Happy New Year!
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I find great joy and gratitude in reflecting on the incredible journey we have undertaken together. As we embark on 2024, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our valued customers, dedicated employees, and esteemed partners. The milestones we've achieved and the challenges we've overcome have further strengthened the bonds that define our i-PRO value.
United Nations Global Compact: A Pledge to Shared Values
In our commitment to building a safer and more peaceful world, i-PRO proudly joined the United Nations Global Compact. i-PRO aims to be a company that helps to build a safer and more peaceful world through continuous innovation. This pledge reflects our dedication to upholding human rights, ethical labor conditions, environmental protection, and the fight against corruption. Our code of conduct aligns seamlessly with the UNGC's Ten Principles, and we wholeheartedly support their initiatives. By participating in the UNGC, we reaffirm our commitment to these shared values that resonate within our organization and beyond.
Cybersecurity as a Pillar of Responsibility
Our commitment to operational excellence extends to cybersecurity. At i-PRO, we view cybersecurity as a pillar of corporate responsibility, embedded in our DNA. Security by design is not just a concept; it's a commitment that underlines our dedication to safeguarding our customers' business continuity. We have achieved the highest level of cybersecurity certification, with up to FIPS 140-2 level 3 compliance, showcasing our unwavering commitment to protecting your trust.
Leading Edge AI in the Security Industry
There are now many players, big and small, clamoring to provide AI-based solutions around the world. However, there are few camera manufacturers with established technologies suited to the unique needs of the AI sphere.
i-PRO’s mission is to make AI capabilities universally available across the surveillance market. i-PRO’s AI implementation is different from other products on the market. Using powerful Ambarella chips, i-PRO cameras have incredible AI power at their disposal which enables them to run multiple analytics simultaneously. Edge processing, especially with AI-based object detection and attribute data, unburdens backend servers, whether they are local or in the cloud, and enables a system to scale without significant additional costs.
With AI-enabled cameras, customers can meet today’s needs while future-proofing their installations, without incurring significant costs. But more importantly, AI enhances real-time situational awareness and enables security to become proactive rather than reactive.
Time-Based Competition and Operational Excellence
Our commitment to NDAA and TAA compliance, sustained by our enhanced engineering hub in Japan, has been instrumental in achieving unparalleled agility. This has allowed us to swiftly produce customized camera products, reducing delivery times and enabling a high-mix/low-volume strategy, a key driver in our ability to bring to market so many new camera models within just 12 months.
Today, we are able to mass-produce general-purpose modules and retain them as inventory. We await orders, then quickly assemble and ship in response to demand, enabling us to immediately respond even to small-volume needs much faster than our competitors. This approach also makes us less vulnerable to supply chain inconsistencies. This unique capability positions i-PRO as a trailblazer, poised to accelerate growth in the AI analytics market globally.
Expanding Global Presence
The last couple of years have witnessed significant expansions for i-PRO including the launch of i-PRO Americas, with headquarters and warehouse facility in Houston, offices in Anaheim, Chicago, and Toronto. Three new locations opened in Japan: a new R&D center in Fukuoka, a manufacturing facility in Saga, and a global headquarters office with a state-of-the-art experience center in Tokyo. In EMEA, where i-PRO EMEA was established in 2021, the company has continued to build a strong market presence through close collaboration with partners. i-PRO APAC Pte. Ltd. was also established in Singapore with corporate HQ and experience centers in Singapore and Brisbane. Worldwide, i-PRO grew to 1,300 employees, and i-PRO Americas was 2 years consecutive Certified by Great Place To Work®, a testament to the vibrant and inclusive work environment we've cultivated.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2024, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, let us continue to push the boundaries of innovation, deliver unparalleled customer experiences, and lead the industry with the spirit of boldness, trust, and flexibility. The journey ahead is promising, and I am confident that, united as one, we will together scale greater heights and achieve new milestones.
Wishing you all a joyful, prosperous, and innovative New Year!
Warm regards,
Masato Nakao
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
i-PRO