Key Insights
The Asia-Pacific physical security market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach \$39.45 billion in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.10% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, increasing urbanization and economic development across the region are fueling demand for advanced security solutions in both public and private sectors. The rising adoption of smart city initiatives, coupled with heightened concerns about terrorism and crime, is significantly boosting investment in surveillance systems, access control technologies, and perimeter security. Furthermore, technological advancements, such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and cloud computing, are enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of physical security systems, leading to wider adoption. The market is segmented by technology (video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, perimeter security, etc.), application (government, commercial, residential, etc.), and country. Leading players like Bosch, Dahua, Hikvision, Honeywell, and Johnson Controls are actively expanding their presence and product portfolios to cater to the growing demand. Competitive pressures are driving innovation and price reductions, making advanced security solutions more accessible to a broader range of customers.
However, certain restraints impact market growth. High initial investment costs for sophisticated security systems can be a barrier for smaller businesses and individuals. Data privacy concerns and cybersecurity threats associated with interconnected security systems are also emerging challenges that need to be addressed. Regulatory compliance requirements and the need for skilled professionals to operate and maintain these systems are additional factors influencing the market's trajectory. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by continued infrastructure development, technological innovation, and a growing awareness of security needs in the increasingly interconnected world of the Asia-Pacific region. The market is expected to see significant growth in areas like facial recognition technology, predictive analytics for security, and integrated security platforms.

Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Asia-Pacific physical security market, offering invaluable insights for industry stakeholders, investors, and strategists. Covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with a focus on 2025, this report meticulously examines market dynamics, key trends, leading players, and future growth prospects. The report leverages extensive data analysis to forecast market size and CAGR, offering actionable intelligence to navigate the complexities of this rapidly evolving sector.
Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Market Concentration & Dynamics
The Asia-Pacific physical security market exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape, dominated by a few major players, but with significant room for smaller companies to carve a niche. Market share is constantly shifting due to rapid technological advancements and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The innovation ecosystem is vibrant, driven by continuous R&D investment and partnerships across countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. Regulatory frameworks vary across the region, impacting market access and compliance. Substitute products, such as cloud-based solutions, are gaining traction, challenging traditional security systems. End-user trends, like increasing adoption of IoT-enabled devices and cloud-based security, are reshaping the demand for security services.
- Market Share: Top 5 players hold approximately xx% of the market share (2025 estimate).
- M&A Activity: An average of xx M&A deals per year were recorded during the historical period (2019-2024), indicating significant consolidation in the market.
- Innovation Ecosystem: Strong presence of startups focused on AI, IoT, and cloud-based security in key hubs like Shenzhen and Bangalore.
- Regulatory landscape: Variations in data privacy regulations across the region influence the choice of technology and business models.
Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Industry Insights & Trends
The Asia-Pacific physical security market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising urbanization, increasing concerns over cybersecurity threats, and the escalating adoption of smart city initiatives. The market size was valued at xx Million in 2025 and is projected to reach xx Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033). Technological disruptions, particularly in AI-powered surveillance and cloud-based security solutions, are significantly impacting market dynamics. Evolving consumer behaviors, such as increased reliance on mobile-based security systems and growing demand for user-friendly interfaces, are reshaping product design and service offerings. Government initiatives focused on improving public safety and enhancing critical infrastructure security are further bolstering market growth. This growth is fueled by several factors, including:
- Growing investment in smart cities and critical infrastructure projects across the region.
- Increasing awareness of cybersecurity threats and the need for robust security measures.
- Adoption of innovative technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing.
- Government regulations pushing for tighter security protocols in key sectors (e.g., finance, healthcare).

Key Markets & Segments Leading Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market
China and India currently dominate the Asia-Pacific physical security market, fueled by significant economic growth and substantial investments in infrastructure development. Japan and South Korea also exhibit strong growth, driven by advanced technology adoption and a heightened focus on cybersecurity. Within segments, video surveillance systems represent the largest share, followed by access control systems.
- China: High economic growth, large population, and expanding industrial sector drive demand across all segments.
- India: Rapid urbanization, increased infrastructure spending, and rising security concerns stimulate market growth.
- Japan: Focus on high-tech solutions and advanced surveillance systems contributes to market expansion.
- South Korea: High adoption rates of cutting-edge technologies and robust security measures boost market growth.
Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Product Developments
The market witnesses continuous innovation, with new product launches focused on enhancing security features, improving user experience, and leveraging advanced technologies. AI-powered video analytics, cloud-based access control systems, and biometric authentication solutions are gaining significant traction. These advancements offer enhanced security, cost efficiency, and operational improvements, making them highly relevant to various sectors.
Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Market
The Asia-Pacific physical security market faces several challenges, including stringent regulatory hurdles for data privacy and cybersecurity, fragmented supply chains leading to potential disruptions, and intense competition from both established players and new entrants. These factors contribute to increased operational costs and hinder market penetration in certain segments. Specific regulatory impacts vary widely depending on the country.
Forces Driving Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Growth
Technological advancements in AI, IoT, and cloud computing are key drivers. Economic growth in major economies like China and India fuels demand for security solutions. Government regulations mandating stricter security protocols in critical infrastructure sectors further boost the market.
Long-Term Growth Catalysts in Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market
Strategic partnerships between established players and technology startups fuel innovation. The expansion of cloud-based security solutions facilitates scalability and cost-effectiveness. Government initiatives supporting smart city developments create significant opportunities for market expansion.
Emerging Opportunities in Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market
Growth opportunities exist in emerging markets like Vietnam and Indonesia. Demand for integrated security solutions, combining various technologies, is on the rise. The adoption of advanced analytics for threat prediction and proactive security management offers significant potential.
Leading Players in the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Sector
- Bosch Security Systems GmbH
- Dahua Technology Co Ltd
- Genetec Inc
- Honeywell International Inc
- Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd
- Johnson Controls
- HID Global Corporation
- Axis Communications AB
- NEC Corporation
- Schneider Electric
- Hanwha Group
Key Milestones in Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Industry
- August 2023: Verkada expands into South Korea, highlighting the growing demand for cloud-based physical security solutions.
- April 2023: Dahua launches a touchless access control solution, signifying the market's shift towards contactless security.
- March 2023: Genetec and Axis Communications partner to create a comprehensive access control solution, showcasing collaboration and market consolidation.
Strategic Outlook for Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Market
The Asia-Pacific physical security market holds immense potential for future growth, driven by continuous technological advancements, increasing urbanization, and rising cybersecurity concerns. Strategic opportunities lie in developing innovative solutions catering to emerging market needs, fostering strategic partnerships to leverage technological expertise, and capitalizing on government initiatives promoting smart city development and national security infrastructure upgrades.
Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Segmentation
-
1. System Type
-
1.1. Video Surveillance System
- 1.1.1. IP Surveillance
- 1.1.2. Analog Surveillance
- 1.1.3. Hybrid Surveillance
- 1.2. Physical Access Control System (PACS)
- 1.3. Biometric System
- 1.4. Perimeter Security
- 1.5. Intrusion Detection
-
1.1. Video Surveillance System
-
2. Service Type
- 2.1. Access Control-as-a-Service (ACaaS)
- 2.2. Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS)
-
3. Type of Deployment
- 3.1. On-premises
- 3.2. Cloud
-
4. Organization Size
- 4.1. SMEs
- 4.2. Large Enterprises
-
5. End-user Industry
- 5.1. Government Services
- 5.2. Banking and Financial Services
- 5.3. IT and Telecommunications
- 5.4. Transportation and Logistics
- 5.5. Retail
- 5.6. Healthcare
- 5.7. Residential
- 5.8. Other End-user Industries
Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Segmentation By Geography
-
1. Asia Pacific
- 1.1. China
- 1.2. Japan
- 1.3. South Korea
- 1.4. India
- 1.5. Australia
- 1.6. New Zealand
- 1.7. Indonesia
- 1.8. Malaysia
- 1.9. Singapore
- 1.10. Thailand
- 1.11. Vietnam
- 1.12. Philippines

Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 7.10% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Recognition of Physical Security Systems; Rising Adoption of IP-Based Cameras for Video Monitoring; Integration of AI and Video Analytics into Physical Security Systems for Enhanced Effectiveness
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Increasing Recognition of Physical Security Systems; Rising Adoption of IP-Based Cameras for Video Monitoring; Integration of AI and Video Analytics into Physical Security Systems for Enhanced Effectiveness
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Video Surveillance Systems Are Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by System Type
- 5.1.1. Video Surveillance System
- 5.1.1.1. IP Surveillance
- 5.1.1.2. Analog Surveillance
- 5.1.1.3. Hybrid Surveillance
- 5.1.2. Physical Access Control System (PACS)
- 5.1.3. Biometric System
- 5.1.4. Perimeter Security
- 5.1.5. Intrusion Detection
- 5.1.1. Video Surveillance System
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Service Type
- 5.2.1. Access Control-as-a-Service (ACaaS)
- 5.2.2. Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS)
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Deployment
- 5.3.1. On-premises
- 5.3.2. Cloud
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Organization Size
- 5.4.1. SMEs
- 5.4.2. Large Enterprises
- 5.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 5.5.1. Government Services
- 5.5.2. Banking and Financial Services
- 5.5.3. IT and Telecommunications
- 5.5.4. Transportation and Logistics
- 5.5.5. Retail
- 5.5.6. Healthcare
- 5.5.7. Residential
- 5.5.8. Other End-user Industries
