ITEM 4. Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company.
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel on March 27,
1984 under the name Magal Security Systems Ltd. We are a public limited
liability company under the Israeli Companies Law, 5739-1999 and operate under
this law and associated legislation. Our principal executive offices and primary
manufacturing and research and development facilities are located near Tel Aviv,
Israel, in the Yahud Industrial Zone. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 70,
Industrial Zone, Yahud 56100, Israel and our telephone number is 972-3-539-1444.
Our agent for service of process in the U.S. is Senstar-Stellar Inc., 43184
Osgood Road, Fremont, CA, 94539. Our address on the Internet is
www.magal-ssl.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by
reference into this annual report.
We develop, manufacture, market and sell complex computerized security
systems, including a line of perimeter security systems, a video motion
detection system, a hardware and software "all in one" security solution which
integrates Closed Circuit Television, or CCTV, related applications, security
management and control systems, personal emergency location systems, a pipeline
security system and we also provide video monitoring services.
For a discussion of our capital expenditures and divestitures, see Item
5.B. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
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B. Business Overview.
General
We develop, manufacture, market and sell complex computerized security
systems, including:
o a line of perimeter security systems and a video motion detection
system, which automatically detect and locate intruders and identify
the nature of intrusions
o the DreamBox, which integrates number of CCTV related applications
into one box;
o security management and control systems that integrate the management,
control and display of various security systems into a single,
real-time database and support real-time decision making and wide area
command and control;
o PipeGuard, a pipeline security system; and
o personal emergency location systems.
We also provide video monitoring services.
Our systems are used in more than 75 countries to protect aircraft,
national borders and sensitive facilities, including military bases, power plant
installations, airports, postal facilities, prisons and industrial locations,
from terrorism, theft and other security threats.
Industry Background
Perimeter Security and Video Motion Detection Systems
Perimeter security systems enable customers to monitor, limit and
control access by unauthorized personnel to specific regions or areas. High-end
perimeter systems are sophisticated in nature and are used by correctional
facilities, military installations, power companies and other high-security
installations. We believe that we are a leading provider of security systems and
maintenance in this industry.
DreamBox
The DreamBox is an embedded hardware and software product which
integrates a number of CCTV related applications into one box. The system is
designed to be economical, as well as compact to save space, by avoiding the use
of a complicated cable installation and network protocols integration.
DreamBox contains twelve different applications, including a digital
video and audio recording, video and audio matrix switcher, outdoor and indoor
video motion detection system, or VMD, security management system, or SMS, and a
transmission system.
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The DreamBox, is sold at a substantially lower price than the cost of
the other products applications if sold separately, a factor which positions
DreamBox as the leading security solution for all strategic facilities. Its
target markets include governmental, institutional and other sensitive
facilities, such as airports, train stations, seaports, prisons, casinos and
hospitals, all of which require the use of high quality CCTV applications.
Security Management and Control Systems
The deployment of multiple security systems creates the need for a
system that can manage and control these systems through a single database. In
response to this need, we offer MagNet and Fortis, security management and
control systems that integrate the management, control and display of various
security systems, both outdoor, such as perimeter security systems, and indoor,
such as fire detection, entry monitoring and alarm systems, into a single,
real-time database, and support real-time decision making and wide area command
and control. These systems were developed to improve the response to real-time
security events by sharing video and geographical information between the
control center and security personnel acting in the field.
Pipeline Security System
As of end of year 2002, there were an estimated three million miles of
unprotected oil and gas pipelines worldwide. Although the need for securing
these pipelines has been strongly recognized by the oil and gas industry for
years, and in spite of increasing threats since the 9/11 events and current
instability in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle-East, there was no effective
solution for securing buried pipes against damage caused by terror, sabotage,
theft or other third party threats. We have identified the demand and have
implemented a technology aimed at meeting this challenge. PipeGuard, our
pipeline security system, provides a solution for securing buried assets and
infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines and buried communication lines
such as fiber optic cables.
Personal Emergency Location Systems
Our products deliver high reliability personal portable duress alarm
systems to protect personnel in correctional facilities. These products identify
individuals in distress and can pinpoint the location of the distress signal
with an indoor-to-outdoor and floor-to-floor accuracy unmatched by any other
product.
Video Monitoring Services
The rapid consolidation of some of the largest companies in the
electronic security services industry combined with their overall emphasis on
residential security has led to fewer providers of high quality, innovative
commercial electronic security services. We believe that the potential market
for commercial real-time video monitoring security services is large and that
within a few years most of the security systems used at industrial and
commercial sites will adopt video monitoring systems as the preferred method of
surveillance and protection. Consequently, in 2001, we established Smart to
provide commercial real-time video monitoring security services.
Business and Marketing Strategy
Our primary objective is to become a leading provider of security
systems worldwide. To achieve this objective, we have implemented a business
strategy incorporating the following key elements:
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Refine and Broaden Product Line. We have identified the security needs
of our customers and intend to enhance our current products and develop new
products to meet those needs. We intend to continue to focus on improving the
sensitivity, detection ability and reliability of our products. During 2003, we
invested 8% of our revenues in developing new products, expanding the
capabilities of existing products and making custom enhancements for specific
projects. Since the beginning of 2004 we have launched three new products that
significantly broaden the spectrum of security solutions we offer and
substantially expend our potential security markets.
Enter New Markets and Strengthen Presence in Existing Markets. In 2004
we intend to continue to penetrate new geographic markets by various means,
including the establishment of alliances with local distributors. We also intend
to increase our marketing efforts in our existing markets and to acquire or
invest in complementary, including competitive, businesses, products and
technologies.
Leverage Existing Customer Base; Cross-Market Products. We believe that
we have the capability to offer certain of our customers a comprehensive
security package. As part of our product development process, we seek to
maintain close relationships with our customers to identify market needs and to
define appropriate product specifications. We intend to expand the depth and
breadth of our existing customer relationships while initiating similar new
relationships. We believe that our three new products will substantially broaden
our potential markets.
