The multi-purpose security system is compatible with the fire control panel, which came on the market more than two decades ago and uses IoT technology, and allows the collection of large amounts of data for later separate analysis with artificial intelligence.
Multi-purpose security system
In the new multi-purpose security system of Zarje Elektronika, several devices are connected that operate as a single system, and the basic one is a fire alarm device. It is a system with distributed intelligence and each module has everything it needs for its operation, and in part, it can also decide autonomously.
Control via the system affects each device, and status reporting or reporting of changes in the sensor part of the system is also centralized. This information can be provided to several desired locations and can be seen by the user, security guard, or maintenance staff, or by a security control center outside the facility.
Monitoring fire alarm signals
Multiple alarm options do not reduce transparency and therefore it is not possible to overlook a fire alarm
"The basic system is intended for reporting fires, but of course, there is much more to it than reporting increased concentrations of gases or reporting various technical alarms, such as monitoring the state of production processes. This means that it also communicates when the machine is stopped in production or a fault is detected on it, ”he explains Bojan Kern, current director of Zarje Elektronika and former technical director, who worked on the development of the system from the beginning.
Fire alarms take precedence in the system over any other alarms. At the same time, multiple alarm options do not reduce transparency and therefore it is not possible to overlook a fire alarm. Kern adds that signals can be monitored outside of the fire alarm function and security system because technical alarms are added if necessary.
Simple, transparent, and Easier to use
“Operating the system is very simple and transparent via the touch screen. We also listened to the wishes of current users of our exchanges and they have the opportunity to further monitor and influence the system through mobile devices and applications.”
“I can say with certainty that the new system is also more reliable, as it has guaranteed 100% redundancy at the level of processors and signal transmission paths. Namely, the main process module is duplicated and when one process module fails, the other module takes over the operation of the system. The previous headquarters does not have that," he explains.
Advantages of the new system
IoT makes data from the system more easily and more verifiably accessible outside the facility in the cloud"
When asked what advantages he would like to emphasize, what makes the new system better than the current exchange, the interlocutor answered that the Internet of Things (IoT) technology is used.
“IoT makes data from the system more easily and more verifiably accessible outside the facility in the cloud. Thus, the system can also send statistical data on its behavior, and consequently, we enter the field of processing large amounts of data or big data,” he explained.
Connectivity
This allows learning about the specifics of individual facilities and helps in the analysis of major alarms.
Additional information will also be available to Zarja Elektronika in the design and development of new systems and in determining what specifics to use in certain environments, especially in industry, where matters are more complex. Given the connectivity to the Internet, the system was also equipped with Internet intrusion protection.
The system was developed over four years
“I am glad that our 30-year-old plants are still operating and we are trying to maintain them. Given that matters with the supply of parts are getting worse, and some are already very difficult to procure, it was also time for a new generation of security system, ” says Kern.
Asked why the system is two years behind schedule, he said they decided to add extra capacity to it, which requires further development. These are functionalities that proved to be necessary already in this phase before certification, and not in later phases than originally planned.
High development cost
The new system has been developed since 2017 and its functions or brain are entirely the fruit of their work
The new system has been developed since 2017 and its functions or brain are entirely the fruit of their work. Although some parts of the system have become more expensive, one by 20 times, Kern warns that this will not affect the final price of the system, as it is the highest development cost.
The necessary parts for the production of the system are mostly procured through Slovenian suppliers, which are not available, they are looking for worldwide, including from China.
Certification process started
The new system is now in the certification phase, lasting three to six months. Zarja Elektronika expects that the new product in the segment of exchanges and systems will increase the volume demand by half in the first year.
Every time they put a new product on the market, their sales result increased by as much. The entire area of fire reporting accounts for 80 percent of the company's revenue, but it is then divided into larger and smaller systems.
First deals already agreed
Some deals with the new system have already been "orally" agreed upon. Kern emphasizes that the new system is compatible with older power plants that are already on the premises.
"It will be possible to replace the systems, which in some places are 20 years old and older and are still regularly maintained, with a new system, as it supports this type of upgrade. It will be possible to replace current exchanges with new ones without additional interventions in the detectors. "
Expected sales growth
The last quarter is strongest for Zarja, so they expect to generate 7.5 million euros in net revenues
In the first three quarters, they generated 5.7 million euros in net revenues and more than 600 thousand euros in net profit, which is twice as much as in the same period last year.
The last quarter is traditionally the strongest for Zarja, so they expect to generate a total of 7.5 million euros in net revenues, 590 thousand euros in net profit, and 980 thousand euros in EBITDA this year. Sales are expected to grow by five to ten percent next year.
Solution and maintenance
“To sell systems in foreign markets, you always have to have a local partner, as the systems are not sold off the shelf, but are part of the overall solution and maintenance. The system is the entry point, and most of the money is in the solutions from the system, not in the device itself,” explains Kern.
He states that they are also in talks with a potential partner from Kiev, through whom they would carry out design and offer their solutions, which he would install with their help while training local installers for installation and maintenance of systems.
Focus on Southeast European market
With the new product, Zarja Elektronika intends to first focus on Slovenia and the markets of Southeast Europe, also through its company in Croatia. While in Serbia they are expanding their business well through a business partner there, in both Macedonia and BiH they are looking for a local partner.
Recently, they got a job in Macedonia through a Slovenian company that set up its factory in Macedonia, and in BiH, they are negotiating to equip the central library in Sarajevo with a water mist extinguishing system.
Continuous collaboration
"We have a tradition in Southeast Europe, they know our brand well and we have a lot of contacts. European certificates also apply here, while local ones are required for Austria and Germany. That's why they come up with a new system later," says Kern.
In doing so, they are continuing their collaboration with the British Apollo, for which they have been producing a test device for fire detectors under their brand for several years.
