Accessing the future EVVA

ACCESSING ThE FuTuRE

For almost 100 years EVVA has been a market leader in security and access technologies. As an independent family owned business, the company continues to lead the field in electronic access solutions for a broad range of industrial and domestic applications. Philip Yorke reports on a dynamic organisation with a firm focus on the future.

EVVA was founded in Austria in 1919 and has grown to become a global frontrunner in the design and manufacture of both mechanical and electrical security systems. The company is headquartered in Vienna and employs over 800 people, of which around 500 are based in Austria. EVVA is a truly global player with a strong European presence that is backed up with extensive distribution and service centres worldwide. The company’s key product categories are Electronic access solutions, Mechanical locking systems and Supplementary security devices. In 2017 EVVA recorded sales of more than €120 million.

Smarter integrated systems

Smarter integrated electronic systems offer the greatest scope for EVVA and represent the largest single market sector out of its key strategic business sectors. These include access integration systems, security technology, security surveillance technology and security locking technology. The company’s advanced integrated security technologies can be used to best advantage in areas such as civil construction, hotels, education and healthcare.

The consumer security market is also seeing strong growth with private households demanding more sophisticated solutions such as fully integrated surveillance systems that can be connected to a laptop, tablet or PC and available on the same platforms as those used for opening garage doors and switching on the heating etc. Greater versatility

In August this year, EVVA’s electronic security systems range was extended with its advanced electronic cam lock, which can be integrated into any of the company’s well-known AirKey and Xesar systems. “This means that EVVA’s electronic product range is becoming more versatile than ever,” said Sabine Ribits, product manager at EVVA. “Whether it is for sensitive areas such as pharmaceutical cabinets, display cases with valuable contents at jewellers, or even lockers in sports facilities or letterboxes, our latest electronic cam locks are the ideal addition to our Xesar or AirKey access control systems.

“Today these systems are simple to install and even easier to manage with their latest software as they are integrated just like most other electronic components. Here at the EVVA headquarters in Vienna we provide the best example as we offer ‘pick-up’ lockers at the shipping department that are equipped with electronic cam-locks. As a result, EVVA employees in Vienna can pick up their goods 24/7 whenever it suits them and no longer need to observe opening times,” Ribits added.

All-in-one solution

The new electronic cam-lock from EVVA can be readily adapted depending upon the installation in question thanks to its shorter cylinder length. The company’s fixed cam (FVS) is also another new feature. Here the thumb turn is blocked when the cam lock is disengaged. In addition, any locking operation as part of this function is logged in compliance with data protection regulations.

“One key objective was to offer our partners an important all-in-one product extension without complicating our ordering processes. For this reason, locking direction and cam lock designs are orientated to the EVVA mechanical locking systems. Furthermore, all cams from our mechanical locking system range are also available for the electronic cam lock and are available in three different variants,” added Ribits.

Delivering a smarter future

It is clear that smarter electronic systems will continue to be the most significant drivers for growth in the future. In combination with smart phones there will be an infinite range of new opportunities on offer. This is particularly true of the security industry. Today customers know precisely what they want. This is where convenience and easy accessibility are paramount. Ideally these features combine with an easy-to-operate interface and simple to set up procedures.

EVVA told Industry Europe, “The Internet of Things is affecting more and more areas of our daily life. Smart buildings with automated access control systems are already a reality and thus no longer a vision of the future. The smartphone is the key to integrated digital living. Today lights are switched off as soon as the property door is locked and air conditioning systems are de-activated when a door has been open for more than five minutes. The future means that fridges will automatically order milk and heating systems will increase the temperature shortly before occupants return. These market trends are also vital for security.”

“The opportunities for industry and for consumers alike are infinite and today people are demanding one thing more than anything else: greater convenience. Constant change is EVVA’s permanent companion and EVVA today is focused on creating greater data protection security, smarter buildings that link individual devices and more user friendly characteristics that range from perfect calibration to automatic battery replacements and straight-forward and flexible access options for an ageing population.”

Focus on digital services

EVVA plans to continue to drive ahead with greater digitalisation and last year established a dedicated Digital Services Division. Gunther Glawar has been Executive Vice-President/CDO of this new division since September 2017. “Our success as a reliable partner is ultimately based on the fact that we have been developing patents since day one to drive forward innovations that centre around our customer’s needs. For this reason we aim to make ideal use of the opportunities and options digitalisation brings about for our company and our customers. We are delighted to have appointed Gunther Galwar as an acclaimed expert in this field,” added Stefan Ehrlich-Adam, CEO of the EVVA group. n

For further details of EVVA’s latest products and services visit: www.evva.com