Interview: Emre Yildirim, Co-Founder, Micae Electronics
The Micae Video Recording and Management system is our only product. It is designed to be able to work with any kind of distributed architecture: cloud-based, on-premise, or both. Most of the security systems are now moving on to this architecture.
By: Damir Muharemovic; E-mail: editorial@asadria.com
a&s Adria: Mr Yildirim, could you present yourself to our readers, mainly your educational and professional background and your role at Micae?
Yildirim: I graduated in archeology and history of art in 1997 and entered the business world. Upon entering this field, I saw that there was a revolution happening in security systems, all the systems were analog back then, and they are converting into digital. With two of my friends, I established a software development company and we made a DVR in 1999 in Turkey. As the years passed the market switched to standalone DVR, to catch the market trends we made an agreement with Dahua Technologies in 2002 and became their sole distributor in Turkey. The market started to switch to IP products around 2007 or 2008 and we started distributing Canon cameras around 2009 in Turkey. After Canon bought Axis and left all the sales organization to them, I decided to make our product again. I have started Micae Electronics to partner with another company that is capable of doing high-level technology software in Ankara.
a&s Adria: Tell us about Micae Electronics: how long have you been in the security business, what were your company’s most important milestones, how many employees and offices do you have, which European markets do you supply, etc.?
Yildirim: Micae Electronics is a new company, but the Micae Brand has belonged to us since 2005. We have established a brand-new company just to make a fresh start because we are two partners in it. On one side, me, has been in the security industry since 1998, and I have been in this market since the digital revolution began. The other partner is also very experienced in both the manufacturing hardware and software side. So, we combined our knowledge and experience in Micae Electronics. At the moment we have 12 employees who are developers and four employees in charge of marketing. At the moment we have an office only in Ankara but in 2024 we are planning to expand.
a&s Adria: The Micae Video Recording and Management System is at the heart of your business. Can you give us a brief info about it and present its main features?
Yildirim: We have only one product which is the Micae Video Recording and Management system. This product is designed to be able to work with any kind of distributed architecture. So, it can be cloud-based, or work on-premise, or both. This is the new revolution in the security Industry after the one which has happened in 1998. Most of the security systems are now moving on to this architecture. Besides the architecture, we have all the functions of VMS, Health Monitoring Systems, and Video Analytics and Reporting systems. The system can be applied to a single site or hundreds of sites, and all can be managed from a single point.
a&s Adria: You state that it is more than a security system. Can you elaborate on that?
Yildirim: Micae Cloud Video Management System is designed to unite all the endpoints and give a robust, simple, and easy user experience for multi-site customers. The system is plug-and-play, it is very easy to set the system, and there is no need for any network configuration. Hardware agnostic, the system supports almost all cameras and recorders in the market, and it is very easy to add cameras and start the system. An easy-to-use and simple user interface makes the system user-friendly. With the central management feature, the system allows you to manage unlimited sites and devices from a single point. Easy Playback & Share allows you to easily find the required video, playback, and share in a few clicks. Health Reports feature all detailed health statuses of both endpoints and cameras. As these are measured by the system, users can generate detailed health reports of the inventory. Video analytics is powered by machine learning algorithms. Hardware-based machine learning algorithms make the system aware of anything very important to us. Object-based analytics reduce the false alarm rate exponentially.
If we think about a traditional security system, we can do only a few of those functions in one single system. We are offering all in one system and we are adding new functions daily.
a&s Adria: Why should a customer choose Micae Cloud Solutions instead of an on-premise solution?
Yildirim: It is better to call it a traditional system instead of an on-premise solution. Regarding the traditional security systems, they all seem similar but they are different in usage, performance, functions, compatibility, flexibility, and so on. We offer the highest user experience satisfaction instead of limited usage of all the promised functions than the traditional systems.
a&s Adria: What are the disadvantages of cloud in video management and how do you overcome them?
Yildirim: The disadvantages of the cloud are very limited, bandwidth, availability, and storage. In our system, we offer all possible applications like Cloud-based, Hybrid, Cloud managed, and on-premise solutions. The client can choose which is more suitable for their applications. With pure cloud, we have nothing to do if the internet connection is gone, but with the rest of the systems we can record and reach the system from any point and user can access their data and footage. For bandwidth, we have a transcoding function that gives us the power to monitor more cameras than traditional systems.
a&s Adria: The Machine Learning technology in the Micae Video Recording and Management System analyses all connected videos on an object basis. What range of uses do these analyses have? How can it be used to increase the performance of your business?
