Interview | ZKTeco Integration Experts: Unveiling Seamless Solutions
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Andreína Durán, ZKTeco Europe's Android Project Manager, as she sheds light on the world of seamless integrations and unveils the secrets behind ZKTeco's remarkable success.
Andreína Durán, Android Project Manager at ZKTeco Europe
Department: Integration Business Unit
I - ZKTeco Integrations Business Unit: A customer-centric approach
Can you briefly describe the structure and purpose of the ZKTeco Europe Integrations business unit?
The ZKTeco Europe Integrations team emerged in 2022 with a clear mission: to provide exceptional service to our integration partners. Since 95% of our customers are software developers, we assembled a team equipped to handle their needs with expertise and dedication.
From the initial commercial proposal to first-level technical support, our team of advanced project managers and developers is committed to ensuring seamless integration of our equipment into our customers' solutions. Our focus remains on the customer, striving to achieve flawless operation in every integration.
What is the relative contribution of the integrations market to the overall revenue of ZKTeco Europe?
The integration market in Europe holds a substantial share, contributing approximately 40% to the overall revenue of ZKTeco.
II - 2023 Projects: Spotlighting innovation and addressing challenges
Looking back on 2023, what were the most groundbreaking and innovative projects undertaken by the ZKTeco Europe Integrations team?
The year 2023 marked a period of innovation for ZKTeco Europe's Integrations team. Three key projects stood out:
- BioOnCard Technology: To address growing concerns regarding data privacy, we developed BioOnCard Technology, which empowers users to maintain ownership of their biometric data. With BioOnCard Technology biometric patterns are securely stored on an RFID card, safeguarding user privacy and ensuring data integrity.
- Smart Entrance solutions for Retail: Catering to the evolving self-service landscape in retail, we also focused on Smart Entrance solutions offering automated and contactless solutions for intelligent integration of our personal and vehicular barriers into customer solutions including: supermarkets, gyms, casinos, factories and construction sites. This integration streamlines access control and streamlines customer experiences.
- New Android Series: Our commitment to innovation extended to our Android device family. We introduced a new range of terminals designed to cater to diverse vertical markets, spanning classic access control and time & attendance to room reservation, self-registration terminals and kiosks, portable terminals, and even an outdoor-ready terminal.
What were the major obstacles encountered during these developments and how were they resolved?
These projects presented unique challenges, which we tackled head-on:
- Regulatory Compliance: Navigating evolving regulations surrounding biometric data, we developed BioOnCard Technology to ensure compliance and safeguard user privacy.
- Autonomous Retail Management: Understanding the growing demand for self-service in retail, we designed Smart Entrance to provide efficient integration solutions.
- Android Ecosystem Expansion: To meet the needs of our Android developer partners, we expanded our Android ecosystem-device family to encompass a broader range of applications spanning various vertical markets.
III - 2024: Embracing emerging technologies and unveiling new insights
Where is ZKTeco Europe's Integrations team setting its sights in 2024?
As we move into 2024, virtual credentials are poised to revolutionize the access control industry. Our premium brand Armatura will play a pivotal role in supporting integrators with high-performance NFC readers, enabling secure and seamless access control solutions.
Time & attendance continues to be a growth area, and ZKTeco Europe is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of this market. We are closely monitoring new regulations in countries like Germany and Greece, and our Integrations team is ready to provide integrators with the necessary resources to comply with these changes.
What exciting developments are on the horizon for ZKTeco Europe's Integrations team?
One of the most exciting developments in the pipeline is the launch of "GoBridgeCloud," a cloud-based middleware-as-a-service (MaaS) solution. GoBridgeCloud will facilitate seamless integration of ZKTeco presence terminals via API, streamlining integration efforts for integrators.
In addition to GoBridgeCloud, we are actively pursuing integrations with major players in the industry, both hardware and software. These partnerships will further enhance our capabilities and provide integrators with a wider range of integration options.
IV - Collaboration: Driving innovation and aligning goals
How does the Integrations team collaborate with other departments within ZKTeco to ensure integrations and successful project outcomes?
The Integrations team fosters a collaborative-environment with other ZKTeco teams, ensuring seamless integration across departments. We work closely with the Development team to maintain, evolve, and approve firmwares, applications, integration protocols, and software development kits (SDKs).
Our collaboration with the distribution channel ensures that our terminals and software function correctly. We also establish standards for equipment shipment and provide support to the Operations unit.
There is a lot of talk about the "Android Ecosystem". Can you tell us about this concept?
We have been enthusiastic about providing our partners with a comprehensive solution that encompasses a range of Android terminals tailored to various vertical markets.
This is the essence of our 'Android Ecosystem' concept – a collection of Android devices designed to address the diverse needs of our partners and deliver a complete solution for different verticals, including classic access control and time & attendance, room reservation, self-registration terminals and kiosks, portable terminals, and even outdoor-ready terminals.
V - Our Partners: The driving force behind our success
What types of companies typically seek the services of your Integrations unit?
Our key partners include software development companies and hardware manufacturers. We value their expertise and collaboration, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
VI - Conclusion: Looking forward with confidence
Looking ahead, what exciting developments and future plans does ZKTeco Europe's Integrations team have in store?
The ZKTeco Europe Integrations team is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We are committed to providing our partners with the best possible service, and we are confident that our expertise and dedication will continue to drive innovation in the integration space.
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