For more than 90 years, ASSA ABLOY has pioneered electromechanical locking technology — continuously innovating since the first effeff electric strike was patented in 1932 and Abloy began developing high-security electric locks in 1978. Today, electromechanical locks represent the intelligent evolution of mechanical security, combining trusted engineering with seamless digital connectivity for safer, smarter, more efficient building management.
Modern electromechanical devices transform the way buildings are secured. Their embedded intelligence enables reliable communication between door and system, remote operation, and data insights. They give facilities managers new levels of control and convenience without the need to be physically present at every opening.
“When ASSA ABLOY´s effeff brand patented their first electric strike in 1932, it set a new standard for intelligent building security,” explains Julian Riester, Director & Head of Product Unit eStrikes & egress at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Electromechanical locking and opening were born. Doors became electrically controlled and remote operation was a new reality. We have continued innovating and setting new standards for this technology ever since.”
Electric strikes are compact, reliable electromechanical devices that upgrade existing mechanical locks by enabling controlled, remote unlocking and seamless integration with intercoms, access control, and digital systems. They are mounted discreetly within the door frame for smarter, more flexible entry. For installers, OEMs, and resellers, they offer easy integration, broad application versatility, certifications, and high customer demand, making them simple to specify, sell, and deploy across commercial and multi‑residential buildings.
Effeff electric strikes are engineered for universal fit and long‑term reliability, offering more than 10,000 strike and latch‑plate combinations as well as customized solutions for specialized environments. They deliver trusted security through rigorous DIN‑certified and TÜV‑audited production, high holding forces, extensive cycle testing, and durable components designed for harsh or high‑frequency conditions. A compact, installer‑friendly design enables fast, clean, cable‑free integration into almost any door, supported by adjustable alignment, sustainable EPD‑verified construction, and low power consumption for energy efficiency.
Extending the applications for electromechanical locking
E‑strike technology laid the foundation for modern electromechanical locking, which ASSA ABLOY’s ABLOY brand advanced in the late 1970s by embedding electricity and intelligence deep within the door leaf to enhance mechanical security and meet demanding regulatory and architectural requirements.
ABLOY Electric Locks are trusted worldwide for meeting the highest security and compliance standards. They deliver a premium door experience, even in demanding, high‑traffic, or high‑security environments. They integrate seamlessly with access control, alarm, and building‑management systems to make every door intelligent and controllable, enhancing functionality, efficiency, and real‑time awareness across complex security ecosystems.
“The long service life of our electric locks gives building managers the peace of mind that comes with products designed for maximum reliability,” adds Mika Savolainen, Director & Head of Product Line Management ELMECH PU at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “These locks are backed by ASSA ABLOY’s global network of experience and expertise. They have proven performance over decades in a whole range of access control environments.”
Designed with concealed installation, architectural flexibility, sustainability, and low energy consumption in mind, they provide a durable, future‑proof, and aesthetically pleasing solution in both new-builds and retrofits, including for emergency escape doors meeting EN179 and EN1125 standards.
ABLOY offers one of the widest electric‑lock ranges on the market. Their premium single‑ and multi-point solutions fit virtually any door, sector, or security requirement while ensuring seamless retrofit and design flexibility.
ASSA ABLOY’s range of eStrikes and electric locks are part of a wider portfolio of digital access solutions, bringing intelligent, secure, and seamlessly integrated electromechanical locking to virtually any building type, including multi‑residential, healthcare, offices, manufacturing, education, public institutions, and critical infrastructure.
To learn more about ASSA ABLOY’s pioneering Electric and Electromechanical Access technologies, visit URL:
https://www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/stories/access-stories/elmech-awareness
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