Yildirim: Machine learning technology is the most advanced video analytics system. The system can analyze any type of camera footage and can look for any kind of specific object which is important for the user. The usage of machine learning algorithms is extensive. It gives more accurate information than motion-based analytics. We are constantly re-training the algorithms, so our analytics performance is constantly increasing. This is the advantage of edge-based analytics. We are using machine learning algorithms in two different ways, one is for nusiness intelligence, and the other is for security. Both can be used at the same time or separately, this depends on the customer’s need.
Machine learning in business intelligence enriches your current video footage and gives you detailed information about your business. By using business intelligence customers can measure the staff and branch performance, conversion rates, and store optimization. The types of BI analysis are people counting, vehicle counting, recognition of VIP customers – heat map, queue management, and POS integration.
Machine learning in security is helping users to create safer environments. In this way, users focus on the objects necessary for them and do not watch unnecessary video footage. The types of security analyses include face recognition, license plate recognition, object-based analytics, abandoned object detection, lost object detection, etc.
a&s Adria: What are the factors contributing to the final price of Video Management Software?
Yildirim: Currently, our primary focus is on the sale of our software which sets us apart from many competitors in the market. Our pricing structure is centered around a monthly subscription model, aligning with the prevailing trend across global software markets. This subscription, known as VSaaS (Video Surveillance as a Service), eliminates the need for customers to make a substantial upfront investment. We offer annual plans with transparent pricing, devoid of any hidden costs. Once a customer is satisfied with our product and opts to continue, we ensure ongoing support and regular upgrades. In the event they decide to discontinue the service, we cease providing upgrades and extensive support while maintaining bug-fixing services.
a&s Adria: What steps have you taken to ensure the safety of data from cyber-attacks?
Yildirim: The architecture is already cyber proof, we are using microservice infrastructure in the Zero Trust environment. So, the system is much more secure than most traditional systems.
a&s Adria: What were some of the most complex and significant case studies that you participated in over the past years?
Yildirim: We have an important client, a major car dealership, that boasts a diverse range of car brands, including Ford, Fiat, Renault, and Cherry. Operating across multiple buildings, they provide comprehensive solutions spanning sales, technical services, and repairs. Each building is equipped with over 80 cameras, totalling 450 cameras, posing the challenge of centralized management due to geographical distances and the absence of a dedicated CCTV system personnel.
Upon implementing our solution, the client gains visibility into the health status of their cameras and network video recorders (NVRs). They can efficiently manage recordings, resulting in a notable enhancement of overall performance.
A critical aspect is addressing customer claims regarding scratches or defects post-service. The dealership needs to substantiate the condition of vehicles both before and after servicing. The recorded footage from each camera plays a pivotal role in meeting this demand. Additionally, the extensive premises, especially after working hours, benefit from heightened security, with guards monitoring activities from a centralized location.
Beyond security, our solution contributes to operational improvements through Business Analytics. We systematically count and compare showrooms dealing with various brands, and conduct in-depth analyses of service areas. Subsequently, we generate comprehensive reports that delineate the performance of technical and repair services, aiding our client in refining their overall business operations.
a&s Adria: What are the most important global trends that define the VMS market? Will the market witness an increase or decline in demand in the coming years?
Yildirim: As I mentioned before all the traditional security systems are changing, including VMS systems. The VSaaS is now the trend in the US, and this is going to spread all around the world. This brings so many new approaches to both end users and the integrators. With VSaaS, systems all the trade between the manufacturer, SI, and end user will be transparent and the end user will always get much better technical support than ever. SIs and manufacturers will generate MRR which will make a constant and promised income for both parties. This will bring much better products and services to the end user. The new technology will enable us to develop much faster and add more useful functions for both security and business intelligence.
a&s Adria: What can we expect from Micae Electronics in terms of new features of your VMS and the development of your business?
Yildirim: We are constantly updating our system and adding new functions. We have an extensive road map but we also listen to our clients. The main driving power is coming from them. We are putting the client’s wishlist at the top and adding new features according to their needs.
a&s Adria: What is your opinion on the Adriatic region/Western Balkans security market? What are your plans in this area, are you looking for a regional partner? Are you considering participating in the largest regional conference and exhibition Adria Security Summit which will be held in October next year in Sarajevo?
Yildirim: For the business development side, we are looking for international markets. As I mentioned earlier VSaaS is a growing trend in the US and it will reach Europe in 2024. In strategic terms, the Balkans are very close to us, coupled with a shared history, which is why we intend to enter the European market through this region. We are looking for trusted partners or distributors in the region to establish a good business development. We have already booked three exhibitions in Europe in 2024, Adria Security Summit in Sarajevo included.