Offer Comprehensive Turnkey Solutions. By broadening our product range
to include both indoor and outdoor security systems and by developing our
security management and control systems and Dreambox "all in one" CCTV security
solution, we now offer comprehensive turnkey security solutions that provide a
comprehensive security implementation process. This process entails:
o in-depth threat analysis;
o determination of the appropriate hardware and software solutions;
o training sessions for systems operators; and
o upon customer approval, integration of the required systems into our
security management and control systems.
We believe that the market for turnkey security solutions presents a
significant opportunity. We are emphasizing our ability to offer turnkey
solutions in keeping with our objective of becoming a leading provider of
comprehensive security solutions.
Products and Services
Perimeter Security Systems
Our line of perimeter security systems consists of the following:
o taut wire perimeter intrusion detection systems;
o vibration detection systems; and
o field disturbance sensors.
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Our line of perimeter security systems utilizes sophisticated sensor
devices to detect and locate intruders and identify the nature of intrusions.
Our perimeter security systems have been installed along thousands of kilometers
of borders and facility boundaries throughout the world, including more than 600
correctional institutions in the U.S. and correctional institutions in several
other countries. In addition, we have installed several hundred miles of high
security electronic perimeter systems along Israel's borders.
Taut Wire Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems. Our taut wire systems
consist of wire strung at high tension between anchor posts. Sensor posts are
located at the middle between anchor posts. These sensor posts contain one or
more devices that detect changes in the tension being exerted on and by the taut
wires. Any force applied against these wires, or released from them, as by
cutting, unless within the parameters designed into the sensors themselves or
programmed into the central control units, automatically triggers an alarm. We
use taut wire perimeter systems as both an integral component of an intruder
detection system and as a physical barrier to infiltration.
Our sealed sensors are not affected by radio frequency interference,
climatic or atmospheric conditions, or electrical transients from power lines or
passing vehicles. The sensors self-adjust to, or remain unaffected by, extreme
temperature variations, minor soil movements and other similar environmental
changes that might trigger false alarms in less sophisticated systems. Our taut
wire perimeter systems are designed to discriminate automatically between fence
tension changes typically caused by small animals or violent weather and forces
more typically exerted by a human intruder.
Our taut wire perimeter systems offer customers a wide range of
installation options. Sensor posts can be as far as 200 feet apart, with
relatively inexpensive ordinary fence anchor posts between them. These systems
may stand alone, be mounted on a variety of fence posts or added to an existing
wall or other structure, or mounted on short posts, with or without outriggers.
Taut wire perimeter systems have been approved by various Israeli and
U.S. security and military authorities. We have installed several hundred
kilometers of these perimeter systems along Israel's borders to assist in
preventing unauthorized entry and infiltration. Our taut wire perimeter systems
are sold for approximately $50-$100 per meter.
Vibration Detection Systems. We offer two types of vibration detection
systems. While less sensitive than taut wire installations, the adaptability of
these systems to a wide range of pre-existing barrier structures makes these
products viable alternatives for cost-conscious customers. Our vibration
detection devices are most effective when installed on common metal fabric
perimeter systems, such as chain link or welded mesh. In our BARRICADE 500
system, pairs of electro-mechanical sensors are attached to fence panels three
meters apart on any of several common types of fence structures. Once attached
to the fence, each sensor detects vibrations in the underlying structures. The
sensor system's built-in electro-mechanical filtering combines with system input
from a weather sensor to minimize the rate of false alarms from wind, hail or
other sources of nuisance vibrations.
Intelli-FLEX and FPS microprocessor-based triboelectric and
piezoelectric cable fence sensors are vibration sensitive transducers. Both
systems detect any attempt to cut, climb or penetrate the fence and both have
microphonic properties. The microphonic feature permits audio to be used for
low-cost alarm assessment, providing users with an additional tool for
determining the nature of an attempted intrusion. Our vibration detection
systems are sold for between $11-$26 per meter.
Field Disturbance Sensors. We offer two types of field disturbance
sensors. The Intelli-Field volumetric electronic field disturbance sensor can be
installed outdoors on perimeter systems, buildings
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or as free-standing units. The Perimitrax buried volumetric field disturbance
sensor can be buried in most types of soil and paved areas and uses "leaky coax"
technology to detect attempted perimeter penetrations. Both systems detect
intrusions before the intruder touches the sensor. The Intelli-Field system
costs approximately $75-$180 per meter and the Perimitrax system is sold for
approximately $65-$100 per meter.
Video Motion Detection System
Our Video Motion Detection System, or DTS, utilizes advanced video image
processing technology to detect, locate and track intruders automatically. The
system, which was introduced in 1993, experiences fewer false alarms than most
competing products because it is able to distinguish automatically between human
and other forms of infiltration.
DTS is a detection and tracking system that combines our image
processing technology with input from ordinary video surveillance cameras to
detect, locate and track intruders without continuous human monitoring. Our DTS
image processing and graphics overlay cards and software, when installed in an
IBM-compatible personal computer, enable that computer to process video signals,
including signals from visible light, infrared and other camera types. Our image
processing software incorporates a learning cycle that permits the system to
analyze the protected area, including such variable features as changing weather
and lighting conditions, to reduce false alarms. A DTS user can program all the
parameters used to define an alarm condition, including, for example, intruder
speed, object size, threat direction and distance traveled. The user can also
designate specific areas within the camera's field of view to be protected. Each
camera in a multiple camera system can be monitored using different parameters.
Parameters can be switched manually, automatically or by external inputs, and
the cameras can be assigned relative priorities for computer monitoring. These
features enable the DTS to identify an intruder and then track the intruder in
real-time on screen and emit an alarm without the need for continuous human
monitoring. Since 1993, we have continued to improve our DTS system to make it
more user-friendly and to meet other customer expectations.
