ADT 2008 Annual Report Download - page 111

Strategy
We intend to accelerate our revenue growth by implementing the following strategies: leveraging
our product development pipeline, which features enhancements and newer technologies in Internet
Protocol, integrated access control, intrusion solutions and new fire suppression technologies; expanding
our presence in emerging markets, such as China, Eastern Europe and India; and pursuing strategic
partnerships and acquisitions in key product areas. We intend to improve our recurring revenue stream
by further integrating our product portfolio with logical security systems and communications services,
as well as by enhancing the inter-operability of our intrusion security, access control, video systems and
fire detection products. We plan to improve our profitability by continuing to move our manufacturing
footprint to low-cost countries and by driving operational excellence and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Services and Products
We manufacture fire suppression products, including water sprinkler systems, portable fire
extinguishers, commercial suppression systems for special hazards including: gas, powder and foam
agents, forestry and hose products used to fight wildfires, and fire-fighting foam and related delivery
devices. We manufacture life safety products, including self-contained breathing apparatus designed for
firefighter, industrial and military use, supplied air respirators, air-purifying respirators, thermal imaging
cameras, gas detection equipment and gas masks. Our breathing apparatus are used by the military
forces of several countries and many U.S. firefighters rely on our Scott Air-Pak brand of self-contained
breathing apparatus.
We design and manufacture electronic security products, including integrated video surveillance and
access control systems to enable businesses to manage their security and enhance business performance.
Our global access control solutions include: integrated security management systems for enterprise
applications, access control solutions for mid-size applications, alarm management panels, door
controllers, readers, keypads and cards. Our global video system solutions include: digital video
management systems, matrix switchers and controllers, digital multiplexers, programmable cameras,
monitors and liquid crystal displays. Our intrusion security products provide advanced security products
for homes and businesses ranging from burglar alarms to a full range of security systems including
alarm control panels, keypads, sensors and central station receiving equipment used in security
monitoring centers.
We also manufacture a number of products for ADT Worldwide and Fire Protection Services for
incorporation into their electronic security systems and fire detection and fire suppression systems.
These products include a wide range of our fire detection and fire suppression products, security video
and access control products, electronic article surveillance and intrusion products.
Customers
In addition to our ADT Worldwide and Fire Protection Services segments, Safety Products sells its
products primarily through indirect distribution channels around the world. These business partners sell
to customers including contractors that install fire suppression, security and theft protection systems.
Some of our partners are integrators and install the products themselves; others act as dealers and sell
to smaller fire and security contractors. Our end customers for our breathing apparatus include fire
departments, municipal and state governments and military forces. Customers for our fire sprinkler
products include distributors, commercial builders and contractors. Residential builders, contractors and
developers are emerging customers for our sprinkler products given changing regulatory dynamics.
Our Safety Products businesses utilize a worldwide network of sales offices and operate globally
under various trade names, including Scott, Ansul, Grinnell, SoftwareHouse, American Dynamics, DSC
and Bentel.
8 2008 Financials