ASSA ABLOY and Kentix redefine security

‘We combine access, fire, environmental and network monitoring in a single platform.’

With the integration of Kentix, ASSA ABLOY is sending a strategic signal in the market for highly networked security solutions. Both companies are combining their strengths to create a comprehensive technological approach that holistically addresses physical security requirements in data centres and critical infrastructures. Kentix brings with it a mature IoT platform that consolidates central security functions in a single architecture, thereby significantly reducing complexity, costs and effort. ASSA ABLOY expands this technological foundation with global presence, established sales channels and many years of experience in securing sensitive environments. For operators, this creates an integrated security ecosystem that enables early threat detection, high scalability and consistent compliance processes. At the same time, Kentix will remain in place as a location, team and driver of innovation – thus becoming a central component of a joint, future-oriented security strategy.

How can complex security requirements in data centres and critical infrastructures be efficiently bundled? In an interview with Euro Security, Joachim Mahlstedt, Chief Commercial Officer DAS at ASSA ABLOY / Managing Director Kentix GmbH, and Thomas Fritz, Managing Director Kentix GmbH, provide exciting insights: They explain the advantages of integrating KentixONE for customers, how the technology will be incorporated into ASSA ABLOY’s global portfolio, and what prospects this opens up for employees and markets. A look behind the scenes of a partnership that redefines security.

ES: Congratulations on the acquisition: Why did ASSA ABLOY choose Kentix – and why now?

Mahlstedt: “Thank you very much. The acquisition of Kentix fits perfectly with ASSA ABLOY’s strategic focus on strengthening our position in the field of digital security solutions for data centres and critical infrastructures. Kentix has outstanding IoT platform expertise and agile innovative strength – this is precisely the kind of technological expertise we wanted to add to our portfolio. The integration also opens up new markets and sales channels in the EMEIA region, which comes at a very good time. Customers now benefit from a comprehensive portfolio of innovative ASSA ABLOY and Kentix solutions.”

ES: What specific goals are you pursuing with the integration of Kentix into the ASSA ABLOY Group?

Mahlstedt: “On the one hand, we want to preserve Kentix’s technological excellence and agility – we have identified these values as very important. Secondly, we want to drive forward scaling together with Kentix: we see enormous potential in data centre solutions, in distributed infrastructures (edge, PoP sites) and in the critical infrastructure (KRITIS) environment, and ASSA ABLOY’s global orientation will enable us to roll out these solutions more quickly internationally.”

ES: What will change for Kentix customers and employees as a result of the acquisition – for example, will the location remain the same and will the team stay on?

Mahlstedt: “Yes – we have expressly emphasised that the location in Idar-Oberstein will remain and the existing Kentix team will continue. For our customers, this means that their trusted contacts will remain the same, while we create additional resources and development opportunities. For employees, new opportunities will arise thanks to ASSA ABLOY’s international framework.‘

ES: Let’s move on to the technological side: KentixONE is described as an ’8-in-1″ physical security platform – can you explain which eight security functions this refers to?

Fritz: “Gladly. The KentixONE platform combines eight conventional security and surveillance systems in one IoT solution. These include access control, intrusion alarms, video surveillance, network monitoring, environmental monitoring, early fire detection, performance monitoring and external fault alerts.

These are essentially the systems that are most important for monitoring critical digital infrastructures, e.g. edge data centres, distributed infrastructures in telecommunications and utilities, but also industrial applications.

ES: What specific role does KentixONE play in the data centre environment – and what requirements can it address?

Fritz: “In the data centre environment, physical security is just as important as IT security. With KentixONE, we can proactively monitor over 40 physical hazards – from unauthorised access, fire risks and environmental conditions to power failures. In addition, the platform supports standards such as ISO 27001, EN 50600 and legal requirements such as NIS-2 and CER – precisely the environment in which operators of data centres and critical infrastructures operate.”

In the environment of data centres and critical infrastructures, KentixONE offers a highly targeted, cost-effective and easily integrable solution with many relevant functions for physical security. In contrast to the large ‘all-purpose’ PSIM systems, which offer an extremely broad base and depth, KentixONE is specifically tailored to such environments – and is therefore less complex, expensive and time-consuming.

ES: Integration into existing IT/OT infrastructures is often a challenge – how does KentixONE address this challenge?

Fritz: “At KentixONE, great importance is attached to seamless integration. The software can be run on-premise as a hardware appliance or Docker container, offers open interfaces (REST API) and is compatible with existing systems. The software-defined hardware (SDH) architecture also enables flexible scaling and resilience. Even if individual network segments fail, central security functions remain active. At Kentix, we also offer a complete system kit with IoT-based sensors and actuators for almost any requirement for securing critical infrastructures. This makes integration into our customers’ infrastructure very easy. We have been pioneers in the field of integrated physical security solutions for many years. With our Kentix MultiSensor, we have revolutionised and significantly simplified the monitoring of IT, technical and infrastructure rooms. Over the past 15 years, the Kentix MultiSensor has protected many companies from failures and total losses.

ES : What are the specific benefits for customers – for example, in terms of costs, operation or efficiency?

Fritz: With KentixONE, KRITIS and data centre operators can significantly reduce their costs by consolidating multiple security systems into a single platform.

Operation is simplified because all alarms and systems are managed centrally in a single interface, reducing maintenance and integration efforts.

At the same time, efficiency is increased: hazards are detected earlier, operations can be planned in a more targeted manner and the number of false alarms is reduced.

For distributed locations, KentixONE offers a uniform operating and security concept that significantly accelerates rollouts and expansions.

The platform also makes it easier to meet compliance and audit requirements, as physical security evidence is centralised and provided consistently. Overall, operators of critical infrastructures thus benefit from safer, more transparent and significantly leaner operational management at greatly reduced costs.

ES: What role does the acquisition of Kentix play in ASSA ABLOY’s overall security portfolio?

Mahlstedt: “The integration of Kentix complements our access and entry solution portfolio with digitalised IoT monitoring functions – especially for data centres and critical infrastructures. This enables us to offer our customers not only mechanical or electronic door and access controls, but also a comprehensive monitoring and security ecosystem. In short, we are expanding our offering from access to comprehensive physical infrastructure security.‘

ES: What areas of innovation or further development do you see in the future with this combination of ASSA ABLOY + Kentix?

Mahlstedt: ’We see several exciting areas:

Firstly, scaling into new markets – edge data centres, distributed infrastructures, international growth.

Secondly, the further development of the KentixONE platform – e.g. extended visualisation (building and facility plans), AI/analytics functions, even deeper integration into OT/IT environments.

Thirdly, we see the interaction with access solutions from ASSA ABLOY – in other words, a holistic ‘physical & digital security’ approach.”

ES: Finally, what message would you like to convey to Euro Security readers – especially those responsible for security in data centres and critical infrastructures?

Fritz: “My appeal is this: physical security and digital surveillance are growing together – anyone who operates data centres or critical facilities today cannot ignore this interaction.

By combining access, fire, environmental and network monitoring in a single platform, KentixONE sets a clear example for future viability, scalability and efficiency. And with ASSA ABLOY as a partner, operators have access to an international network and resources. Take advantage of this development to make your infrastructures resilient and secure.”

ES: Thank you for talking to us.