Electronic security systems play a key role in the digital age – whether for protecting private homes, commercial properties or public facilities. Requirements are constantly increasing, and with them the demand for high-quality, standard-compliant and technically sophisticated solutions. The VSÖ – Association of Security Companies in Austria has been meeting these challenges for over 40 years. As an independent association, the VSÖ brings together companies and institutions that deal exclusively with security solutions in all conceivable forms – from mechanical security technology and security services to electronic security systems.
Within the VSÖ, the Electronics Specialist Group plays a central role. It brings together companies that specialise in the development, distribution and professional installation of electronic security systems. The range of services includes classic burglar and intrusion alarm systems as well as modern video surveillance and access control systems. The specialist group ensures that these systems meet the highest requirements – not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of quality, standard compliance and legal compliance. A key feature of the specialist group is its clear focus on tested standards: Only products and systems that have undergone intensive testing by experts and have been approved by the VSÖ Technical Commission are included in the freely accessible VSÖ product database. This offers customers, authorities and insurance companies a high degree of transparency and security.
The Electronics Expert Group is also actively involved in the development of guidelines that are binding for the Austrian market. These VSÖ or OVE guidelines apply primarily where there are currently no or only insufficient legal requirements. They define the applicable minimum standard and are regularly referred to in court or by experts in the event of disputes. In this way, they make an active contribution to increasing legal certainty and standardisation in the industry. These guidelines are binding from the moment they are published and are a key instrument for quality assurance in the security industry.
However, the VSÖ does not just write guidelines – it also ensures that they are implemented. It does this by providing targeted information to relevant stakeholders such as authorities, insurance companies, firms and consumers, and by participating in legislative processes. Seminars, conferences, installation audits and the testing and certification of installation companies round off the range of services. In this way, the association actively contributes to ensuring that security solutions are not only technically innovative, but also sustainably quality-assured and practical.
The member companies of the Electronics Division voluntarily commit themselves to complying with these high standards. They stand for technical competence, innovative strength and many years of experience. Many of the members are active not only in Austria but also internationally and contribute their expertise to the further development of security solutions. In an increasingly networked and hybrid working environment, electronic security is becoming more complex – from data protection and cybersecurity to intelligent access solutions. The Electronics Division is responding to this development with systematic training, practical guidelines and a consistent focus on international standards.
The organisational structure of the VSÖ is clearly defined. The association consists of three divisions: Electronic Security Systems, Mechanical and Mechatronic Security Devices and Security Service Providers. Each specialist group contributes its specific expertise to the overall work of the association. This creates an interdisciplinary platform for comprehensive security in Austria. The Electronics Specialist Group covers all companies involved in the planning, installation, maintenance and distribution of electronic security systems – from regional specialist installers to international system providers.
The VSÖ sees itself as a platform for improving quality for the benefit of society as a whole. Its vision is clear: greater security through higher standards – for the benefit of its member companies, their customers and society as a whole. Products approved by the VSÖ guarantee tested quality and legal certainty. The associated product database is publicly accessible and offers all market participants reliable guidance.
At the same time, the association creates a climate of trust through constant monitoring of compliance with norms and standards – both within the industry and vis-à-vis politicians, administrators and end customers. The association is led by an executive board consisting of the three chairpersons of the specialist groups.
The board currently consists of Herbert Maté (mechanics specialist group), Mag. Martin Wiesinger (security service providers specialist group) and Ing. Jürgen Leimer, MSc (electronics specialist group). Day-to-day business is handled by the general secretariat, which is staffed by Robert Grabovszki, BSc MBA as general secretary and Robert Redmann, B.A. as office & communications manager.
The Electronics Section of the VSÖ is therefore a prime example of the association’s claim to offer security with a system, responsibility and vision. In an environment of growing threat scenarios – both physical and digital – companies and private individuals need more than ever a reliable partner who not only relies on state-of-the-art technology, but also on clearly defined and controlled standards. The VSÖ offers exactly that – and, with its Electronics Specialist Group, provides future-proof solutions throughout Austria.
Systematic security. Certified security. That is what the VSÖ – Association of Security Companies in Austria – has stood for for over four decades, with a clear vision of the future.