When a DTS detects an intruder, the control computer automatically
generates an alarm and records the first visual frame of the alarm event on its
hard disk. The system's video monitor will then display the intruder's track
across the camera's field of view. The intruder's track can also be recorded on
an optional computer-controlled videocassette recorder or DVR. Each DTS
integrated circuit board can monitor up to four cameras, so that by using eight
empty card slots, a single computer can be equipped to monitor up to thirty-two
cameras. The DTS system is sold for approximately $10,000 for the first card and
tracking graphics overlay card and $8,000 each for up to seven additional system
cards. Elta Electronics Industries Ltd., a subsidiary of IAI, developed the DTS
for us.
The DreamBox
The DreamBox is an embedded hardware and software product which
integrates a number of CCTV related applications into one box. The system is
designed to be economical, as well as compact to save space, by avoiding the use
of a complicated cable installation and network protocols integration.
DreamBox contains twelve different applications, including a digital
video and audio recording, video and audio matrix switcher, outdoor and indoor
VMD, SMS, and a transmission system.
The DreamBox is sold at a substantially lower price than the cost of the
other products applications if sold separately, a factor which positions
DreamBox as the leading security solution for
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all strategic facilities. Its target markets include governmental, institutional
and other sensitive facilities, such as airports, train stations, seaports,
prisons, casinos and hospitals, all of which require the use of high quality
CCTV applications.
By developing this product, we enter a new area of activity. We refer to
the DreamBox's target market as an `add-on' market for us, and believe that this
product is substantially broadening our target markets. As an example, we enter
the field of digital video recording, which is only one of the DreamBox's
applications out of many.
Security Management System
MagNet, our security management system, integrates the management,
control and display of various security systems into a single, real-time
database. MagNet, which is based on computer communications and controlled by a
unique server developed by us, converts real-time data received from field
units, analyzes that data and transmits operational commands accordingly. It
also generates alarms to indicate problems with any connected security system
and provides explanations as to the causes of the alarms. MagNet displays video
pictures of the alarm source, using an advanced video matrix with a
user-friendly interface. The operational commands transmitted by MagNet are
routed back to the field units or to operator workstations which then convert
these commands to visual information and allow the system operator to respond
and influence the system's operation.
MagNet integrates various detection technologies, including infrared and
microwave, and enables multiple operators to simultaneously control the system.
It can serve and manage multiple security systems, sensors, detectors and
controllers, and is unaffected by the distance between the various system
components under its control. MagNet can integrate and control both outdoor
security systems and indoor security systems, and its open architecture enables
operation with systems manufactured by other manufacturers as well as those
manufactured by us. Data can be entered into the MagNet system from anywhere in
the world through the Internet, provided appropriate authorization exists. In
addition, MagNet's TCP/IP protocol and Ethernet boards, using the Windows NT
operating system, allow the system to use a wide range of communications media,
such as telephone lines, fiber optics and wireless communication. MagNet
operates with, and can provide solutions for, various types of security
configurations, as well as adaptations for additional and new security systems.
We continued to make major improvements to MagNet In 2003.
Integrated Command and Control System
Fortis, our fully Integrated Command and Control System, supports
real-time decision making and wide-area command and control. Fortis reduces the
period of time from intruder detection to intruder engagement, to a minimum.
Fortis was developed to improve the response to real-time security events, by
sharing video and geographical information between the control center and
security personnel acting in the field.
The system creates a unified and interactive intelligence picture -
drawing data from all sensors, while displaying the movement of security
personnel in the field and adding other relevant information, such as video from
various sources, auxiliary services and weather conditions. This combined
picture, which is continuously updated, is sent by the central command to all
security personnel in the command chain, and serves as a unified basis for
operational planning and allocation of tasks. Using advanced technology, Fortis
provides the security officer with a graphical command tool, which updates the
location details and video view of the alerting area, while simultaneously
enabling a constant watch over security personnel movements, thus optimizing the
operational response.
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Fortis's target markets include governmental, institutional and large
sensitive facilities, such as borders, airports, hospitals, power plants and
water sources, as well as large manufacturing facilities requiring real-time
control and protection.
Pipeline Security System
PipeGuard, our pipeline security system, provides a solution for
securing buried assets, gas and oil pipelines and infrastructure of buried
communication lines such as fiber optic cables.
PipeGuard utilizes an innovative and unique technology to guard buried
pipelines, regardless of pipeline length, with the ability to detect potential
attack and alert authorities before potential harm or damage occurs. Its target
market includes oil and gas companies, owners and operators of pipelines or
communication cables and governmental agencies dealing with security and
environment.
PipeGuard combines well proven sensors - geophones, with advanced edge
of technology recognition algorithm capabilities based on the analysis of
seismic signals, thus effectively filtering out false alarms. Using state of the
art communications, only predefined signals are transmitted to the control
station.
PipeGuard is suitable for all pipes or cables, from existing and
operational pipelines, to new pipelines under construction. The system can
easily be integrated into a full turnkey security solution, including perimeter
protection, ground or air patrol and others. By answering the challenge of
securing pipelines, we offer a total security solution for the oil and gas
industry - from the oil field to the refineries.
Personal Emergency Location Systems
Flash Personal Emergency Alarm Systems, or Flash, and Flare Personal
Emergency Locating Systems, or Flare, use radio frequency technology to provide
a one touch emergency system that is so small it can be worn on a belt. The
systems, sold mainly to correctional facilities, consist of transmitters that
send distress signals to receivers mounted throughout the building. Receivers
relay the signal to a central location indicating someone requires assistance
and their location in the building. The systems employ automated testing
procedures that help to reduce maintenance costs. The hardware and software was
developed and researched in the U.S. and competes against infrared and
ultrasonic technologies.
