Interviews

Jiten Mahapatra, Vice President ZKTeco India

1. Can you elaborate the incredible journey of the organization?

ZKTeco's journey over the past several decades has been marked by significant milestones, culminating in the development of cutting-edge technologies in the biometric and security products segment. The foundation of this trajectory was laid when the visionary founders of ZKTeco introduced the pioneering fingerprint algorithm to the market. The resounding success of this innovation spurred ZKTeco to embark on a strategic exploration of biometric verification technology. This exploratory phase yielded a series of groundbreaking achievements, including the introduction of an array of fingerprint-based biometric systems, facial algorithms, and standalone access control devices. The years of dedicated research and development led to the establishment of ZKTeco, enabling it to become functional in the overseas market. This pivotal moment heralded the launch of a diverse portfolio of revolutionary products and technologies that fundamentally reshaped the biometric industry landscape. These advancements set the stage for a new era in biometric verification and access control technology.

Our path has been characterized by exponential growth, manifested through the establishment of strategic branches in numerous countries worldwide. This strategic expansion has solidified ZKTeco's status as a global industry leader in biometric verification technology. The global presence of ZKTeco is fortified by an intricate network of state-of-the-art research and development centers, bolstered by an extensive distribution of sales channels and service networks across diverse international markets. Our products and solutions occupy the forefront of technological spectrum in the biometric and security domains, distinguished by unique capabilities and captivating features. Our journey so far has been defined by unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, resulting in a portfolio that redefines industry standards and propels us as a vanguard of modern biometric and security solutions.

2. How ZKTeco is spearheading in India?

ZKTeco India has been the leading manufacturer of a range of Biometric Products and Electronic Security Solutions in the country. It has been a well-recognized enterprise with an excellent track record for the best customer satisfaction with its vast presence connecting several states of India through 12 primary cities alongside a Global R&D Center and a Global Technical Center as well as an ultra-modern Manufacturing Facility, all of which being located in the Silicon Valley of India – Bengaluru. In addition to these, it also contains Multiple RMA Centers and an extensive sales channel system with strong logistic network spread across the country. ZKTeco’s firm belief in indigenous manufacturing is reflected in its continuous support towards the ‘Make in India’ mission via its state-of-the-art production facility thereby contributing to the local content development. This facility houses advanced machinery and various specialized divisions including Raw Materials Section, Heavy Materials Assembly Line, Biometric Devices & Controllers Assembly Line, Packing & Finished Product Line Section, Quality Control, Warehouse, Service Section, etc., for delivering excellence.  

The R&D Center represents a full-fledged design center for developing advanced solutions employing cutting-edge technologies such as IoT and Cloud Computing and serves as a technology hub for driving engineering and innovation underlining various industry-related trends to approach in parallel with the rapidly growing Indian economy while also focusing on new and emerging technologies. Given the unique blend of intellectual design and modernization with its state-of-the-art facilities, it offers tremendous opportunities for remarkable research outputs as well as revolutionary software solutions with skilled engineers and technology prowess as its core competency. For instance, Intelligent Time Cloud-Based Attendance Software, Cloud Visitor, Cloud Access, easy TimePro Web-Based Time Attendance Software and so on. Our products and solutions are established on system progressiveness and technology integration offering numerous advantages over conventional systems. In this way, we are advancing towards the next stage of growth-oriented development. Today, ZKTeco India demonstrates manufacturing leadership while driving performance to the new levels in science and technology as a world-leading solution provider in the fields of Multi-Biometrics and Smart Security Management.

3. Can you tell us something unique about any of your latest product?

ZKTeco has recently launched its most powerful web-based security platform yet, ZKBio CVSecurity, which incorporates state-of-the-art Hybrid Biometrics and Computer Vision Technology. This platform represents a significant advancement in our product lineup. It boasts a comprehensive suite of modules, including Personnel Management, Time Attendance, Access Control, Visitor Management, Parking Management, Elevator Control, FaceKiosk, Video Management, Mask and Temperature Detection, Online/Offline Consumption Tracking, Guard Patrol, Intelligent Video Analytics, Locker Management, Intrusion Alarm, and a dedicated Service Center, among others. A distinguishing feature of this platform is its utilization of micro-service development framework, which contributes to robust system performance. This framework ensures key attributes such as high availability, scalability of modules, secure communication protocols, and seamless integration with third-party systems.

Leveraging our extensive expertise in the domain, ZKTeco has seamlessly integrated video surveillance and intelligent analysis into this platform. This integration empowers real-time analysis of video content and the extraction of valuable metadata, facilitating the creation of a responsive early warning system. This system, in turn, enables timely and effective incident responses, bolstering the overall security. Moreover, ZKBio CVSecurity guarantees meticulousness to security incidents, thereby establishing a pragmatic and reliable security ecosystem. This platform adheres to international-level certifications and standards for information security management, ensuring the utmost safety and protection for individuals, vehicles, and properties.

4. ZKTeco is know for its access control segment, especially its standalone biometric terminals, what are the fascinating features of this product line?

