Stadiums require access technologies which are versatile, durable, reliable and easily scalable. Finding a single system which meets all these needs, and simultaneously offers digital devices for the wide range of opening types in a typical stadium, is not straightforward. In many cases, security managers resort to running two security systems in parallel. This creates added workload and complexity, especially when they must deploy a mix of digital control and mechanical cylinders at different openings.

By: Thomas Schulz, Director & Head of Marketing DAS EMEIA ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions 

E-mail: thomas.schulz@assaabloy.com

For a security upgrade at their 18,000-capacity stadium, Spanish football club UD Almería wanted to transition from traditional mechanical locks to digital access control. They sought a solution which could accommodate these diverse needs and enable centralized management from a single, intuitive software interface. Ease of installation within existing stadium infrastructure and the ability to equip doors which receive lots of robust traffic were further criteria.

UD Almería chose ASSA ABLOY as partner to digitalize their access. Their SMARTair digital access system includes wireless locks for many access points and mobile keys or smart cards for user convenience. The same solution now also offers centralized management of eCLIQ smart keys, electronic cylinders and padlocks. This combined solution enables the stadium to secure all their different access points digitally.

By adding CLIQ devices within a SMARTair solution, organizations gain total traceability of access in a single system – saving security managers’ time and hassle. They can manage access even at remote locations with durable CLIQ cylinders and programmable keys, all from the familiar SMARTair interface.

In addition, the team at Almería benefited from technical support provided by ASSA ABLOY specifiers with expertise working on digital access solutions for complex stadium projects.

A complete solution for a challenging environment

The complementary benefits of SMARTair and eCLIQ ensure Almería’s needs are met without compromising on security or flexibility. Reliable, durable eCLIQ and SMARTair devices have low maintenance requirements, minimizing ongoing costs. “With our SMARTair and eCLIQ system, I feel the stadium is well protected, day and night,” confirms Ignacio Martín-Calpena Miranda, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure, UD Almería.

All users and access points are managed online from SMARTair TS1000 Web software. Installed devices include SMARTair i-max escutcheons and knob cylinders for glass doors, plus SMARTair integrated wall readers for office turnstiles. These are supplemented with eCLIQ smart key-operated digital cylinders, CLIQ Wall PDs and eCLIQ padlocks for gates and tool cages. This entire digital system operates without cables to or around any openings: both SMARTair and CLIQ devices are wireless and were installed quickly, between home matches, without invasive structural work.

The club security team chose SMARTair for real-time control and oversight of offices, locker rooms and physio suites. Here, authorized staff use customized RFID cards which double as ID badges or mobile keys in the SMARTair Openow® app. Visitors and external contractors receive time-limited access through mobile keys sent directly to their own app, streamlining convenient visitor management. Alongside this, eCLIQ cylinders protect technical rooms and interior service zones. Maintenance staff and security personnel, including police, carry an eCLIQ smart key programmed with individual access permissions.

“Managing SMARTair and eCLIQ doors within a single system, via TS1000, has greatly simplified our work,” adds Ignacio Martín-Calpena Miranda.

For added convenience, every CLIQ smart key also has an RFID chip inside which can be programmed to unlock authorized doors secured with SMARTair devices. Aligning CLIQ with SMARTair gives facilities managers the choice of mobile credentials or RFID credentials (smart cards, fobs, or badges) for SMARTair devices, smart keys for CLIQ cylinders or smart keys with RFID tags for both SMARTair and CLIQ devices. Retrofitting existing doors was simple: installers simply replaced the mechanical cylinder with an eCLIQ cylinder, without wiring or batteries. Power is carried to the cylinder via the user’s battery-powered key. This hybrid installation ensures all Almería’s diverse access needs were met – only ASSA ABLOY could provide such a connected, unified system.

SMARTairÒ and CLIQÒ: one solution, maximum reach

“When organizations extend their SMARTair digital access solution with CLIQ battery-free cylinders, they implement complete oversight for their premises, including any outdoor spaces,” explains Gabriel García, Key Account Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. “There’s no cabling and no more need for mechanical keys – just smart, flexible management.”

Both CLIQ electronic and electromechanical cylinders and the SMARTair out-of-the-box system are part of a suite of connected Digital Access Solutions from ASSA ABLOY. When they are deployed together, security teams can manage even more doors from their SMARTair software interface. They can implement digital access almost anywhere, without drilling or causing damage to the building structure. The broad range of openings already covered by SMARTair are supplemented with a range of more than 60 CLIQ and eCLIQ cylinder types, making every access point secure.

To learn more about the SMARTair/CLIQ integration at UD Almería, watch the video: https://youtu.be/lj3US4v3Yjw

The organizers of the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) have announced the opening of registration for the first edition of this international event, scheduled to take place from September 22 to 25, 2026, in Essen. With the launch of the ticket shop, the final phase of preparations has begun, and visitors can already secure their tickets via the official website.