Our personal alarm system, or PAS, uses ultrasonic based emergency
notification and communication system. The system, sold mainly to correctional
facilities, allows individuals moving throughout a facility to quickly indicate
their exact location in a crisis situation through a transmitter that is carried
by them.
Video Monitoring Services
Smart provides remote video verification services and remote video
surveillance services. Smart verification systems are activated by an event,
such as an illegal entry or tampering with property. Within seconds of an event
being triggered by an intrusion, Smart systems automatically store the video
images which are then sent to a central control room. The use of audio response
to an event allows the control room operator to effectively stop a developing
incident by broadcasting a warning message directed at the intruder. In
addition, the control room operator can replay video images captured before and
after the event to verify a criminal intrusion. Smart operators are then able
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to respond to the intrusion quickly and effectively by summoning police
assistance or an entity's appropriate internal security response team. Smart
central monitoring station is able to provide instantaneous security responses
across the U.S.
Marketing, Sales and Distribution
We have marketed our products primarily to government agencies,
government authorities and government-owned companies. However, the activities
of certain of these government bodies, are increasingly being privatized in
jurisdictions throughout the world. We believe that our reputation as a vendor
of high-security products in one of the world's most security-conscious
countries often provides us and our sales representatives with direct access to
senior government and corporate officials in charge of security matters
elsewhere. In recent years, we began investing resources in the distribution of
perimeter intrusion detection systems to private corporations. We attempt to
initiate contact with potential customers at trade shows, where we demonstrate
our products and distribute promotional materials. After initial discussions, we
generally seek to provide potential customers with products on a trial basis or
in a small-scale installation. We believe that this affords prospective
purchasers an opportunity to assess our products over a sustained period of time
under realistic conditions. We have sales offices located in the United Kingdom,
Germany, Mexico, the U.S. and China.
Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems. We generally sell our perimeter
intrusion detection systems to exclusive distributors for various geographic
territories or for specific projects. These exclusive distributors then resell
these products at prices negotiated with their respective customers. In some
cases, however, we pay commissions on these third-party sales either to the
distributor or to the sales representatives responsible for facilitating the
transaction. In addition to marketing activities, some of our distributors also
provide installation and maintenance services for our products. We currently
have over 50 distributors who resell these systems. We occasionally use agents
to find suitable distributors and pay finders' fees to these agents for their
services.
Since 1988 until March 31, 2004, an unaffiliated third party held the
exclusive right to distribute our taut wire detection systems in the U.S. and
Canada. Since March 31, 2004 we distribute our taut wire detection systems in
the U.S. through our subsidiary Perimeter Products Inc., or PPI, and an
unaffiliated third party who was granted a non-exclusive right to distribute our
taut wire detection systems in the U.S., and in Canada through our subsidiary
Senstar.
DTS. Since 1993, we have continued to improve our DTS system to make it
more user-friendly and to meet other customer expectations. Our marketing
efforts for our DTS system includes participation in exhibitions in Europe,
South America and the Far East. In the U.S., we distributed the DTS system
through an unaffiliated exclusive distributor who was subject to minimum
purchase requirements. This distribution agreement was terminated on March 31,
2004. Since March 31, 2004 we distribute our DTS systems in the U.S. and Canada
through our subsidiaries PPI and Senstar, respectively.
Security Management and Control Systems DreamBox and Turnkey Projects.
Our marketing efforts for our Security Management and Control Systems, DreamBox
and turnkey projects consists of direct contact with potential customers. We
offer the MagNet, the Fortis and the DreamBox primarily as part of comprehensive
turnkey project solutions or, at the customer's preference, as stand-alone
products.
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Pipeline Security System. The target market for the pipeline security
system includes oil and gas companies, owners and operators of pipelines or
communication cables and governmental agencies engaged with security and
environment issues.
Personal Emergency Location Systems. Our marketing efforts for the
personal emergency location systems consist of direct contact with potential
customers, mainly to correctional facilities in North America.
Video Monitoring Services. Smart offers its services mainly to
industrial sites, commercial businesses, educational facilities and VIP
residences. Smart sells its services through its direct sales force.
The following table shows the breakdown of our consolidated revenues for
the calendar years 2001, 2002 and 2003 by operating segment:
Year Ended December 31,
2001 2002 2003
(In thousands)
Perimeter.................. $ 34,893 $ 36,435 $51,077
Projects................... 5,004 5,340 6,720
Video monitoring........... 142 238 403
Other...................... 981 953 1,161
$ 41,020 $ 42,966 $59,361
Seasonality
Our operating results are characterized by a seasonal pattern, with a
higher volume of revenues towards the end of the year. This pattern, which is
expected to continue, is mainly due to two factors:
o our customers are mainly budget-oriented organizations with lengthy
decision processes which tend to mature late in the year; and
o due to weather and other conditions, revenues are often postponed from
the first quarter to subsequent quarters.
See also Item 3.D. "Key Information-Risk Factors." Our revenues are
dependent on government procurement procedures and practices, and because we
receive large product orders from a relatively small number of customers, our
revenues and operating results are subject to substantial periodic variations.
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Customers
The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our consolidated
revenues for the calendar years 2001, 2002 and 2003:
Year Ended December 31,
2001 2002 2003
(In thousands)
U.S.................. $11,358 $12,641 $ 13,292
Europe............... 5,420 6,399 10,616
Israel............... 13,135 11,350 20,503
Azerbaijan........... 4,577 756 106
Canada............... 2,035 4,324 6,338
Others............... 4,495 7,496 8,506
$41,020 $42,966 $59,361
For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, revenues generated
from sales to the MOD and the IDF accounted for 22.5%, 15.9% and 27.2%,
respectively, of our revenues. For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and
2003 revenues generated from sales to Azal accounted for 10.5%, 1.8% and 0.2%,
respectively, of our revenues. We cannot assure you that the MOD, IDF, Azal or
any of our other major customers will maintain their volume of business with us
or that, if such volume is reduced, other customers generate similar revenues
will replace the lost business. The loss of one or more of these existing
customers without replacement by a customer or customers of similar volume would
have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Perimeter Security Systems. We have installed high-security taut wire
electronic perimeter systems over several hundred kilometers of Israel's borders
and have sold a number of our high-security perimeter systems to protect other
locations in Israel, including Ben-Gurion International Airport, facilities of
IAI and the Israel Electric Company, the Knesset, industrial plants, prisons and
military bases. Outside Israel, our high-security perimeter systems have been
purchased to protect various sites, including military installations,
refineries, conventional and nuclear power stations, oil tank farms, industrial
facilities, storage areas and warehouses, royal palaces and presidential
residences in various European countries, North America, and in South America
and the Far East.
