How Verkada and SimonsVoss are redefining access in the DACH region
Digital access control meets smart video surveillance: Verkada’s entry into the DACH region and its close partnership with SimonsVoss marks the beginning of a new chapter in modern security technology. Together, the two companies are committed to simple integration, uncompromising quality and future-oriented solutions. In an exclusive interview with Euro Security, Jake Leichtling, Director of Product Access Control at Verkada, and Henning Mutz, International Sales Manager at SimonsVoss, talk about technological synergies, advantages for end customers and their vision for the connected security of the future.
Euro Security: Welcome, gentlemen. Today we are talking about Verkada’s development since entering the DACH region and the exciting collaboration with SimonsVoss. Mr Leichtling, Mr Mutz – how would you describe the market launch and the response so far?
Jake Leichtling (Verkada): Thank you very much. Our launch in the DACH region was characterised by curiosity and high expectations right from the start. We focused on how our cloud-based video and security platform could be integrated with existing systems – always with a clear focus on our partners.
In the DACH region in particular, where the market functions via established partner networks, it was crucial to build on existing expertise. The response has been very positive – customers and partners particularly appreciate the seamless integration.
Henning Mutz (SimonsVoss): I couldn’t agree more.
At SimonsVoss, we are very familiar with the challenges in the field of access control. One of the biggest hurdles is installation – many components have to work together perfectly, from low-voltage cabling to individual door solutions. That’s why it was a logical step for us to work with Verkada and contribute our expertise in intelligent locking systems.
Euro Security: Mr Mutz, what do you see as the biggest advantages of this partnership – for both companies and especially for end customers?
Henning Mutz: First of all, our SmartIntego product line – consisting of digital door handles, cylinders, padlocks and SmartLockers – greatly simplifies installation. These solutions are robust, durable and significantly reduce installation time.
Combined with Verkada’s powerful cloud platform, the result is a complete system that connects modern hardware with intelligent software. End customers benefit from an integrated approach that combines video analysis, intercom functions and sensor technology – all centrally and efficiently manageable.
Jake Leichtling: SimonsVoss is a partner that sets the highest standards in quality, battery performance and support.
Our beta tests show that the integration works smoothly – from the door controller to the SmartIntego hardware. We don’t want to mix products, but rather enable the strengths of both systems to work together optimally. Simplicity and intuition are at the heart of this.
Euro Security: Mr Mutz, you mentioned the complexity of installations. Can you explain that in more detail?
Henning Mutz: Conventional access control systems usually require complex cabling and structural modifications. Our wireless components enable significantly faster and more cost-efficient installation – often in locations where digital access control was previously not possible. Our customers particularly appreciate this flexibility.
Jake Leichtling: That fits perfectly with our platform: it enables all security-related data to be managed centrally – including AI-based analyses and automations. This not only gives customers a high level of user-friendliness, but also deep insights into their security infrastructure. We believe that this combination of intelligent hardware and smart software is the key to the security solution of the future.
Euro Security: How do you ensure that your platforms remain open and flexible so that third-party solutions can also be integrated?
Jake Leichtling: Our philosophy is based on customer choice and interoperability. Our access solutions are compatible with a wide range of reader and door systems, including those from third-party providers. We support standards such as ONVIF and offer open interfaces so that customers can combine the best system for their needs.
Henning Mutz: We also believe in openness. Our products already integrate successfully with other major brands such as Schlage (Allegion), which demonstrates how flexible our systems are. This enables our customers to choose exactly the solution that best meets their requirements.
Euro Security: How do you secure the expertise surrounding your solutions – both internally and for your partners?
Henning Mutz: Training and further education are essential for us. We offer regular training courses – also in collaboration with Verkada – to ensure that our technical, sales and partner teams are up to speed with the new solutions. A comprehensive training programme is set to start shortly, which will teach the functions and integration in a practical manner.
Jake Leichtling: Knowledge transfer is also central to our approach. Only when our partners understand the full potential of our cloud platform can they use it to its fullest. That’s why we invest heavily in training and support – transparent, practical and collaborative.
Euro Security: Looking to the future, what can customers and partners expect in the coming months?
Jake Leichtling: We will continue to expand our platform, for example through additional integrations with video, intercom and sensor systems. The goal is a comprehensive, easy-to-use security system that covers all areas.
Henning Mutz: We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and continuing to invest in production ‘Made in Germany’.
Together with Verkada, we are planning joint trade fair appearances – including in Munich – to raise the profile of our integrated security solutions concept even further.
Euro Security: Thank you very much, Mr Leichtling and Mr Mutz, for this in-depth insight. It is impressive to see how you are combining your strengths and working together to further develop the security market in the DACH region.
Jake Leichtling: Thank you very much – we look forward to the next steps and firmly believe that this partnership can change the market in the long term.
Henning Mutz: Thank you very much from me too. The collaboration shows that together we are stronger – for our customers, our partners and the entire industry.
The interview was conducted at the Verkada One event by Dr Claudia Mrozek, SEC Global.