SimonsVoss Technologies AG - Experts & Thought Leaders

Digital locking specialist SimonsVoss has launched the FORTLOX Series, a new mechatronic locking system designed to help organisations strengthen security across technical infrastructure sites with remote assets and distributed estates. At the centre of the system is the FORTLOX Cylinder, a thumb-turn-free and battery-free digital cylinder powered directly by the multifunctional FORTLOX Key. Together, the system delivers a freely programmable digital access solution that can be managed centrally or locally via software and mobile app. Mechanical key management The FORTLOX Key combines multiple functions within a single device, operating as a programmable key, active transponder, BLE communication interface and optional RFID credential. Designed for indoor and outside environments where operational resilience, flexibility and accountability are critical, the FORTLOX system offers a modern alternative to traditional mechanical locking systems, making access simple and secure across complex technical sites. The launch comes as organisations face increasing pressure to strengthen physical security, manage changing access permissions and reduce the operational burden associated with mechanical key management. Simplifying access management According to SimonsVoss, the system is particularly suited to infrastructure and remote locations where secure, controlled access is required for engineers, contractors and maintenance teams across multiple sites. Applications for the FORTLOX Series include data centres, transformer substations, server cabinets, cable distribution cabinets, EV charging infrastructure and remote or infrequently accessed technical facilities where secure and traceable access is essential. By enabling organisations to issue, update and revoke access permissions remotely, the FORTLOX system is designed to help reduce unnecessary site visits, improve auditability and simplify access management across distributed estates Reducing maintenance requirements Bruce Donald, UK and Ireland Country Manager at SimonsVoss, said: “Many organisations responsible for critical infrastructure and distributed estates are still relying on traditional mechanical locking systems that can be difficult to manage at scale.” “FORTLOX has been developed to provide a more flexible and resilient approach to access control, helping organisations improve security, simplify access management and reduce maintenance requirements without major disruption to existing infrastructure.” Managing multiple locations “The ability to centrally manage permissions, quickly issue temporary access rights and retrofit existing cylinders makes the system particularly valuable for facilities and infrastructure operators managing multiple locations.” The FORTLOX Series has been developed as an extension of SimonsVoss System 3060 and can be integrated with wider SimonsVoss locking components including Digital Cylinder AX, SmartHandle AX Advanced and SmartRelay 3.

Squire Locks USA has appointed Channel Championz, founded by security industry veteran Jerry Burhans, to lead its expansion into the North American critical infrastructure market. Burhans, a seasoned industry executive with leadership roles at ISONAS, SimonsVoss, and ASSA ABLOY, brings over 30 years of experience in the U.S. security hardware and access control market. He will lead Squire’s North American expansion, with a focus on transportation, utilities, telecommunications, and other mission-critical infrastructure sectors. Squire’s Stronghold® series With 245 years of lock-making experience in the United Kingdom, Squire is recognised for its hard-wearing, industrial padlocks, including the world’s strongest production padlock, the S100CS. But beyond strength, Squire is also one of the few manufacturers whose padlocks undergo the rigorous EN12320 European testing standards for real-world attack resistance. These criteria are often more demanding and application-relevant than many U.S. benchmarks. “Squire’s Stronghold® series brings a level of mechanical security this market hasn’t seen in years,” said Burhans. “These aren’t just strong padlocks, they’re engineered and tested to survive in the real world. We’re talking about products that can resist drilling, cutting, sawing, freezing and corrosion, certified to EN12320 Grade 6, which goes far beyond U.S. standards. In critical infrastructure, that level of protection matters.” Squire’s inigma smart access control system Channel Championz will focus on introducing the Stronghold line to the U.S. market, alongside Squire’s inigma smart access control system. inigma enables users to manage access to compatible padlocks via Bluetooth, using a secure smart key programmed through a dedicated mobile app. Designed specifically for critical infrastructure applications, inigma eliminates the need for managing multiple physical keys across remote or dispersed sites. Just as importantly, the system offers centralised control and detailed audit trails, supporting compliance with NERC-CIP standards that require strict logging and traceability of access to protected utility assets. Security hardware distributors “Squire is bringing something security hardware distributors haven’t seen in a long time,” added Burhans. “An independent, family-owned manufacturer that’s technically sophisticated, strategically focused and truly committed to its U.S. partners.” “Distributors today aren’t just looking for a product, they’re looking for a partner who answers the phone, provides knowledgeable support and builds long-term relationships. You’re not dealing with a revolving door of salespeople or a diluted corporate structure. You’re getting consistent expertise, direct access to decision-makers, and a brand that’s here to invest in the channel, not bypass it.” High-performance security solutions John Squire, Global CEO at Squire, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with the Channel Championz team and to leverage Jerry’s expertise in this sector. They understand the value of strong distributor relationships and staying close to the customer, which aligns perfectly with Squire’s approach of building a long-term presence rooted in trust, service and performance." "Squire Locks USA is deeply committed to serving the North American market. This expansion underscores the company’s long-term dedication to providing North American critical infrastructure customers with trusted, high-performance security solutions to safeguard the systems that millions rely on every day.”