Currently, airport security activities concentrate almost exclusively on
screening passengers and luggage within the airport terminal in connection with
passenger check-in. We are aware of only a few airports in the world which
currently have high-security perimeter protection systems to prevent
infiltrators from reaching the airport's tarmac from outside. Most of these
airports utilize a system manufactured by us. In marketing our high-security
perimeter systems, we target authorities responsible for airport security. To
date, we have sold and installed a limited amount of perimeter systems at
certain airports in Israel, Europe, the U.S. and the Far East. We are continuing
to negotiate with authorities in several other countries to install our
perimeter systems around airports. However, we cannot assure you that any
revenues will result from these negotiations.
Our high-security perimeter systems offer prison authorities the
opportunity to address an escape attempt in real-time, rather than at the next
roll-call, which may be several hours after the
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escape. Our high-security perimeter systems have already been installed in
prisons in Australia, Europe, Israel, North America and the Far East.
Ten of our perimeter intrusion detection systems have been approved by
the U.S. Department of the Air Force, as part of the $498 million Force
Protection Integrated Base Defense Security System (IBDSS) program. The IBDSS
program includes intrusion detection systems designed to prevent unauthorized
entry or access to large, medium and small military facilities. The IBDSS
program to protect classified facilities was initiated in October 2003 and is
scheduled for completion in September 2008. Our products have been approved by
the U.S. Department of the Air Force for use in the various tested applications
and configurations, and they will be supplied to the U.S. Department of the Air
Force through the major U.S. integrators.
The IDF has tested our perimeter security products along with those of
several of our competitors and our system and two competitor's systems were the
only systems to be approved for participation in the MOD's bid for perimeter
security systems. In April and May 2000, the MOD ordered approximately $9
million of new perimeter security systems from us. We delivered most of these
orders during 2000. In March 2001, we won a $2 million MOD bid to install a new
perimeter security system along Israel's borders. In September 2001, we won a
$1.4 million MOD bid to perform restoration work along the Gaza Strip border and
a $500,000 MOD bid to protect the MOD's headquarters. In July 2002, we received
a $1.5 million order from the MOD to install additional perimeter intrusion
detection systems along the Gaza Strip border.
In September 2002, we won 80% of the MOD bids for the installation of
intrusion detection systems along the seam line between Israel and the West
Bank. The MOD bids were for approximately 125 kilometers, or only one third of
the total project. We have won bids having a value of approximately $15 million
to install intrusion detection systems along approximately 100 kilometers. In
January 2004, we received follow on orders of approximately $4 million. As of
December 31, 2003, approximately 85% of this project was completed and the
remainder will be completed in 2004.
In January 2002, Senstar received a $1 million contract from Public
Works and Government Services Canada on behalf of Correctional Service Canada to
supply and install over 700 security cameras and video surveillance equipment to
27 correctional facilities across Canada. In April 2002, Senstar signed a second
contract worth approximately $2.2 million to supply and install Senstar's
Perimitrax sensor as part of Correctional Service Canada's overall perimeter
detection security system at nine of its facilities. Senstar will also provide
operational and maintenance training, as well as a quantity of spare parts and
test equipment and integration into the existing perimeter intrusion detection
system integration units. Installations at six sites, valued at approximately
$1.6 million, were completed during 2002 and the balance of the contract
($600,000) was completed during 2003 . Since April 2002 approximately $500,000
was added to the value of the original contract for additional work with
$300,000 completed in 2003 and the balance of $200,000 to be completed in 2004.
In April 2002, we received orders of approximately $750,000 to protect
major sensitive installations in Israel. Revenues from the majority of these
orders was reflected in our 2002 financial results, with the reminder reflected
on our 2003 financials. The orders were for a number of our security systems,
including our vibration intrusion detection system, video motion detection
system, CCTV cameras and other security systems, all controlled by our MagNet
security management system.
In July 2002, we received a $850,000 order to protect a major
correctional facility in Southeast Asia. We are acting as a sub-contractor for
Megason Electronics and Tyco, who won the tender for the
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total protection of this facility. Our part in this project includes providing
the perimeter security system, which includes taut wire intrusion detection
systems, CCTV cameras and video motion detection systems. This order was
completed by the end of the first quarter of 2004.
In December 2002, Senstar- Stellar Inc., or SSI, and Senstar signed
contracts to supply perimeter intrusion detection systems to correctional
facilities in Canada and to a prison in the state of Pennsylvania. The total
amount of both contracts is approximately $2.3 million, of which orders for
$500,000 were executed in 2002. Senstar will design, supply, install and test
its Intelli-Flex fence disturbance systems at twelve Correctional Service Canada
institutions located across Canada and will also provide operational and
technical training. The Intelli-FLEX sensors will be integrated into the
existing perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS) integration unit. As of
December 31, 2003, 90% of this project has been completed and the balance was
completed by March 31, 2004.
In August 2003, Senstar Stellar Latin America, our fully owned Mexican
subsidiary, received an order of approximately $1.5 million to install a
perimeter security system at sensitive installations in Mexico. As of December
31, 2003, 95% of this project had been completed and the balance was completed
by March 31, 2004.
