With the acquisition of Unified Communications Radio Suite (UCRS) from Conet Communications GmbH, Hexagon AB is further expanding its public safety offering and creating an end-to-end control centre solution from a single source. UCRS is a proven, high-performance software platform that consolidates a wide range of communication channels in control centres – from traditional telephone networks (PBX) to digital radio networks and mobile communications to satellite connections, video surveillance (CCTV) and public address systems.
For emergency dispatch centres, the integration of UCRS into Hexagon’s existing public safety platform means that telephony, radio, video streams and internal alarm messages will be seamlessly available in a single user interface. Dispatchers thus gain a complete picture of the situation without any media breaks: an incoming emergency call or alarm message can be forwarded to the appropriate emergency services at the touch of a button – whether the fire brigade, ambulance service, police or specialised units for chemical accidents and technical assistance.
The Kassel Fire Department, for example, already relies on the combined Hexagon Conet solution and benefits from short response times and clear control of all communication channels. According to Norbert Hanke, Interim President and CEO of Hexagon, the ability to ‘offer seamless communication as a cornerstone of modern incident management’ is crucial for success in complex operational scenarios.
Technical specifications and integration advantages
UCRS supports a wide range of interfaces: in addition to the integration of SIP-based PBX systems and digital police radio networks, video surveillance systems from a wide range of manufacturers can be connected and data from control centre information systems (CAD) can be imported. The open architecture uses modern microservices and web technologies so that updates and enhancements can be installed without interrupting live operations.
In combination with Hexagon’s control system modules for GIS-supported operations planning, resource management and mobile device connectivity, this creates a continuously scalable platform that can be flexibly rolled out depending on the size of the authority and the regional infrastructure – from compact control centres at district level to supra-regional command centres.
Economic framework
Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial (SIG) business group will operate the UCRS business as a separate segment from the closing date. Around 50 specialists at Conet will be responsible for product development, customer support and system integration. Hexagon expects the acquired portfolio to generate revenue of around EUR 10 million in 2025, with margins in line with the existing SIG business.
This acquisition allows Hexagon to seamlessly continue its growth in the public safety sector: with solutions for control centre management, incident management and mobile operations management, the company already serves over 200 municipalities and public authorities worldwide. UCRS complements this portfolio with a mature unified communications component that was previously developed and sold by Conet under its own brand.
Regulatory and timing outlook
The acquisition of the software assets is still subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, but is expected to become legally effective by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Following closing, Hexagon plans to gradually merge the support and sales organisations to smoothly transition Conet’s existing customers into the global Hexagon service structure.
Outlook
With the integration of UCRS, Hexagon is sending a clear signal: next-generation control centre software must consolidate all communication channels while remaining agile and expandable. Public authorities and emergency response centres that already rely on digital radio, satellite communication and video integration will find the combined Hexagon-Conet solution a powerful tool for further reducing response times, optimising operational workflows and consolidating all media streams in an intuitive user interface. In addition, future developments – such as AI-supported speech recognition, automatic situation generation or predictive analytics modules – can be implemented directly on the shared platform. The acquisition of UCRS is therefore not just a technology purchase, but a milestone on the road to fully networked and digitalised emergency communications.