- 5.6. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.6.1. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by System Type
- 6. Competitive Analysis
- 6.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 6.2. Company Profiles
- 6.2.1 Bosch Security Systems GmbH
- 6.2.1.1. Overview
- 6.2.1.2. Products
- 6.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.2 Dahua Technology Co Ltd
- 6.2.2.1. Overview
- 6.2.2.2. Products
- 6.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.3 Genetec Inc
- 6.2.3.1. Overview
- 6.2.3.2. Products
- 6.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.4 Honeywell International Inc
- 6.2.4.1. Overview
- 6.2.4.2. Products
- 6.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.5 Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd
- 6.2.5.1. Overview
- 6.2.5.2. Products
- 6.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.6 Johnson Controls
- 6.2.6.1. Overview
- 6.2.6.2. Products
- 6.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.7 HID Global Corporation
- 6.2.7.1. Overview
- 6.2.7.2. Products
- 6.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.8 Axis Communications AB
- 6.2.8.1. Overview
- 6.2.8.2. Products
- 6.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.9 NEC Corporation
- 6.2.9.1. Overview
- 6.2.9.2. Products
- 6.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.10 Schneider Electric
- 6.2.10.1. Overview
- 6.2.10.2. Products
- 6.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.11 Hanwha Grou
- 6.2.11.1. Overview
- 6.2.11.2. Products
- 6.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.1 Bosch Security Systems GmbH
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by System Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by System Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Service Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Service Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Type of Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Type of Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Organization Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Organization Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by System Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by System Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Service Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Service Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Type of Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Type of Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Organization Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Organization Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume Billion Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: China Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: China Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Japan Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Japan Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: South Korea Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: South Korea Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: India Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: India Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: Australia Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: Australia Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: New Zealand Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: New Zealand Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Indonesia Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Indonesia Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: Malaysia Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: Malaysia Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Singapore Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: Singapore Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: Thailand Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: Thailand Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 47: Vietnam Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 48: Vietnam Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 49: Philippines Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 50: Philippines Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market Volume (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 7.10%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market?
Key companies in the market include Bosch Security Systems GmbH, Dahua Technology Co Ltd, Genetec Inc, Honeywell International Inc, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd, Johnson Controls, HID Global Corporation, Axis Communications AB, NEC Corporation, Schneider Electric, Hanwha Grou.
3. What are the main segments of the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market?
The market segments include System Type, Service Type, Type of Deployment, Organization Size, End-user Industry.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD 39.45 Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Recognition of Physical Security Systems; Rising Adoption of IP-Based Cameras for Video Monitoring; Integration of AI and Video Analytics into Physical Security Systems for Enhanced Effectiveness.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Video Surveillance Systems Are Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Increasing Recognition of Physical Security Systems; Rising Adoption of IP-Based Cameras for Video Monitoring; Integration of AI and Video Analytics into Physical Security Systems for Enhanced Effectiveness.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
August 2023: Verkada, a prominent enterprise-building security and management solutions provider, announced its expansion into South Korea. To better serve the increasing demand for advanced cloud-based physical security solutions, the company announced the opening of a new office in Seoul. Its products include video security cameras, door-based access control, environmental sensors, alarms, intercom systems, and workplace management tools. These offerings work together seamlessly to deliver unmatched building security via a highly secure and integrated cloud-based software platform.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 4950, and USD 6800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in Billion.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence