Editorial

Innovating to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow

Linn Storäng, Axis’ newly appointed regional director for Northern Europe, looks to a year ahead that presents challenges, but also many exciting opportunities.

After spending time settling into my new role as regional director, it’s clear that despite the unprecedented disruption, change and many obstacles that COVID-19 has presented, Axis has been able to effectively respond and adapt. Interwoven in the fabric of our company culture is a deep-seated resolve to innovate for a smarter, safer world, developing solutions to meet the needs of customers, and forging ever stronger relationships with our partners.

It has also been a time of change internally at Axis, as we see Atul Rajput, the incumbent regional director, move to a new role in Axis’ EMEA management team. With many years behind him in the role as director for Axis Northern Europe sales organisation, his achievements are numerous. Of note, however, is Atul’s contribution to instilling the Axis brand with a purpose beyond profit. Atul was instrumental in developing sustainable operations in accordance with the UN Global Compact, of which Axis is a signatory. In addition, Atul helped to drive the agenda for greater awareness of cybersecurity in the physical security industry, achieving certifications and accreditations to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that Axis products meet the minimum requirements. We thank Atul for his incredible work and wish him well in his new role.

Building on Atul’s great achievements is something that I am very much looking forward to, and I am proud to be working alongside such a dynamic, focused and hard-working team. My own background is in sales, having spent the last 10 years working within the construction business, first at Sandvik where I managed a team of 45 people and then at NCC managing a much larger organisation of over 350. While I am a strategic thinker, I also like to be involved directly in the business and operations side too, and eagerly anticipate working closely with all of you, and when the COVID-19 situation permits, meeting with as many valuable Axis customers and partners as possible . Working smarter in challenging times Technology has proven time and again that it has the potential to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems, and I feel fortunate to be working in a company that has the power to make change happen. Our recent online events brought together organisations such as Gatwick Airport, Thames Water, IBM and Adidas to discuss their own challenges; we witnessed the positive impact of technology, and particularly the many benefits of smart security solutions across industries and sectors.

It is our unique position as the global industry leader in network video that allows us to really make a difference. Our focus on the Smart and Safe City agenda has encouraged the bringing together of teams and technologies to work towards a common societal goal; the health, welfare and security of citizens. Similarly, through helping the retail industry improve store operations and monitor occupancy numbers, retail professionals have been able to continue to provide essential services. Frictionless access control, removing the need to unnecessarily touch shared services, illustrates an innovative use of technology that has unlocked many benefits for businesses in the current climate.

Collaborating to develop innovative solutions Through forging and maintaining strong partner relationships, Axis has been able to collaborate across open platforms to create customisable, scalable solutions to better meet customer requirements. Our trusted partners are a key component in our ongoing success. Drawing on their expertise has enabled us to develop connected solutions that are more powerful and more dynamic than would have otherwise been the case. Through innovation in technology there are some very exciting possibilities yet to be discovered. With many new products coming to market and the capacity to provide our customers with a complete solution, our end-to-end offering allows Axis to confidently cover a range of security requirements, from perimeter protection, IP audio, access control and analytics. With the launch of AXIS Secure Entry we will see the integration of access control devices with Axis software for better control of access points in relation to an overarching security provision. Body worn cameras, another recent development, allow security personnel freedom of movement while capturing real-time video, forming part of a comprehensive solution for high levels of protection.

We hope that you enjoy the latest issue of Axis Innovates where we will cover many of these topics in more depth. Above all, Axis Communications is a name that inspires trust. We’re recognised as a highly reputable organisation that values ethical practices and sustainable methods; we understand markets and their related challenges; and we utilize our ability to shape technology for the greater good. While it’s an uncertain time, it is also an exciting time. Each one of us has an important part to play in our ongoing drive to innovate for a smarter, safer world.