Verkada, a pioneer in cloud-based physical security solutions, announced a new integration with SimonsVoss SmartIntego wireless locks at its VerkadaOne London conference. An extension of its flagship conference in the United States, VerkadaOne London convened more than 400 IT and physical security pioneers to connect and learn about new solutions from Verkada that are empowering physical security pioneers to be more proactive and efficient than ever. Partnership with SimonsVoss "I'm proud to showcase the breadth and depth of our product offering here in Europe at VerkadaOne London," said Ardon Anderson, Verkada's Vice President of EMEA. "Our new partnership with SimonsVoss will unlock new potential for us as our Access Control offering continues to grow, and help make it even easier to deploy seamless, enterprise-grade solutions at scale." Verkada's platform controls Verkada's platform controls access for more than 3.7 million users and checks in 1.5 million visitors Verkada's platform controls access for more than 3.7 million users and checks in more than 1.5 million visitors every month.  The company's partnership with SimonsVoss expands its existing network of wireless lock integrations and will make it even easier for organisations across Europe to adopt Verkada's enterprise-scale access control solution without the need for rewiring. Integration with Verkada's video security products Like Verkada's other wireless lock integrations, SimonsVoss and Verkada together allow customers to remotely unlock doors, see live door events, manage door schedules and access, trigger a lockdown, monitor battery levels, and more. Native integration with Verkada's video security products also provides customers with unique visibility into door events and user activity, making it easy to detect, for example, if someone tailgates in behind an authorised user, or has picked up another person's keycard. Expansions of Verkada's cloud-based software platform This new integration also builds on recent improvements and expansions of Verkada's cloud-based software platform that have been focused on entry experience and access control, including: Deeper integration between Verkada Guest and Access Control, allowing customers to issue temporary visitor credentials via mobile link or physical badge. Support for third-party OSDP door readers for greater flexibility and interoperability. Door Exceptions and Access Level APIs to automate access control operations.

