?
The rapid advancements in technology have significantly impacted our clients’ needs and expectations, prompting us to evolve the solutions we recommend. The growing demand for integrated systems has necessitated a collaborative, holistic approach in system design, allowing us to create truly bespoke solutions that enable clients to manage their systems from a single, centralised platform. Additionally, the rise of smart technology has introduced automated maintenance for fire safety and security systems, which we have embraced to ensure we consistently provide our clients with the most up-to-date and cost-effective solutions.
Read the full interview in the October 2024 edition of PSi magazine
