NIS2
From risk to resilience
NIS2 significantly increases the requirements for industrial security concepts. In addition to cyber resilience, physical access protection is becoming increasingly important. Electronic locking systems enable flexible, scalable and traceable protection of sensitive areas.
Whether chemical, pharmaceutical, automotive, food processing or mechanical engineering - industrial production environments are under significantly increased security pressure. Cyberattacks on OT and IT infrastructures, more complex supply chains and a stricter regulatory environment are increasing the requirements for the protection of systems, personnel and sensitive data. Ever since the law implementing the NIS2 directive came into force in Germany on December 6, 2025, the focus has shifted to the question of how companies can build holistic security architectures that reliably address both physical and digital access risks. While NIS2 primarily requires cyber resilience and seamless evidence, physical security remains a crucial building block - because without controlled access, neither data nor processes are effectively protected.
Industrial companies often have mature, heterogeneous sites with different types of buildings, plant structures and sensitive areas. Added to this are legal documentation requirements, changing employee groups, external service providers and high cost pressure. For modern locking systems, this means maximum flexibility, high scalability and reliable, audit-proof management across all locations and properties. In addition, physical access must be controlled with particular precision in manufacturing industries with potentially explosive zones, hazardous materials warehouses or critical research areas. A lack of control in this context can not only lead to enormous material damage, but also to production downtime, environmental incidents or compliance violations within the framework of applicable guidelines and industry standards such as NIS2, TISAX or IFS.
Electronic locking systems are the key
Electronic locking systems, such as those based on Cliq technology, offer companies a high level of security and great flexibility at the same time. Access authorizations can be precisely defined and adapted in terms of time and space - an important advantage in dynamic production environments. The key-based eCliq system can also be easily integrated into existing buildings, as the doors do not need to be wired for installation. If a mechanical locking system was previously in use, the mechanical locking cylinders are simply replaced by their electronic counterparts and are immediately ready for use. As the batteries in an eCliq key are installed directly in the key, there is also no need for time-consuming maintenance and servicing. Another significant added value: a single locking system can be used to secure doors, gates, machine access points, tool cabinets, lockers or padlocks - even with a single key if required. This further reduces complexity and makes operational organization considerably easier.
The Cliq Web Manager can also be used to centrally manage large and geographically dispersed locking systems. Authorizations can be conveniently assigned or adjusted individually, and a key can be deactivated immediately if lost. Appropriately available wall programming devices enable decentralized management so that users can conveniently update their authorizations, which brings valuable efficiency gains, especially in shift operation or for cross-location tasks. The optional, GDPR-compliant logging of all locking events also makes it easier to meet compliance requirements - especially in light of the stricter NIS2 requirements for traceability, risk management and physical access control.
Secure sensitive areas
Manufacturers such as Assa Abloy offer specially certified locking solutions for high-risk industrial areas that meet the special requirements of sensitive zones. In potentially explosive areas, for example, the ATEX=II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb-certified eCliq Professional and Connect keys and all eCliq cylinder types minimize the risk of ignition sources, as they operate without power and draw their energy directly from the key. Cliq has also proven itself in food processing thanks to its weather resistance and IFS Food 6.1 approval. Of particular interest to paint shops and the automotive industry is the fact that all Cliq wrenches are LABS-free, i.e. they do not contain any substances that could damage the paint. The electronic eCliq system also supports compliance with the TISAX industry standard in the automotive sector, as it enables precise access management with seamless documentation. This means that sensitive areas in a wide range of industrial sectors - from the laboratory to production - can be reliably secured.
Many of the industry-specific solutions in the Cliq portfolio are the result of direct collaboration with the industrial companies requesting them. This is because the combination of customer and manufacturer expertise, modular locking systems and rapid scaling options offers a decisive advantage, particularly in light of increasing regulatory requirements: companies can continuously develop their security architecture - without disrupting production processes and with a high level of future security.
Miriem Ajouri, Business Development Manager Industry, Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik
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