VingCard Elsafe Takes the Family Name to Become ASSA ABLOY Hospitality

Hotel security innovator VingCard Elsafe has changed its name to ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, effective June 1, 2015. This new identity allows the company to draw upon the vast resources of ASSA ABLOY and positions it to better meet the evolving needs of the hospitality industry.

"If we're to remain innovative and competitive, we must keep pace with the demand from our customers for flawless experiences," said Tim Shea, president of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality. "As our brand transitions to ASSA ABLOY, we will grow stronger and create a bright future for our company and customers. We will build on our legacy, continuing to make people around the world feel safe and secure."

For over 40 years, the name VingCard Elsafe has been synonymous with innovation in hotel security technology. Their story began in 1974, when lock engineer Tor Sørnes heard that an intruder had attacked his favorite singer in her hotel room. He resolved to find a solution and invented VingCard, effectively revolutionizing the entire lock industry.

Today, as the world rapidly changes and technology continues to evolve, the ASSA ABLOY family offers the company access to more than 1,400 visionary engineers, working together to innovate, improve quality and add more products to their already extensive portfolio of solutions. A worldwide network of sales and support teams will enable the company to be more responsive to their hospitality partners. As ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, we will extend our global reach and innovation capabilities beyond hardware, and extend it to encompass a comprehensive array of solutions that are designed to ensure security, convenience and operational efficiency for hotels around the globe.

"Our company has evolved over the years, but who we are remains the same," continued Shea. "Our purpose is not simply to lock and unlock more doors-it is to unlock the feeling of safety, security and belonging for more people, wherever they go.”

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.