FiSCHER Akkumulatorentechnik GmbH: Smart emergency exits securely networked

Early one morning at a logistics centre: an emergency exit door opens. An alarm sounds immediately – but with no context to go on, nobody reacts. It is only minutes later that it becomes clear: nobody knows what has happened.

Situations like these highlight what really matters today: it’s not just about raising the alarm, but about understanding events in real time and being able to take targeted action. Modern building security requires transparency – and this is precisely where connected IoT technology comes into its own. 

Emergency exits are a paradox of building safety: they save lives – yet they also pose a risk. After all, what must be accessible at all times in an emergency quickly becomes a vulnerability in everyday life.

Unauthorised entry, theft and vandalism are real risks – particularly in sensitive areas such as logistics centres, hospitals or high-traffic buildings. At the same time, many traditional solutions lack transparency: door access systems operate in isolation, their status remains hidden, and critical incidents are often only noticed when it is already too late. 

A key problem lies in the lack of connectivity. Conventional door monitoring systems provide little usable data, offer no cross-site overview and do not respond in real time. Faulty devices or flat batteries remain undetected until they fail in an emergency. Security vulnerabilities develop gradually – and that is precisely where the risk lies. 

This independence is particularly evident during installation. AlertLatch is designed so that it can be set up without the need for complex IT projects. Thanks to the integrated Deutsche Telekom SIM card, the system is ready for immediate use and operates independently of local networks.

At the same time, the solution continuously monitors itself. Parameters such as battery level are constantly tracked and automatically reported when critical thresholds are reached. This allows maintenance to be planned proactively, rather than having to react to breakdowns. 

The centralised recording of all door events brings a new level of transparency. Operators gain a real-time overview of all emergency exits – even across multiple sites. Events can be traced immediately, response times are reduced, and maintenance processes are optimised on the basis of data. 

This approach is becoming even more important, particularly in light of the skills shortage: rather than relying on time-consuming, blanket inspection routines, action is taken specifically where there is a genuine need. This reduces the workload on staff, saves time and money – and at the same time improves safety. 

In addition to physical security, the protection of transmitted data also plays a crucial role. AlertLatch relies on secure communication via the mobile network and clearly defined access mechanisms. The independent connectivity also ensures a high level of reliability – a crucial factor in safety-critical applications.

The solution has been developed by Fischer Akkumulatorentechnik GmbH, an established supplier in the field of emergency and safety lighting. With more than 28,000 networked NB-IoT devices in use, the technology has already been tried and tested in large-scale operations. 

AlertLatch demonstrates how traditional security technology can be specifically enhanced. By combining IoT connectivity, a cloud platform and intelligent condition monitoring, it creates a system that not only reacts but also actively contributes to the optimisation of security processes. 

For businesses, this means one thing above all else: greater control with less effort. IoT is thus becoming a key component of modern building management – and is transforming emergency exits into smart, connected safety features.