Protecting critical infrastructure facilities has long been a major focus of public attention – well before the recent days-long power blackout in Berlin. The demands on protection systems in terms of quality, effectiveness and reliability have increased. Digital locking technology specialist SimonsVoss has therefore expanded its portfolio with the FORTLOX Series mechatronic system – providing a powerful security and convenience solution for a wide range of technical infrastructure facilities.

These include, for example, facilities for electricity, wind power and water supply; IT and telecommunications infrastructure; transport and logistics; cities and municipalities; educational and research institutions; hospitals; fibre optic networks; transformer substations; and, not least, large corporate sites. The FORTLOX Series was launched on the German market in 2025. Following a successful pilot phase, several projects have already been implemented at facilities across different sectors. In 2026, the system will be expanded and rolled out to additional European markets.

FORTLOX Series complements SimonsVoss portfolio

SimonsVoss Managing Director Bernhard Sommer: “With the KRITIS Umbrella Act for Critical Infrastructure Protection, the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act, lawmakers have tightened security requirements. KRITIS explicitly mandates measures to ensure the physical protection of facilities against natural disasters, sabotage and terrorism. To meet these high demands for physical security, our existing systems – together with the FORTLOX Series locking system – offer appropriate solutions for companies, institutions and public authorities. Many buildings in these sectors still rely on mechanical locks. With digital locking systems such as the FORTLOX Series, they can now significantly enhance both security and flexibility.”

Flush-mounted cylinder, multifunctional key, software and mobile app

The primary focus is on meeting security and organisational requirements for both indoor and outdoor areas. Security must be ensured even in environments with frequently changing access rights, for example due to shift or deployment schedules, or work involving external service providers. Many facilities also face the challenge of securing infrequently used, supra-regional physical and digital access points within geographically distributed systems. The FORTLOX Series provides a suitable solution for these requirements.

The mechatronic locking system consists of the FORTLOX Cylinder and the FORTLOX Key, as well as dedicated software and a mobile app. The FORTLOX Cylinder is thumb-turn-free and therefore protected against vandalism and damage. Its flush-mounted design also makes it ideal for confined installations. As it operates without a battery, the cylinder requires no maintenance and is powered directly via the Key. The FORTLOX Key is characterised by its multifunctionality, serving as a key, active transponder, BLE synchronisation interface and optional RFID medium and energy source – all in one.

FORTLOX Cylinder: Secure, robust and weatherproof

SimonsVoss CTO Marcus Alt: “Strong protection, robustness, weather resistance and ease of use are key benefits of the new system. This makes the FORTLOX Series ideal for infrequently used locations that require particularly high levels of security. The system-independent FORTLOX Cylinder can be used flexibly across a wide range of applications. It is available with an IP67 protection rating – the highest category for dust-tight and water-resistant performance. The standard version of the FORTLOX Cylinder, with an IP54 protection rating, can be used reliably at extreme operating temperatures, ranging from -25 °C to +65 °C. For additional protection against insects and foreign particles, the Extreme Protection (EP) version can be specified.”

The FORTLOX Cylinder shares the same design as conventional mechanical locking cylinders. This allows for one-to-one replacement of existing cylinders and makes it suitable not only for standard door applications, but also for cable distribution and server cabinets, as well as mobile device or EV charging stations. The main variants include the Euro Profile double cylinder, Euro Profile half cylinder and an Oval Profile version commonly used in Scandinavia. A lever cylinder and a padlock complete the system, addressing the diverse requirements of technical infrastructure, public buildings and large corporate sites.

FORTLOX Key as data carrier

The FORTLOX Key operates the FORTLOX Cylinder, as well as numerous SimonsVoss locking components within System 3060. The software allows access rights to be assigned quickly and easily, with time restrictions, as needed. The system provides a complete overview of the entire locking system at all times, including appropriate documentation of access events and attempted entries. All access rights are stored directly on the key, so physical access to individual cylinders for programming is not necessary. The Key can be synchronised via SmartStick, SmartRelay 3 or the SYNC2Go mobile app on an iOS or Android smartphone. This enables access rights to be granted precisely for a specific purpose, limited in duration and restricted to only the necessary locking devices. This eliminates trips to central assignment stations, which significantly increases both efficiency and security. The FORTLOX key functions like a reversible key – even when rotated 180° – ensuring a smooth locking action.

Integration with SimonsVoss system environment

The FORTLOX Series is an extension of System 3060. The FORTLOX Cylinder and FORTLOX Padlock components can be fully integrated into the SimonsVoss system environment. The FORTLOX Key not only serves as the key for FORTLOX components, but also as a transponder for SimonsVoss components such as the Digital Cylinder AX, SmartHandle AX Advanced, SmartRelay 3, etc. The system can be managed centrally or decentrally via the proven LSM software or the innovative new AXM software.

All important information on the FORTLOX Series can be found on the SimonsVoss website. The FORTLOX Series and other solutions will be presented live at the SicherheitsExpo 2026 trade show in Munich in July.