Bosch Group: Leader in security systems in Singapore

After being present in Singapore for almost 90 years, Bosch has emerged to be the best provider of reliable large scale integrated systems for mission critical operations.

Bosch Group is one of the world’s biggest private industrial corporations. The Group has been present in Singapore for almost 90 years now. Since 1923, it has been represented by four companies - Robert Bosch (SEA) Pte Ltd, Bosch Rexroth Pte Ltd, Bosch Packaging Technology (S) Pte Ltd and BSH Home Appliances Pte Ltd.

Bosch in Singapore

Robert Bosch (SEA) is the headquarters for the region with offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The Automotive Aftermarket and Security Systems, as wellas Bosch Software Innovations divisions have their Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. Apart from being the regional office for the Bosch Group, Singapore is also home to the Asia Pacific operations of Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering, and Corporate IT of Bosch.

Bosch Security Systems in Singapore is one of the key consumer goods and building technology businesses of the group. According to Mr. Wilfred Steeman, Vice President for Regional Sales Asia Pacific at Bosch Security Systems, integrated security systems which automate alarm detection and prevention prove to be a trend in Singapore.

“High definition camera, video content analysis and vertical based applications and software solutions will be in demand. The market is also moving towards unified standards in EVAC, audio and video streaming over IP,” he added.

With over 90 years in Singapore, Bosch has undeniably made its mark in the country. With support from EDB, it pulls in latest research and development projects from all around the world into Singapore. “Next is the large pool of talented individuals produced from the national education system that are much needed to support our growth strategy in the region,” added Steeman.

Bosch’s competitive edge

Unlike its competitors from China, Japan, or South Korea which usually provide single systems, Bosch emphasizes on its reliable large scale integrated systems for mission critical operations such as airports, seaports, railway stations, museums and prisons.

Clearly, it provides a one-stop integrated system to various buildings and facilities by supplying security management software for fire detection, video surveillance, access control, conference systems, public address systems, and professional audio.

Bosch is also one of few companies that has systems that are certified for an industry like the oil and gas segment with its range of explosion proofed devices. “To sum it up, Bosch, as a German manufacturer, sticks to its core DNA of producing technologically leading integrated systems that exceed our customer expectations,” said Steeman.

Given these remarkable competitive advantages, several Government establishments and buildings in Singapore are being guarded by systems from Bosch. Adding to the list in Singapore are one of the latest polytechnics, a major telecommunications operator, some of the latest tourist attractions and more.

Challenges and future plans

Though Bosch has proven its presence in the market, Steeman noted that challenges lie in a high level of misrepresentation from the security industry, especially from the low-end manufacturers who show high
specification without substantiated tests.

The market is flooded with low-end devices from some Asian manufacturers whose reliability and performance are questionable. “Bosch will continue to emphasize on honesty in representation of our product specification and focus on “stress” tests on our products and live demonstrations to convince our customers,” he added.

Going forward, Bosch seeks to move further into vertical applications, and that means expansion of its research and development team in Singapore, and further development of vertical specific applications for customers.

According to Steeman, “Singapore will continue to be our Asia Pacific office and spearhead new initiatives in the region, as it has the advantage of a strong reputation in this part of the world, especially with regards to integrity and efficiency.”

Mr. Wilfred Steeman, Vice President - Regional Sales Asia Pacific, Bosch Security Systems