SECURITY TODAY recently interviewed Mr. Haraprasad Panda, MRICS, a dynamic Security Industry Leader. He is President of the fastest growing Hyderabad headquartered Kapston Services Limited. Kapston is a leading organisation that offers integrated tech based security and facilities management services to its niche clientele along with other Human Capital Business spread across India.
Haraprasad is the President of Kapston Services, with a rich leadership experience spanning 25 years. His expertise encompasses Corporate Services, Staffing, Integrated Facilities Management and e-Governance, where he has exhibited prowess in P&L Management, Strategy, Operations, and Business Transformation across diverse industry sectors.
He is a passionate advocate for critical values such as diversity & inclusion, innovation, and sustainability. His relentless pursuit has resulted in his gaining many awards, such as the Green Oscar Award, the Country President Award for Diversity and Inclusion, the CEO of the Year Award, and the Indian Achiever Award, apart from recognitions from NASSCOM, and achieving a Silver Certification in Lean Management.
As a respected blogger, a panellist and a speaker, Haraprasad shares his wealth of industry insights, emphasizing the significance of community building and empowering the younger generation. He extends his knowledge to guide start-ups and spearheads impactful initiatives aimed at cultivating a more productive workforce.
We bring you excerpts of the interview in this edition.
SECURITY TODAY (ST): Mr. Panda, it’s a pleasure to interact with you to learn more about you and your business. Tell us a bit about your background and how you joined this industry.
Haraprasad Panda (HP): I have been part of this industry for over 25 years now. In this journey the segments I touched include Corporate Services, Staffing Solutions, Integrated Facilities Management, Security & Safety Management, e-Governance, and Recruitment Solutions. I was able to contribute significantly to the IT/ITES, BPO, BFSI, Pharma, FMCG, and Aviation sectors.
I had the good fortune of contributing to the journey of several prestigious organizations like Sodexo, KARVY, Dell, and Ramoji Film City. My passion for technology, management, or facilities management made me venture into this industry, which promised excitement, challenges and great career prospects. I have strong learnings in P&L Management, Strategy, Operations, Business Development, Program Management, Change Management, and Business Transformation. My background and skill set were well-suited to the demands of this industry, making it a natural choice for career advancement.
Moreover, I wanted to make a meaningful impact in the industry, which makes me get actively involved in various forums and organizations. In my Present Role, I drive Kapston’s direction, strategy, growth, programme management, and P&L Management as its President.
ST: Tell us about Kapston.
HP: In January 2009, Kapston embarked on its journey in Hyderabad, driven by a vision to set new benchmarks in Integrated Services. Our steadfast dedication is centered on surpassing the most exacting client demands. As we celebrate a decade and a half of operations, we’ve honed our expertise to offer a comprehensive suite of Integrated Manpower Services. This array includes General Staffing, Security, Housekeeping, M&E, IT Staffing, Office Support, and even Kennel Services. Our vast clientele, numbering over 600+ discerning clients, encompasses multinational corporations and span across 800+ locations, across various sectors, such as IT/ITES, Manufacturing, NBFC/BFSI, Hospitality, Pharma & Healthcare, Retail, Infrastructure, Telecom, FMCG/FMCD, Logistics, Ecom, and Residential Sector.
Our footprint extends robustly across India, backed by a formidable team of over 22,000+ adept employees and a core group of 300+ competent and certified professionals. Kapston is not just a service provider; we are acknowledged as your “One-stop Solutions Partner” for all your “Human Capital” needs.
ST: How has the security services business changed over the years and evolving towards the future?
HP: The security services landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, driven by advances in technology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and the continuous evolution of training methods. In this era of heightened security concerns and competitive landscape, staying ahead of the curve is paramount.
Traditionally security / man-guarding services have relied on human guards and, of late, surveillance cameras. While these methods were effective to some extent, they had their limitations in terms of scalability, responsiveness, and adaptability to emerging threats. The advent of technology has brought about significant changes. While alarm systems, access control systems, and CCTV cameras have become commonplace, these technologies generate a lot of data, enhancing the monitoring capabilities of humans, they are still largely reactive in nature.
Of late, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has marked a revolutionary shift in security services. AI-powered systems are capable of analysing vast amounts of data generated by traditional systems in real-time, detecting anomalies, and making predictions. This proactive approach has transformed the industry from merely reacting to events, to, preventing them.
The incorporation of big data and predictive analytics has enabled security services to anticipate threats before they occur. By analysing historical data, patterns, and trends, security providers can develop more effective strategies to mitigate risks. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology has ushered in the era of smart security. Connected devices, such as smart sensors can detect, monitor and respond to security threats autonomously. This level of automation enhances efficiency and reduces human error.
Our integration of AI, predictive analytics, and IoT technology has propelled our team to deliver a level of security that is not only highly effective but also proactive and forward-thinking. As technology continues to advance, Kapston Services is committed to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that their clients receive the best possible protection. With a strong focus on training and a client-centric approach, we are poised to redefine the future of security services in an ever-changing world. Kapston Services is not just a security provider but a reliable partner in safeguarding the future.
ST: What are the other factors that set Kapston apart?
HP: We are in an era where security threats are constantly evolving, and constant training of personnel plays a strong role in this. Kapston Services places a strong emphasis on “Training” its security personnel. Our teams are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to handle both traditional and technologically advanced security systems effectively.
As technology is leading the way forward, Kapston Services is utilizing cutting-edge AI algorithms to monitor and analyse surveillance footage in real-time for our clients. This proactive approach allows for the immediate identification of suspicious activities, helping prevent security breaches before they happen.
We employ predictive analytics to assess potential threats. By leveraging historical data and AI, they can identify patterns that indicate impending security risks. This enables clients to take pre-emptive measures, minimizing vulnerabilities. We also integrate IoT devices in our security solutions, allowing for enhanced automation and real-time data sharing. This interconnected ecosystem ensures a faster response to threats and minimizes downtime.
And above all, our ‘Client-Centric’ approach sets us apart. We understand that every client is unique, with specific security needs. We tailor the services to meet these individual requirements, providing personalized security solutions.
As a result Kapston Services has emerged as a frontrunner in this dynamic field, redefining security services to provide the highest level of protection for our clients.
ST: Some last words, as one of the industry experts, as we are move towards more automation and intelligent technology.
HP: Technology is not something to be feared, it should be embraced and we should adapt to work with it. No matter how advanced automation becomes it cannot replace humans because human workers will always be needed. As is always the case when technology develops and is able to perform a function as well as, or better than a human being, we must adapt. Industries have and will continue to evolve, and different types of jobs will emerge. It’s important that if you feel that your job security is low because of technological advancements then you must foresee these changes and cultivate the correct skills, and gain relevant qualifications so that you don’t get left behind. To conclude, I would like to say, we should continue to invest both on Human Capital, Technology and Training to ensure the Private Security Industry is well aware about the changes and be future ready.
