International manufacturer of access control and enterprise data recording solutions Kaba AG will leverage existing partnerships and a solid track record of superior technical expertise to engage the broader African market – beginning with South Africa.

Kaba AG’s generic total solution portfolio incorporates access management, workforce management, physical access systems and specialised lock & key systems (including mechanical and mechatronic cylinders).

This extensive profile is targeted at businesses of any size, across a variety of sectors (with commercial offices, residential, finance, government & public sector, education, airport & public transportation, hospitality, healthcare, retail, sports & leisure, transport & logistics, industrial/manufacturing and utilities seen as key) and available via Kaba’s reseller network.

The Kaba network incorporates both established representative operational offices and/or support structures to contribute towards the success of projects.

The Company has established mission-critical relationships with partners like IT solutions and services provider as AWM360, an exclusive Kaba supplier to the South African market space.

Leadership at Kaba, with AWM360 has been focussing its B-COMM ERP software, technical strengths and experience to address the workforce and security requirements in emerging markets across the South African continent.

Kaba operates all over the world and is one of the leading providers of innovative access solutions for selected segments of the fast-growing security industry.

Its growth is being driven by four global trends: urbanization, the growing need for security, technological innovation and the increasing prosperity in the emerging markets. The stock exchange-listed Group employs around 9,000 people in more than 60 countries

The business development strategy for South Africa is to focus on their core competences and on picking up on these drivers. To offer innovative access solutions and premium services to protect people and properties. KABA has been in the south African market many years offering mechanical-, safe locks- and access and workforce management solutions.

Core strengths

One of the Kaba’s strengths is the depth and quality of product. Kaba offers its customers needs-oriented security solutions that give them the greatest possible benefits in terms of security, organisational efficiency and convenience. Thanks to attractive, timeless designs, they can be integrated seamlessly into many different architectural styles

“Other companies can start with stand alone systems, but only expand in a few years. Since the company’s foundation in 1862, Kaba has time and again been the first company on the market with new and innovative solutions, setting the standard with regard to security as well as convenience. The company’s capacity for innovation is reflected by the approximately 450 patents it has registered in more than 60 countries” says Adrian Isele, senior business manager access & workforce management, international business development at Kaba AG.

Kaba AG is a well established brand and is over 150 years old, so any investment is one in an experience, tried and trusted business.

Isele says more has to be done to broaden the profile of the brand across emerging markets like Africa. “The brand is strong in Central Europe and known very well in certain countries, but less well known in SA – but we are working on that and select partners very carefully having the business- and cultural-fit to expand and growth with Kaba in the SA market.”

Backed by strong growth, a high quality product and an approach to expansion in Africa, Isele says Kaba has the financial resources and positioning to add value to the continent.

With his team he is convinced that Kaba can offer in SA a broad and well-diversified range of products suited to their needs. Generally, Kaba products are compatible with systems that have already been installed, so customers can be sure their investments are secure.

“From a cost perspective the brand could be seen as expensive in comparison with high volume, high production low cost alternatives… but the Kaba solution product has strength and quality that is unique in terms of the value you get and can offer a total access solution of its total portfolio to offer to markets,” Isele continues.

SAP integration

Looking ahead Kaba will engage with its distribution partner AWM360 to focus on fully integrated eHCM and connection with enterprise software firm SAP.

At the same time the company intends to expand its local partner network to cover additional offerings and services out of its portfolio, including reversible key security mechanisms.

Guenter Nerlich, Managing Director, AWM360 Data Systems, says as the sole distributor of Kaba access control and digital security solutions to the Southern Africa market focussing on SAP integration, AWM360 has an important role to play in lifting the profile of the Kaba brand.

“Business security and access control remain key target markets in South Africa. Kaba is ideally positioned to add value through high quality, feature rich solution integration. We are very excited about this partnership and what it means for the domestic business market,” says Nerlich.