Johannesburg, 04 Sep 2019
Having spent the past decade building a solid foundation of leading-edge technology products sourced from a range of locally and internationally respected market leaders in the security sector, Powell Tronics has become the go-to distributor for access control, visitor management, time and attendance (T&A), intruder detection and video management system (VMS) technology.
Having been carefully selected for its ability to increase functionality and productivity, and to enhance security and safety for users, this has provided Powell Tronics with a strong portfolio of solutions to offer its customers.
In addition, Powell Tronics has developed a number of complementary software solutions that add significant value to the hardware elements it supports. As important as the needs of its customers are to the company, equally important are the relationships it has developed with these brand suppliers.
For IDEMIA's Nicolas Garcia, Powell Tronics' strategy has always been to remain focused on a few, carefully selected products. This means that one of the benefits it can offer is a deep knowledge of the products in its basket of offerings. Garcia says, “Having a partner such as Powell Tronics that focuses on a niche product offering is the best scenario for IDEMIA because it means that we can work closely together and celebrate successes with the solutions, but it also enables us to react much faster when a solution needs some enhancement.”
These partnerships and agreements put Powell Tronics in a very strong position to advise installers and end-users according to their needs.
Garcia also believes that one of the value-adds that Powell Tronics offers through its integration with IDEMIA products and the software it has developed to support these products is that the two product sets are complementary in the provision of solutions. “We offer the performance and reliability of the front-end product and Powell Tronics has the in-house capacity to develop software and to integrate IDEMIA products with this software, thereby enhancing the capability of the system, according to project requirements. Integration can be done quickly and without neglecting quality. That’s a real benefit to their customers and ultimately to the end-user,” says Garcia.
Security that delivers
Powell Tronics’ newest distribution partner, Cathexis, has given Powell Tronics access to its entire range of CathexisVision video management solutions. CathexisVision CEO Gus Brecher says Cathexis sees access control and CCTV/video surveillance converging more and more in the global marketplace, and South Africa is no different. “This relationship will enable Powell Tronics to leverage their existing access control relationships and open a pathway to new customers for Cathexis as well as allowing Powell Tronics to offer a more comprehensive solution to their customers.”
Brecher adds that Powell Tronics is well known as a value-added solutions provider, rather than a traditional distributor. “With sophisticated products, one needs a project and solutions mindset in order to facilitate the provision of the most effective solutions, thereby ensuring the best return on investment for the customer.” Furthermore, the integration capability improves the security operation immensely, reducing reaction time and increasing effectiveness, accuracy and efficiency. “The Powell Tronics offering will also provide more peace of mind for the customer, knowing that the suite of products is supported from a central point.”
Ajax Systems' master distributor agreement with Powell Tronics will allow the organisation to target the intrusion alarm market and the business plans to become one of the major manufacturers represented in South Africa within the next few years. "We also expect that our co-operation with Powell Tronics will result in large projects, including in the residential market,” says Tim Ganul, Ajax BDM Middle East/Africa/India.
Ganul sees the benefits derived from this relationship including the leverage that Powell Tronics’ footprint will provide in increasing brand awareness around Ajax and helping to create a network of partners working with Ajax. “Furthermore, installers will have access to convenient stockholding, while end-users will be exposed to a fast and on-demand product availability and thorough technical and customer support.”
Powell Tronics CEO John Powell says by listening to the ever-changing needs of the market, Powell Tronics has been able to proactively develop solutions that take security and functionality to the next level.
A good example of this is Impro Technologies, which has specialised in access control solutions for over 30 years. Mike Shipton, managing director of Impro, says Impro Technologies is founded on innovation, quality and customer-centricity. “These are ideals that Powell Tronics also shares, and this in part is why we continue to have a successful partnership with them. Over the years, we’ve watched with pride as Powell Tronics has grown to become a leading distributor of our access control solutions in the South African market.”
Shipton adds that Powell Tronics is now one of Impro’s key sales channels in the local market, providing installers with immediate access to stock, but also, more importantly, the technical pre-sales and after-sales support to ensure the installer has a successful installation.
“Another aspect of Powell Tronics is their ability to provide the market with a complete solution with Impro’s products, along with their own specialist developments. This means greater convenience for the installer, as they are able to enjoy a truly one-stop shop,” he adds.
However, perhaps the most beneficial aspect to the relationship, Shipton says, is that both organisations are proudly South African businesses. “We are directly and indirectly providing valuable economic transformation through the country and creating crucial employment opportunities, and we continually encourage businesses to support local companies for this positive impact to spread throughout the country.”
Lastly, because the access control solutions must be secure and robust to meet unique South African requirements, it creates global opportunities for growth. Impro exports products to over 60 countries spanning four continents. “This is all due to local experience, expertise and fruitful partnerships,” says Shipton.
Developing excellence
With the strength of an established foundation of security offerings such an Impro access control system, IDEMIA biometric readers or Cathexis video management analytics, Powell Tronics has managed to enrich these systems with its bespoke integrated solutions to holistically cater for the needs of its distribution channel and the various sectors in which they serve.
“While we are extremely excited about the future with our awesome supplier brands, the p-tron.com team of dynamic individuals loyally work together to achieve the company’s objectives, which include embracing the challenges that the marketplace in South Africa presents. We continuously strive to support our valued customers through relationships and leading technologies,” says Powell.
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