There was another big trade show last week –  the four-day Security Essen event in Germany. I didn’t attend, but several of my SourceSecurity.com colleagues report it was a busy show from start to finish, with the halls devoted to video/CCTV and access control dominating the show. The other halls were quieter, with smaller stands. Hot topics included big data, machine learning, mobile credentials, storage and an emphasis on solutions (rather than products). The exhibit hall was a bit of a maze, but attendees managed to find their way to the various stands. Three big companies – Bosch, Siemens and Honeywell – were conspicuously absent from their usual large role at Security Essen, and there was mixed feedback about the impact of their absence on the larger show. Without three gigantic stands to concentrate the footfall, attendees seemed more spread out than clustered. Hands-on, technical displays Hands-on displays with plenty of technical detail were the norm, encouraging attendees to interact with the products. The ASSA ABLOY stand, huge as always, reflected the continuing popularity of key systems in the German, Swiss and Austrian markets. ASSA ABLOY’s Yale also featured a home automation zone. Hands-on displays with plentyof technical detail were thenorm, encouraging attendeesto interact with the products Hikvision envisions cameras coming very soon with “deep learning” capabilities. These cameras, combined with big data applications, are the future of smart traffic systems, for example. Deep learning systems will replace traditional licence plate recognition (ANPR) and analyse electronic data about cars, rather than relying on number plates, says the company. Hikvision also highlighted multi-sensor cameras that can cover a large area and reduce the cost-per-channel – they have big projects in China and Southeast Asia. Hikvision’s privacy masking functionality is popular in Europe because of privacy regulations. Fujifilm demonstrated its impressive zoom lens series, featuring 60x zoom, long focal length and full HD quality, for use in airports and perimeter protection. Stabilisation is important with zoom because even slight movement can have a large effect, says the company. In Fujifilm lenses, the stabilisation is optical-based (in the lens), rather than software-based. Another stand that drew attention was Nedap, where a tiered seating area was provided for visitors to view video projected on a back wall. New laws in the Netherlands and France require that no information can go outside government buildings, thus requiring closed security systems, according to Nedap. It’s a trend likely to follow in the European Union, with similar laws potentially impacting hospitals and banking as well as government, says Nedap. This is why they are working with partner AET Europe to ensure that encrypted communications are secure between all elements of an IT-based access control system. Solutions – not just products The need to provide solutions rather than “just products” was a repeated theme. One solutions provider is MOBOTIX, which highlighted a new corporate design with fresher and more unified branding. The solutions approach includes analytics and people counting embedded for inventory optimisation and business intelligence. MOBOTIX is releasing new plug-and-play bundles to combat the perception that the company’s technology is not easy to use. There is also a 4K bundle with NAS (network attached) storage – all preconfigured; just power it up and it will run. MOBOTIX is releasing new plug-and-play bundles tocombat the perception thatthe company’s technologyis not easy to use Sony also offered solutions, including their intelligent approach to 4K, which they say overcomes traditional concerns with the higher-resolution technology. Sony also displayed “glass-to-glass” technology, streaming 4K cameras directly to a screen with no PC in between. Even with the company shifting to end-to-end solutions, their cameras are still at the core of the portfolio, including an accent on low-light and changing light conditions. Adding ROI was another hot topic for exhibitors. MOBOTIX emphasised its process monitoring capabilities, as did Geutebrück. VIVOTEK highlighted combining a people-counting solution with other retail data for business intelligence. Contrary to the focus on solutions was LTV Europe, a video company that keeps the attention on products. LTV emphasises personal service and a fresh approach rather than competing with bigger providers. Focus on storage and automation The themes my colleagues heard at Security Essen were not unlike those we heard recently at ASIS and earlier this year at IFSEC and even ISC West. More companies are looking to expand into non-traditional applications beyond security, such as asset tracking and logistics/delivery. Another example: Sony suggested using video to monitor rivers and lakes water levels for flood warnings. Quantum is keeping itsattention on storage, whileaddressing the IT department’sneed for data protection Quantum is keeping its attention on storage, while addressing the IT department’s need for data protection. The new StorNext scalable storage system, which can handle 4K, integrates various tiers of storage appropriate to varying workflows and business needs. For example, retrieval can be faster for more valuable data, thus maximising value while minimising the overall cost. Allegion is rolling out products that combine electronic and mechanical locks from subsidiary SimonsVoss and the Allegion portfolios. Allegion wants to position itself as electronic access control expert. Paxton highlighted a building automation system, Paxton net10, which is aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and works on mobile credentials as well as cards. They’re looking to build this kind of technology into future products. Another company, AxxonSoft, is pushing strongly to establish its brand in the United States – something to watch in 2017. SALTO also highlighted cloud-based mobile access control: They have developed a Keys as a Service system, SALTO KS, which allows businesses to grant access remotely while viewing a video of the door. Four busy days in Germany Security Essen is an international show, but the emphasis was on German, Austrian and Swiss companies and larger companies targeting those markets. There was more of a continental Europe “flavour” compared to IFSEC’s focus on the U.K. market. Four days is a long time for a trade show – my feet are shot after two and a half days! But my colleagues agree it was time well spent, if for nothing else than getting to watch an 8-foot-tall robot dance around Hall 3.