In January 2004, we received a $700,000 order from the Israeli Prisons
Authority, to install a perimeter intrusion detection system around one of the
largest prisons in Israel. The order is expected to be completed by the end of
the third quarter of 2004. The order includes installation of our perimeter
intrusion detection systems, as well as cameras, digital video recording and
other security systems, all controlled by our MagNet security management system.
Our fully owned U.S. based subsidiaries, PPI, and SSI, supplied $4.2
million of products to Homeland Security contractors in 2003 for the protection
of various governmental and military sites throughout the United States.
DTS. We are currently focusing our efforts on attracting customers
through upgrading outdoor systems that are currently installed at prisons,
factories, government buildings and other security-conscious installations. In
addition to our traditional customers, customers of this product include private
companies and utilities companies such as refineries and electric power
stations.
Security Management and Control Systems and Turnkey Projects. Since its
introduction, we have sold our security management system and provided turnkey
projects to several customers, including large international companies.
In December 1999, we signed an approximately $5.7 million agreement
(including interest) with Azal to protect its international airport in
Azerbaijan. We have received $4.2 million in installment payments under this
agreement and will receive the remaining installments according to a
predetermined schedule. According to this agreement we are scheduled to receive
payments of approximately $1.3 million in 2004 and $0.2 million in 2005.
In March 2000, we received a $2.7 million order to protect a large
industrial facility in India. This order constituted the first stage of a
comprehensive security installation for this facility and included a variety of
our security systems, all controlled by MagNet. During 2000 and 2001, we
received an aggregate of approximately $800,000 in additional orders.
Since May 2002 we have received orders to protect communication
facilities in India totaling $6 million. We completed 95% of the orders by the
end of 2003 and the balance will be completed in
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2004. These orders constitute part of a comprehensive security installation
program and follows $3.5 million in orders executed for a sister company of the
same Indian concern.
At the end of 2002 we won a bid to protect the Otopeni International
Airport in Bucharest, Romania. The contract totals approximately $16 million.
This turnkey project includes different types of security systems as well as
video and data communication systems that will be integrated by MagNet. In March
2004, we signed an extension of the contract for $3.8 million. This contract,
including the extension, is expected to be completed by the end of 2005.
Video Monitoring Services. We have sold our video monitoring services to
banks and various retail operations.
Personal Emergency Location Systems. In 2003, a contract from the State
of Michigan, for eight correctional facilities, valued at approximately $0.6
million was assigned to PPI through our purchase of the business activity of
Dominion Wireless Inc. At the end of 2003, 23% of the project was completed. We
expect the remainder to be completed by December 2004.
Recent Developments
In July 2003, PPI acquired the business activity of Dominion Wireless,
Inc. for approximately $902,000. Dominion Wireless develops, produces and
manufactures a product that delivers high reliability personal portable duress
alarm systems to protect personal in correctional facilities. As of December 31,
2003, the total purchase price was fully paid in cash. Dominion Wireless, Inc.
will be entitled over the next two and a half years to an "earn out" of 50% of
the operating income related to the acquired activity. When the contingency is
resolved and additional consideration, if any, is distributable, we will record
the amounts as additional consideration for the acquisition.
During 2002 and 2003, we developed the Fortis command and control
system, a fully integrated system that supports decision making and wide-area
command and control in real time. The system creates a unified and interactive
intelligence picture by drawing data from all sensors showing the displacement
of ground forces and adding other relevant information such as video from
different sources, auxiliary services an weather conditions. This combined
picture, constantly updated, is sent by central command to all forces in the
command chain and serves as a uniform basis for operational planning and
allocation of tasks. The beta site has been operating successfully since March
2003.
In 2003, we developed the PipeGuard pipeline security system, which
provides a solution for securing buried assets and infrastructure, including oil
and gas pipelines and buried communication lines such as fiber optic cables.
PipeGuard utilizes an innovative new technology to guard buried pipelines,
regardless of pipeline length, with the ability to detect potential attack and
alert authorities before potential harm or damage occurs. Target markets include
oil and gas companies, owners and operators of pipelines or communication cables
and governmental agencies dealing with security and environment.
During 2002 and 2003, we developed DreamBox, a state-of-the-art embedded
hardware and software product which integrates a number of CCTV related
applications into one box. The system is designed to be economical, as well as
compact to save space, by avoiding the use of a complicated cable installation
and network protocols integration.
DreamBox contains twelve different applications, including a digital
video and audio recording, video and audio matrix switcher, outdoor and indoor
VMD, SMS, and a transmission system.
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The DreamBox is sold for a substantially lower price than the cost of
the other products applications if sold separately, a factor which positions
DreamBox as the leading security solution for all strategic facilities. Its
target markets include governmental, institutional and other sensitive
facilities, such as airports, train stations, seaports, prisons, casinos and
hospitals, all of which require the use of high quality CCTV applications.
By developing this product, we enter a new area of activity. We refer to
the DreamBox's target market as an `add-on' market for us and believe that this
product is substantially broadening our target markets. As an example, we enter
the field of digital video recording, which is only one of the DreamBox's
applications out of many.
Support and Maintenance
Our systems are installed by us or by the customer after appropriate
training, depending on the size of the specific project and the location of the
customer's facilities, as well as on the customer's prior experience with our
systems. We generally provide our customers with training on the use and
maintenance of our systems. This training is conducted either on-site or at our
facilities. In addition, some of our local perimeter security systems customers
have signed maintenance contracts with us. For systems installed outside of
Israel, maintenance is provided by an independent third party, by distributors
or by the end user. We also provide services, maintenance and support on an "as
needed" basis.
We require distributors of our high-security perimeter systems to
purchase a demonstration kit that includes full-scale models of our perimeter
products, and to send technical personnel to Israel to participate in courses
given by us that focus on the marketing, installation and servicing of our
products.
Similarly, with regard to our subsidiaries' products, customer personnel
are trained in product installation and maintenance either at the subsidiaries'
facilities or at the customer's facility. Installation supervision and
assistance are sometimes purchased along with the equipment. The life expectancy
of a high-security perimeter system is approximately ten years. Consequently,
many miles of perimeter systems need to be replaced each year.
During 2003, we derived less than 5% of our total revenues from
maintenance and services. We generally provide a warranty on most of our
products for defects for which we receive notice within 12 months of the
delivery date of the product.
Research and Development; Royalties
We place considerable emphasis on research and development to improve
our existing products and technology and to develop new products and technology.
We believe that our future success will depend upon our ability to enhance our
existing products and technology and to introduce on a timely basis new
commercially viable products and technology addressing the needs of our
customers. We intend to continue to devote a significant portion of our
personnel and financial resources to research and development. As part of our
product development process, we seek to maintain close relationships with our
customers to identify market needs and to define appropriate product
specifications. Our development activities are a direct result of the input and
guidance we receive from our marketing personnel during our annual meetings with
such personnel. In addition, the heads of research and development for each of
our development centers discussed below meet annually to identify market needs
for new products.
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Our research and development expenses during 2001, 2002 and 2003 were
approximately $3,331,000, $3,750,000 and $5,128,000, respectively, of which
royalty bearing grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israel
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, or the OCS, and investment tax credits,
constituted approximately 8.3%,16.6% and 6.9%. In addition to our own research
and development activities, we also acquire know-how from external sources. We
cannot assure you that any of our research and development projects will yield
profitable results.
We have the following three development centers, each of which develops
various products and technologies based on its area of expertise:
o in Israel, we develop a wide range of products including our taut
wire, mechanical vibration, video and high-end SMS systems and
PipeGuard;
o in California, PPI develops our microphonic fence sensors as well as
our microwave detection, personal alarm and small/medium end control
systems; and
o in Canada, Senstar develops our leaky coax radar, triboelectric and
fiber-optic fence sensors, electrostatic volumetric detection and
medium to high-end control systems and personal emergency location
systems.
We seek co-financing of our development projects from the OCS. Through
2003, we had obtained grants from the OCS of $128,000 for certain of our
research and development projects. We are obligated to pay royalties to the OCS,
amounting to 3%-5% of revenues derived from sales of the products funded with
these grants, 100% - 150% of the grants received, linked to the U.S. dollar and
grants received after January 1, 1999 will also bear interest at the rate of
LIBOR. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of
the products, and in the absence of such sales no payment is required. We paid
royalties amounting to $0, $131,000 and $80,000 in the years ended December 31,
2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
The terms of these grants require that the manufacture of products
developed with these grants be performed in Israel and prohibit transferring
technology developed with grants without the prior consent of the Research
Committee of the OCS. We cannot assure you that, if requested, the OCS will
grant such consent. Each application to the OCS is reviewed separately, so we
cannot assure you that the Israeli Government will continue to support our
research and development.
The Fund for the Encouragement of Marketing Activities
The Israeli Government, through the Fund for the Encouragement of
Marketing Activities, awarded us grants for overseas marketing expenses. We are
obligated to pay royalties to this fund at the rate of 3% of the increase in
export sales, up to the amount of the grants we received. Grants received for
the years up to and including 2003 amounted to $253,000 and royalties paid
during 2001, 2002 and 2003 amounted to $104,000 $53,000 and $0, respectively. As
of December 31, 2003, the aggregate contingent obligation amounted to $96,000.
Backlog
As of May 31, 2004, our backlog amounted to approximately $30 million of
which approximately $16 million is expected to be delivered by the end of 2004
and $8 million is expected to be delivered by the end of 2005 and $6 million is
expected to be delivered thereafter.
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Manufacturing and Supply
Our manufacturing operations consist of designing and developing our
products, fabricating and assembling components and finished products, quality
control and final testing. Substantially all of our manufacturing operations are
currently performed at our plant in Yahud, Israel. See "Property, Plants and
Equipment" below.
We acquire most of the components utilized in our products, including,
but not limited to, our turnkey products and certain services from a limited
number of suppliers and subcontractors. We cannot assure you that we will
continue to be able to obtain such items from these suppliers on satisfactory
terms. Alternative sources of supply are available, and therefore, we are not
dependent upon these suppliers and subcontractors. We also maintain an inventory
of systems and spare parts in order to enable us to overcome potential temporary
supply shortages until an alternate source of supply is available. Nevertheless,
temporary disruptions of our manufacturing operations would result if we were
required to obtain materials from alternative sources, which may have an adverse
effect on our financial results.
Senstar's manufacturing operations are located at its facility in Carp,
Ontario, Canada and consist of design and development, assembly, final testing
and quality control. Senstar uses local subcontractors for making and mounting
its printed circuit board assemblies. The triboelectric sensor cable for
Senstar's Intelli-FLEX product is obtained from a sole supplier. If this sole
supplier were to discontinue production of the triboelectric sensor cable, it
would adversely affect Senstar's revenues of its Intelli-FLEX product.
PPI's manufacturing operations are located at its facility in Fremont,
California and consist of development and design, assembly, quality control and
final testing. PPI uses local subcontractors for making and mounting its printed
circuit board assemblies.
Competition
The principal factors affecting competition in the market for security
systems are a system's high probability for detection and low probability of
false and nuisance alarms. We believe that a manufacturer's reputation for
reliable equipment is a major competitive advantage, and that such a reputation
will usually be based on the performance of the manufacturer's installed
systems. Additional competitive factors include quality of customer support,
maintenance and price. We believe that we are competitive with respect to these
factors and that we have a good reputation in the markets in which we compete.