ZKTeco has developed some of the world’s leading breakthrough technologies in the Biometric product segments. Its specialization in Multi-Biometric Verification Technology comprising of various recognition techniques including fingerprint, face, palm print and vein recognitions in smart identity authentication and the ability to integrate them into access control as well as other platforms to enhance the overall security shows the pinnacle of its engineering capabilities. In addition, its Access Controllers are equipped with advanced functions including Global Anti-Passback, Global Interlock, Global Linkage Settings such as Fire Panel Linkage thereby enhancing the security and safety levels to new heights. Furthermore, the ARMATURA Hi-Tech Access Controllers offer ultimate performance with world-class design, multimodal authentication with enormous storage capabilities, high cyber security functions with OSDP protocol and AES standard data protection as well as BMS common communication protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and OPC.   

Whereas, our Standalone Biometric Product Line is one of the best in the world especially, the Linux Based Visible Light Time Attendance & Access Control Series featuring Advanced Facial Recognition, 3-in-1 Contactless Palm Verification, Accurate Fingerprint Recognition, etc., along with intelligent functions such as Automatic Tracking of Face & Palm, Dual-Factor Authentication, Long Range Recognition Distance, Powerful Anti-Spoofing Algorithms to restrict unauthorized access as well as Mask Detection and Body Temperature Measurement Technology having applications virtually in every sector.

5 What are the benchmarks you have set for facial recognition in the industry?

The world of Biometrics has witnessed a dramatic transition from conventional fingerprint biometrics to a much more sophisticated Touchless Biometric Technology especially in the current situation as a result of Covid-19 outbreak. Touchless Biometric driven solutions such as Facial Recognition enabled operations could be the key to resuming socio-economic activities during as well after containment of the outbreak. In particular, Facial Recognition Technology not only offers convenience in terms of recognition speed and precision but also promotes safety and hygiene as the entire verification process is performed without any physical contact.

Facial Recognition is also one of the most attractive applications of Touchless Biometric Technology. Nonetheless, Facial Recognition in real applications still pose greater challenges due to the fact that face often undergo changes owing to various facial expressions, different appearances, and angles as well as environmental factors such as different light intensity.

However, with ZKTeco’s innovative technology in Biometrics together with Deep Learning and robust facial recognition algorithms, today it is made possible to verify an individual’s face regardless of the attire, facial expressions, facial accessories, and environmental factors including light intensity and shadow. In this regard, Visible Light Facial Recognition has become the most spoken word in the current Biometric Industry accentuating all the above aspects while focusing on Advanced Contactless Biometric and Security Solutions that could detect and authenticate individuals wearing mask along with body temperature measurement. This could be a key to enforce powerful safety measures and precautions.

6. What are the technological advancements in parking management in line with your products?

ZKTeco's Smart Parking Solution presents a sophisticated and adaptable approach to vehicle and parking space management, employing cutting-edge technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF). Complementing these systems are our High-Performance Parking Barriers that ensure swift vehicle access, thereby enhancing overall user convenience. In addition to its technological prowess, the solution incorporates a Dual Verification Mode Parking System, which combines the precision of Biometric Verification of Vehicle Users with advanced Vehicle Recognition mechanisms. This amalgamation significantly bolsters safety measures within the parking facility. Furthermore, our repertoire includes a Contactless Ticketing System, facilitating seamless entry and exit from parking lots. These systems are suitable for all types of parking areas while greatly eliminating manual monitoring and tracking of vehicles by software platforms such as ZKBio CVSecurity and ZKParking.

7. ZKTeco’s expertise goes without saying, can you name a few accolades that come to your mind?

We have attained both national and international recognitions and awards through perseverance, excellence, and quality of our products and solutions. As a testimony to this, we have won the prestigious Engineering Excellence Award for our Best Innovative Products in the Biometrics & Access Control Category in 2022 and for Manufacturing Leadership in 2023.  Furthermore, ZKTeco has been selected by the a&s Magazine as the “Top 14 Global Security Company” and it is honoured by also being selected as “Top 6 Multi-Product Group” and “Top 9 Global Security in APAC Region” at offering state-of-the-art biometric solutions and top-notch security products in the current year.

8. What is the spectrum of support services that your company extends?

With our dedicated Global Technical Center driven by unique international outreach, we offer various support and services to the customers through innovative approaches, including 24/7 Call Center Facility according to global time zone, Product Consultation, Product Customization, Multi-Language Support, Product Issue Resolution, Overseas Onsite Support, Global Live Chat Facility, etc., for delivering service excellence and to achieve customer satisfaction.

9. Could you provide more details on how your Wi-Fi enabled smart lock brings additional value to users?

The Wi-Fi enabled Smart Locks of ZKTeco, for instance HBL400 offers various competitive advantages and safety features including remote unlocking via mobile app, online real-time monitoring from the indoor, automatic locking and unlocking after verification, ability to view visitors through mobile app. Furthermore, it is built with 3D Structured Light Facial Recognition Technology for ultra-fast verification as well as a hidden fingerprint semi-conductor behind the outdoor handle unit with ergonomics and anti-collision design, inbuilt doorbell, etc. It also consists of a Class C cylinder protection, therefore even when the outdoor unit of the lock is damaged, the user’s home would still be safe.

10.What's your vision for the future?

To simplify, protect as well as create a secure environment for individuals, enterprises, and people by providing complete, end-to-end, high-quality solutions through trust and responsibility as well as by implementing innovation and operational excellence.