- Specialist sectors develop very differently
- Sluggish construction industry remains the biggest obstacle
- Growth potential lies in digitalisation and renovation
In 2024, the market for electronic security technology in Germany recorded a 3.4 percent increase in sales to just over 5.5 billion euros.
‘Overall, security technology in Germany is once again growing at a slightly slower pace than in the previous year,’ says Dirk Dingfelder, Chairman of the ZVEI Security Association. ‘This can be attributed to the continuing sluggish construction industry. Recovery is only gradually coming into sight here,’ says Axel Schmidt, CEO of BHE, explaining the current situation.
The signs for construction are currently brightening somewhat: ‘Building permits for new construction have recently risen by four percent, albeit from a very low level,’ says Schmidt. In functional construction and the public sector, the recovery is only slowly gaining momentum. ‘At present, the industry is benefiting from renovations and construction measures in existing buildings,’ adds Dingfelder. “In this respect, we welcome the special fund for infrastructure. However, we need to pick up the pace. Regulatory hurdles must be removed so that action can be taken quickly and efficiently.”
Networking and digitalisation play a key role in the safety technology industry. The industry shapes these developments through standards, among other things. These standards establish regulations for remote services, for example.
The legal framework remains a particular challenge for the development of the industry. ‘The European Construction Products Regulation presents us with new processes and new criteria in terms of standardisation. The digital product passport is coming, and the issue of sustainability will be implemented,’ says Dingfelder. Schmidt adds: “In addition to new services and solutions, digitalisation can also help to compensate somewhat for the gaps caused by the existing shortage of skilled workers. It cannot close them. It will remain an open flank for the industry.”
Differences in growth between the individual trades
Sales of fire alarm technology – by far the largest security technology trade, which is also heavily dependent on the construction industry – grew by 3.4 percent to 2.6 billion euros in 2024. Voice alarm systems increased their sales by 3.8 percent to 138 million euros.
Video systems recorded an increase of 3.8 percent to 820 million euros. The diverse application possibilities and flexibility of video security technologies in combination with other technologies ensure steady growth. The positive trend in access control systems is noteworthy, with above-average growth of 5.2 percent to 510 million euros.
By contrast, the development of intrusion and burglar alarm systems was somewhat more subdued: although sales rose to €920 million in 2024, representing a moderate increase of 2.2 per cent, the result once again remained below the market average.
Smoke and heat extraction systems, including natural ventilation (RWA/NL), stagnated at 177 million euros. In contrast, other technologies such as call systems in accordance with DIN VDE 0834, escape door systems, personal alarm systems and other systems and components grew significantly, with an increase of 4.3 percent.