Several companies, including Elbit Systems Ltd., Elfar Ltd., Rav-Tec
Ltd., Trans Ltd. and Gal-Dor Ltd. in Israel, and Detektion Security Systems
Inc., Herras, Pilkington PLC, Del Norte Security, Geoquip Ltd. and Siemens AG
outside of Israel, produce high-security detection systems.
There are a number of companies that have developed video motion
detection systems, including Geutebruck GmbH, Adpro and Siemens AG and Bosch.
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We believe that our principal competitors for Dreambox systems are Nice
Systems Ltd., Verint Systems Inc. and DVTel Inc.
We believe that our principal competitors for security management and
control systems and turnkey project offerings include, among others, Honeywell
Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Company, Siemens AG, Dornier, Elbit
Systems Ltd., and Rafael.
We believe that our principal competitor for the Pipeguard system is an
Australian company, Future Fibre Technologies Pty. Ltd.
We believe that our principal competitors for personal emergency
location systems are Actall Corp. and Visonic Networks.
We believe that our principal competitors for video monitoring services
are Westec Security, Inc. and InterSTAR Systems, Inc.
Some of our competitors and potential competitors have greater research,
development, financial and personnel resources, including governmental support,
or more extensive business experience than we do. We cannot assure you that we
will be able to maintain the quality of our products relative to those of our
competitors or continue to develop and market new products effectively.
Intellectual Property Rights
We have 45 patents issued and patent applications pending in the U.S.
and in several other countries and have obtained licenses to use proprietary
technologies developed by third parties. We cannot assure you:
o that patents will be issued from any pending applications, or that the
claims allowed under any patents will be sufficiently broad to protect
our technology;
o that any patents issued or licensed to us will not be challenged,
invalidated or circumvented; or
o as to the degree or adequacy of protection any patents or patent
applications may or will afford.
In addition, we claim proprietary rights in various technologies,
know-how, trade secrets and trademarks relating to our principal products and
operations. We cannot assure you as to the degree of protection these claims may
or will afford. It is our policy to protect our proprietary rights in our
products and operations through contractual obligations, including
confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with certain employees and
distributors. We cannot assure you as to the degree of protection these
contractual measures may or will afford. Although we are not aware that we are
infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others, we cannot assure you
that an infringement claim will not be asserted against us in the future. We
believe that our success is less dependent on the legal protection that our
patents and other proprietary rights may or will afford than on the knowledge,
ability, experience and technological expertise of our employees. We cannot
provide any assurance that we will be able to protect our proprietary
technology. The unauthorized use of our proprietary
29
technology by third parties may impair our ability to compete effectively. We
could become subject to litigation regarding intellectual property rights, which
could seriously harm our business.
We have trademark rights associated with our use of Flash and
Intelli-FLEX, and rights obtained by trademark registration for Flare,
Perimitrax, Panther, Intelli-FIELD, Senstar, Senstar-Stellar and the
Senstar-Stellar logo.
Government Regulation of Certain Exports
Under Israeli law, the export of products that we manufacture in Israel
and/or certain know-how is subject to approval by the MOD. We must obtain
permits from the MOD to initiate sales proposals with regard to such exports, as
well as for actual export transactions. We cannot assure you that we will
receive all the required permits for which we may apply in the future.
C. Organizational Structure.
The table below lists our subsidiaries. We, or one of our subsidiaries,
own 100% of the outstanding capital stock of the subsidiary.
Name of Subsidiary Country of Incorporation
Senstar-Stellar Corporation Canada
Perimeter Products Inc. United States
Senstar-Stellar Inc. United States
Senstar GmbH Germany
Kobb Inc. United States
Magal B.V. The Netherlands
Senstar-Stellar Latin America S.A. de C.V. Mexico
Senstar-Stellar Limited United Kingdom
Smart Interactive Systems, Inc. United States
E.S.E. Ltd. Israel
Magal Security Sisteme S.R.L Romania (incorporated in
April 2003)
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
Our two-story 2,533 square meter plant is located on a 4,352 square
meter parcel in the Yahud Industrial Zone. We purchased the rights to the land
in August 1988 from a third party, which had purchased them primarily from the
Israel Land Authority. In accordance with Israeli law, this parcel of land is
still registered in the name of the Israel Land Authority. We will be entitled
to have title to the property recorded in our name when Israeli authorities
subdivide the property into parcels. This
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procedure is a statutory requirement for transferring land ownership in Israel.
The products that we manufacture at this facility include our taut-wire
intrusion detection systems, our vibration detection systems, our video-motion
detection systems, MagNet, Fortis, DreamBox, PipeGuard, and other perimeter
systems.
Senstar owns a 33,000 square foot facility in Carp, Ontario, Canada.
Approximately 7,000 square feet are devoted to administrative, marketing and
management functions and approximately 8,000 square feet are used for
engineering, system integration and customer service. Senstar uses the remaining
18,000 square feet for production operations, including cable manufacturing,
assembly, testing, warehousing, shipping and receiving. Senstar also leases ten
acres of land near this facility that is used as an outdoor sensor test and
demonstration sites for its products. The products that Senstar manufactures at
this facility include the Perimitrax/Panther 2000 buried cable intrusion
detection systems, the Intelli-Field electro static detection system, the
Intelli-FLEX microphonic fence detection system, Flair and Flash, and various
perimeter monitoring and control systems.
PPI owns a 20,000 square foot facility in Fremont, California. The
products that PPI manufactures at this facility include Intelli-Wave, various
sensors, the PAS personal alarm system and the MX control and monitoring center.
In connection with two of our credit lines, a fixed charge was placed on
our physical plant in Israel by each of Bank Leumi Israel and Union Bank of
Israel, each of which ranks pari-passu with the other. In addition, PPI has
granted its mortgage lender a first mortgage on its premises.
We believe that our facilities are suitable and adequate for our
operations as currently conducted and as foreseen. In the event we require
additional facilities, we believe that we could obtain such facilities at
commercially reasonable rates.