Fruitful Acquisition: Qognify is now part of Hexagon

Andreas Beerbaum, VP of Sales, Physical Security – International, Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial Division

© Hexagon

GIT SECURITY: Mr. Conrad, Mr. Beerbaum, Qognify is now part of Hexagon. What is behind this acquisition?

Andreas Beerbaum: We are currently seeing an increase in risks and threats worldwide. The consequence of this is that the importance of security technology for many organizations is constantly increasing - and the need for technological solutions is growing. Hexagon has recognized this potential and made the strategic decision to actively address the physical security market with its own solutions. The acquisition of Qognify, an established, global software manufacturer with a strong solution portfolio, was therefore a logical step.

Andreas Conrad: Another reason for the takeover was that by combining the new solutions with the existing portfolio, Hexagon can offer its customers even more powerful overall solutions from a single source – and additional added value. A good example of this is public safety – Hexagon has long been offering dispatch and control center solutions, which can now be effectively supplemented by video technology.
 
 

Andreas Conrad, VP of Marketing, Physical Security, Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial Division

© Hexagon

Could you give our readers, who may not yet be familiar with Hexagon, an overview of this very large company with around 25,000 employees?

Andreas Conrad: Hexagon is a world-leading, listed provider of sensor, software and autonomous solutions that are efficiently connected using the concept of digital reality. Our solutions enable our customers to make meaningful use of rapidly growing volumes of data and use them to increase efficiency, productivity, quality and safety. The Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial Division, which includes the former Qognify as its physical security business unit, improves the resilience and sustainability of critical services and infrastructure for the benefit of the community. In concrete terms, this means that our technologies transform complex data into meaningful information that can be used to make faster and better decisions.

And what can we find in Hexagon’s security portfolio?

Andreas Beerbaum: Until the acquisition of Qognify, physical security played only a minor role in Hexagon’s portfolio. Corresponding solutions were therefore seen as functional additions to other applications such as computer-aided dispatch. The acquisition of Qognify has changed this: With Qognify VMS, Hexagon now has a powerful video management software that is tailored to the complex requirements of organizations for which security plays an essential role. As a PSIM and incident management solution, Situator creates a comprehensive understanding of the situation across different technologies and sensors and controls the response process based on digital workflows.

Andreas Conrad: Another product from the Hexagon portfolio is the Accur8vision detection solution, which enables advanced 3D perimeter protection based on LiDAR technology. The solution is already integrated with Qognify VMS and complements the range of detection options there.

What are the effects and advantages for existing Qognify customers?

Andreas Beerbaum: Our customers and partners are the foundation of our success – that is why it is important to us that we remain a reliable partner for them under the Hexagon brand. In concrete terms, this means that they will be able to obtain the same portfolio of solutions for physical security from the same contacts in the future. What is new is that our customers have access to a broader portfolio of solutions from a single source, which also includes computer-aided dispatch technologies, geoinformation systems or asset management solutions, for example.

Andreas Conrad: Some of our customers were already using a combination of Qognify and Hexagon solutions before the acquisition. One example is the Frankfurt am Main transport company (VGF), which implemented an advanced service and security control center using our video and dispatch applications. Projects like this impressively demonstrate the greater value of the expanded portfolio.

What are the long-term expectations of this step?

Andreas Beerbaum: Hexagon has decided to enter the security technology market in order to continue to grow. Proof of this is that we have continuously invested in additional development resources for Qognify VMS since the takeover. We want to be able to offer our customers the most comprehensive solution portfolio possible from a single source, which offers high utility value through the closest possible networking of systems and applications. This includes expanding our range of physical security solutions as well as the interaction with other Hexagon technologies.

What is next? What plans do you have for the next few months or beyond?

Andreas Beerbaum: We are focusing on three topics for the near future: innovation is deeply embedded in Hexagon’s DNA – the development of new, innovative functions that provide our customers with real added value is therefore very important to us. In this context, we are already looking forward to the next version of Qognify VMS, which is planned for early next year. We will also be working on deeper integration with other Hexagon products, such as the HxGN OnCall dispatch solution or the HxGN Connect collaboration platform. Another priority is the continuous expansion of our solution portfolio.

What will be your highlights at ­Security in Essen?

Andreas Conrad: Our trade fair presence at Security Essen will focus on the interaction of various Hexagon solutions in the context of physical security. Visi­tors to the stand will be able to get the full picture of the added value of a powerful overall solution from a single source. In addition to our video and PSIM solutions, we will also be showing computer-aided dispatch and 3D perimeter protection.