Centena Group leads the way from marine to modern tech solutions

Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Sanjay Raghunath, Chairman and Managing Director of Centena Group.                                                

Overview of Centena Group’s evolution over the years and its current focus areas. 

Reflecting back on our journey, Centena Group started with Maritronics in 1980, a marine electronics service company. We have steadily grown and diversified to meet market demands since then, establishing multiple companies such as Emphor DLAS and Emphor IPS, among others in different geographies. We expanded into Identification & Security, Industrial Automation and Life and Analytical Sciences, and most recently ventured into interactive, educational and fun-based learning experiences.

Over the years, we have grown from a distributor to a solution provider, and we started our own manufacturing facility. Currently, we offer innovative solutions in science, engineering, education and technology through our subsidiaries including Maritronics, ScreenCheck, ATLAB, Emphor DLAS and Emphor IPS, among others. With headquarters in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India, we are committed to advancing industries and serving the greater good. Achieving a consistent 30 per cent year-on-year growth in the Middle East and globally, we continue to lead with pioneering solutions that define industry standards and inspire future advancements.

How is Centena Group aiding data centres with advanced technology solutions?

ScreenCheck, our security and identification division, plays a crucial role in enhancing the security and operational efficiency of data centres through its specialised security and energy management systems, by delivering robust security solutions through the integration of advanced identification and access control systems. This encompasses biometric access controls, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based monitoring, and smart card systems, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access critical areas within the data centre.

Furthermore, our video surveillance systems along with RFID technology, provide a multi-layered security approach. Real-time video footage enhances monitoring capabilities while RFID tracking ensures precise control over personnel and asset movement, enabling to take rapid action against unauthorised access or suspicious activities. Additionally, ScreenCheck offers visitor management solutions, which further bolsters the security framework and helps data centres comply with stringent security requirements.

Another cornerstone of our offerings is Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems which guarantee uninterrupted power supply during outages or fluctuations, safeguarding sensitive data and equipment from potential damage and ensuring uninterrupted data centre operations.

What are some of the most recent innovations introduced by your subsidiaries like Maritronics, and LabSpace?  

We at Centena Group are proud to offer a range of innovative solutions through our subsidiaries. Our maritime brand, under Maritronics, EDGE, has launched a range of technological innovations that increase the safety of seafarers and vessels. Our navigation solutions, such as the Fibre Optic Gyro, deliver superior accuracy, reliability, and quicker settling times compared to traditional gyrocompasses. Along with this our radar, Integrated Bridge System, AIS, and automation solutions, are also setting new benchmarks in performance, user-friendliness, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

LABSPACE represents another exciting frontier where we lead in pioneering design innovations that stimulate creativity and innovation within laboratory environments, by providing comprehensive solutions from initial planning to execution, across sectors ranging from education to oil and gas. With our state-of-the-art facility in the UAE and extensive experience across diverse industries, we extended our capabilities to offer turn-key solutions in select segments, ensuring that we meet the unique requirements of each project.

What are the recent advancements in the Maritime sector?

The evolution of marine communication systems is defined by the integration of satellite communication, automation, enhanced navigation, cybersecurity and environmental monitoring. Vessels now rely on satellite systems for global connectivity, with automation and remote monitoring streamlining operations and advanced navigation technologies ensuring precise tracking and collision avoidance, while cybersecurity measures protect against threats. Furthermore, regulations such as MARPOL demand environmental monitoring and compliance. These trends highlight the need for reliability, bandwidth, cost-efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Recently, the demand for maritime solutions has shifted significantly. For example, the Baltimore ship collision highlighted the need for enhanced redundancy while rising pirate attacks underscored the importance of security and tracking. Maritronics addresses these challenges with advanced engineering solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Our Integrated Bridge Systems offer redundancy and real-time decision-making capabilities, tailored to meet modern navigation and communication needs. As a result, we have seen a notable increase in global inquiries and orders, reflecting evolving customer requirements worldwide.

How is Centena Group utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in its technology solutions?

At Centena Group, we approach challenges by blending both empathy and cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of our customers effectively. Within our security and identification division, ScreenCheck employs AI for advanced biometric access control systems, which improve the accuracy and reliability of facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris recognition. These systems continuously evolve through machine learning, adapting to new data for enhanced performance. In industrial process solutions, AI and ML are integral to predictive maintenance and network leakage detection using data from analysers and flow meters. Meanwhile, ML optimises safety measures in our analyser solutions, ensuring robust operational control. Across our Life Analytical and Material Testing division, AI and ML streamline processes, delivering faster and more precise results. Our commitment extends beyond incorporating AI and ML into our solutions. Through our educational initiative, ATLAB collaborates with schools and universities to introduce AI and ML in engaging, fun-based practical ways. This approach aims to equip the next generation with key skills needed to address future challenges and contribute to building an efficient and sustainable world.

How is Centena Group contributing to the field of electronics, particularly through its solution EDGE?

Electronics are integral to global technological advancement and at Centena Group, we recognise its pivotal role. EDGE, our latest solution from Maritronics, integrates cutting-edge navigation, communication, and automation technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and performance at sea. Our R&D team is actively developing new technologies to ensure these solutions are both advanced and cost-effective for widespread adoption.

We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of advanced solutions and setting new standards in safety, efficiency, and operational excellence across all industries, thus contributing to overall economic growth and quality of life.