EUDEX will bring together representatives from industry, the military, government, public authorities, and the research sector, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, project initiation, and the development of strategic partnerships. The event will focus on key topics such as industrial capabilities, technological innovation, system resilience, and civil-military cooperation. Organizers emphasize that the goal of the event is to strengthen European technological sovereignty and enhance collaboration in an increasingly complex security environment.
Additional value comes from the parallel hosting of Security Essen and the JAPCC Conference, creating further opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

A single ticket provides access to Security Essen, while additional content will be available through dedicated conference programs.
“EUDEX represents an important platform for strengthening cooperation between industry, the military, and the public sector in addressing modern security challenges,” the organizers stated.

More information and registration are available at: https://www.eurodefenceexpo.de/defence-industry/

The global data center liquid cooling market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and energy-efficient infrastructure. According to industry analyses, the market is expected to expand significantly in the coming years, as traditional air cooling systems struggle to meet the thermal requirements of modern data centers.

Liquid cooling technologies, including direct-to-chip and immersion cooling, are gaining traction due to their ability to efficiently dissipate heat from high-density workloads. These solutions not only improve performance but also reduce energy consumption, making them a key component in the development of sustainable data center operations.

The growing adoption of AI, machine learning, and cloud computing is placing additional pressure on data center infrastructure, accelerating the transition toward advanced cooling methods. Hyperscale data centers, in particular, are leading this shift as they seek to optimize performance while maintaining operational efficiency. North America currently dominates the market, supported by strong investments in data center infrastructure and the presence of leading technology companies. However, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region are also witnessing significant growth, driven by digital transformation initiatives and increasing demand for cloud services.

Key players in the liquid cooling market include companies such as Schneider Electric, Vertiv, Rittal, Asetek, and CoolIT Systems, all of which are активно developing innovative solutions to address evolving industry needs.

As data volumes continue to grow and processing requirements become more demanding, liquid cooling is emerging as a critical technology for the next generation of data centers. Industry experts emphasize that its adoption will be essential for ensuring scalability, reliability, and sustainability in future digital infrastructure.

Milestone Systems reported continued business growth in 2025, increasing net revenue by 10 percent to €298 million. During the year, nearly one-third of revenue was reinvested in innovation, with particular emphasis on video analytics, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and cloud technologies.

The financial results confirm the company’s steady development, having more than doubled its revenue over the past five years. Operating income reached €14 million, while investments in research and development rose to €85 million, accounting for 28.8 percent of total revenue. The year was also marked by key strategic activities, including collaboration with NVIDIA and the launch of Project Hafnia. Milestone further expanded its portfolio by integrating BriefCam and Arcules solutions, as well as acquiring brighter AI, a company specializing in anonymization technologies.

“2025 was a strong year for Milestone, with continued revenue growth and further strengthening of our technology portfolio,” said Lars Larsen, the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

CEO Jeppe Frandsen highlighted that the company is entering a new phase of development, emphasizing the importance of its open platform and expanded solution portfolio. “Our focus is on developing solutions that enable customers to get the most value out of their video systems through advanced analytics and cloud technologies,” Frandsen stated.

Project Hafnia, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, aims to improve access to high-quality video data for training AI models, with pilot projects in Italy and the United States. For 2026, Milestone plans to continue investing in cloud solutions, analytics, and responsible AI, with the goal of further enhancing the value of video data and supporting customers in making faster and more informed decisions.

The European Security Systems Association (ESSA) has appointed a new chairperson, with Myriam Bevillon of Gunnebo Safe Storage AB taking over the role. She succeeds Harald Lüling, CEO of Burg Wächter, who has significantly shaped the association over the past 20 years and will remain a member of the ESSA Board.

The new chairperson announced that she will continue a market-oriented approach while placing additional focus on overcoming trade barriers, improving testing processes through mutual recognition of results, and aligning standards with technological developments and market needs. One of the key priorities is accelerating the revision of lock standards, including adapting them to new forms of operation via smartphones.

Speaking about the main challenges, Bevillon highlighted the need to speed up the development of the regulatory framework to keep pace with technological advancements, as well as the growing impact of artificial intelligence and the increasing importance of sustainability, where the physical security industry still lags behind. She also pointed to new trade barriers that are making international business more complex.

Looking ahead, particular attention will be given to cyber threats, including AI-assisted attacks, as well as safety risks related to lithium-ion batteries. In the long term, ESSA aims to strengthen its role through greater agility and adaptation to new technologies, while maintaining high standards of security and confidentiality.

“For the future, it is crucial to position the security industry so that it can effectively address emerging risks and challenges,” said Myriam Bevillon.