In the heart of Fukuoka City, Japan, a modern five-storey building with a rich past as a Coca-Cola facility is now home to i-PRO’s Research and Development (R&D) centre. Opened three years ago, this facility symbolises i-PRO’s rebirth since separating from Panasonic in 2019. With its wide, sunlit halls and a palpable energy of innovation, the centre reflects a company embracing change while honouring its legacy.
But this isn’t just a story about a building or even a brand. It’s about how i-PRO, a five-year-old company with a “60-year-old soul,” has transformed itself from a struggling division of a giant corporation into a nimble, reliable, and innovative force in the global security market.
A Strategic Pivot
When i-PRO’s CEO, Masato Nakao, stepped onto the stage to address the press, he highlighted the company’s transformative journey from a division within Panasonic to an independent entity. Panasonic’s security division’s challenges did not reflect its potential but rather the constraints of being part of a large corporation.
“There wasn’t much freedom under such a large organisation,” Nakao-san explained. “Panasonic tried to do everything in-house, from hardware to analytics to platforms, resulting in a rigid, siloed structure that hindered our ability to adapt quickly to market needs.”
The security division needed help to keep pace with competitors in an industry demanding agility and innovation. Development cycles were long, and products were few, with a monolithic design that limited flexibility. However, the split from Panasonic in 2019 allowed the newly independent i-PRO to redefine its strategy.
By focusing on its core strength—hardware manufacturing—and embracing a horizontal specialisation approach, i-PRO began collaborating with industry-leading analytics and platform providers. This openness transformed i-PRO into a more agile and responsive company capable of delivering the market’s needs.
The challenges were rooted in a rigid structure. Panasonic’s vertical integration meant long development cycles, monolithic product designs, and a siloed approach to analytics, hardware, and platforms. Only 15 to 30 new camera models were released annually, with lead times stretching up to 90 days. Disjointed operations across sales, logistics, and manufacturing compounded this lack of agility.
But independence brought a blank slate—and an opportunity to rethink everything. i-PRO embraced a new horizontal specialisation strategy, focusing on its core strength: hardware. Instead of competing across every segment of the security ecosystem, it began partnering with top analytics and platform experts like Vaxtor, Morpho, Genetec, and Milestone.
The shift paid off. In just five years, i-PRO expanded its product line from 50–100 cameras to 289 models. Development cycles were slashed from over a year to just 10–14 months, with modular designs enabling faster, more flexible production.
Open Strategy: Collaboration Over Competition
Gerard Figols, i-PRO’s Chief Products Officer (CPO), described the company’s open strategy as its defining philosophy. “We are not here to compete with our partners but to empower them,” Figols stated.
This approach has fostered a thriving ecosystem. i-PRO’s modular architecture allows for 50–100 new camera models annually, tailored to specific market needs. But it’s not just about volume anymore. Having caught up with competitors, the company is now focusing on refining its offerings to ensure quality and relevance.
Figols noted that i-PRO’s open strategy isn’t merely a business tactic—it’s a commitment to responsible innovation. “We aim to create stand-alone solutions that fit seamlessly into any environment. Cameras aren’t just cameras anymore. They are IoT devices, and they must be resilient to cyber-attacks.”
The company’s boldness is evident in its AI-powered camera lineup, which now includes 231 models. Trust is built through meticulous Japanese manufacturing and rigorous cybersecurity measures. Flexibility is demonstrated by partnerships with analytics and platform providers, enabling i-PRO to offer tailored solutions without diluting its focus.
Navigating the Future of Security
During his presentation, Nakao-san highlighted three forces shaping the security industry: cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. For i-PRO, the priority is advancing edge AI technology, reducing reliance on costly cloud solutions, and developing “hard-to-hack” cameras.
This emphasis on resilience reflects broader market trends. As governments and industries worldwide push for responsible AI, i-PRO has positioned itself as a leader in ethical innovation. The company adheres to seven principles of ethical AI, ensuring its technologies balance capability with accountability.
Figols pointed out a Gartner prediction that by 2026, 50% of governments will enforce regulations for responsible AI. In response, i-PRO joined an international ethics committee in 2024 to align with global standards. “This isn’t just about compliance,” Figols said. “It’s about leading the industry toward a sustainable and ethical future.”
A Balanced Approach to Growth
While i-PRO’s transformation is undoubtedly impressive, challenges remain. The company’s open strategy depends heavily on strong partnerships, which can be a double-edged sword. What happens if market dynamics shift or partners pivot in new directions? Additionally, modular designs and shorter cycles enhance flexibility, but they risk over-saturating the market if not carefully managed.
i-PRO’s ability to navigate these challenges will depend on its commitment to understanding its diverse audience. Figols acknowledged this during his presentation: “The needs of end-users differ from those of integrators. Integrators want leads, protection, and support, and we aim to make their lives easier through training and strong technical assistance.”
This dual focus on innovation and user support underscores i-PRO’s competitive edge. By addressing both the technical and operational needs of its stakeholders, the company is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer but as a partner in progress.
i-PRO’s journey from a constrained division to a dynamic, independent player is a masterclass in transformation. By embracing openness, focusing on its strengths, and fostering ethical innovation, the company has positioned itself as a bold, trusted, and flexible leader in the security market.
Yet, the real test lies ahead. As the industry evolves, i-PRO’s ability to adapt, collaborate, and deliver on its promises will determine whether it can sustain its current momentum. For now, its modern R&D centre in Fukuoka and its headquarters in Tokyo serve as a symbol of what i-PRO has achieved and a beacon for what it aspires to become.