KentixONE: Monitor and optimize data centers with just one system
Physical security is fundamental to every design, build, or refit of a data center. This applies whether the site will offer co-location services or is to be operated as a secure in-house facility. As guidance from the UK’s NPSA notes: “Security must be considered at all stages of the project and must not be thought of as a separate entity that can be addressed later.”1
Both practically and strategically, data is now among the most critical resources for commercial and non-commercial organizations. As a result, demand for new data premises is growing fast. With almost 3,500 data centers in operation, Europe is already the second-largest regional market after the Americas. The UK, Germany, France and Italy each have more than 200 data centers in operation as of late 20252. At the same time, the growing scope of national and regional regulation places ever more pressure on operators to make sure they take an appropriate approach to data management and protection.
The highly sensitive nature of data storage brings sites within the scope of strict new requirements such as the EU’s NIS2 and Cyber Resilience Act3. In fact, regulations like the EU’s GDPR have further fuelled a European data-center building boom. According to European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) forecasts, by 2030 more than 100bn EUR will be invested in the sector and co-location will contribute 84bn EUR to Europe’s GDP, almost triple its contribution in 20234.
Stakes can be high and penalties may be severe for organizations who get data security wrong. The cost of an average data breach is 3.8m EUR, according to IBM’s 2025 annual report5. The penalty in terms of reputation and/or regulator fines could be much more. Clearly, compliance within a complex regulatory landscape and the implementation of joined-up security and access management are growing challenges.
The physical security challenges of data centers
Because staff, contractors and visitors all require varying levels of access at different times, data center security depends on flexible, scalable access management. Systems must enforce strict, least-privilege access policies and prevent the misuse of credentials. Multiple layers must work together seamlessly, with every event logged and traceable. Integration between security, HR, and visitor management systems helps ensure permissions stay current as people join or leave projects. Remote and real-time oversight are essential.
The goal is not just to prevent unauthorized access, but to maintain a clear audit trail which satisfies requirements under ISO 27001, NIS2 and more. When properly designed and implemented, intelligent security management underpins the data center’s physical resilience and operational efficiency – deterring hybrid physical–cyber attacks in the process, for example.
“The specification and deployment of the right security and access technologies in data centers requires both project and geographical expertise,” says Jochaim Mahlstedt, Managing Director at Kentix GmbH, part of ASSA ABLOY. “At ASSA ABLOY, we have broad experience in implementing access and security solutions for this sector. For example, Kentix solution’s versatility is demonstrated at co-located data centers by Heidelberg iT Management GmbH & Co. KG and on-premise server security for a major utility, among many other successful implementations.”
“As a powerful new addition to our stable of digital solutions, the KentixONE platform was designed specifically from the ground up for deployment in the white space of data centers. It performs eight critical security tasks within its one intuitive, integrated platform without unnecessary complexity. With KentixONE, we can equip data center whitespace with the security it needs—now and well into the future. The platform supports seamless integration with data center infrastructure management (DCIM), ticketing systems, and EAC solutions.”
“Data centers deserve a digital security management solution built entirely with their needs in mind,” he adds. “Now they can have it.”
A security platform designed specifically for white space in data centers
A recent addition to ASSA ABLOY’s portfolio of digital solutions, KentixONE is an integrated platform for physical security and monitoring in data centers. This unique solution combines 8 different security-related functions within one system:
- access control
- intrusion detection
- video surveillance
- external fault report
- early fire detection
- environment monitoring
- power monitoring
- network monitoring
Instead of relying on separate security solutions, KentixONE brings a holistic approach which was tailor-made for the white space in data centers: all relevant information is gathered in a single interface, where it is evaluated and can be processed automatically. This comprehensive approach ensures data storage buildings and the IT infrastructures they house receive wide-ranging protection from the latest physical threats to their data, protecting business reputation and ensuring stringent compliance demands are met.
To maximize convenience for data center operators, the KentixONE platform has a modular design and can be integrated into different environments – from small businesses to large, distributed locations. It can be used locally, via a web browser, or via cloud-based access. Because it is IoT based, the system is fast and responsive.
“The KentixONE visual interface makes operation intuitive,” explains Joachim Mahlstedt. “Kentix hardware, including wall readers, handles with integrated reader, and a range of rack-level digital devices, enables data centers to scale their physical security protections pain-free.”
KentixONE: control and convenience from a unified interface
KentixONE strengthens data center security not by adding standalone tools – and increasing management complexity – but by forging a direct link between physical infrastructure and IT operations. The platform keeps sensitive operational data under local control while enabling granular access management, full audit trails, and real-time alerts. At rack level, integrated cabinet access control, intelligent PDUs, and environment sensors allow operators to set temporary permissions, track interventions, and monitor energy usage by rack, turning static physical assets into intelligent nodes in the center’s overall security architecture.
KentixONE brings convenience as well as control and security. Instead of fragmented, siloed systems with diverse interfaces and data sources, security teams operate a unified platform which combines access control, intrusion detection, multi-modal monitoring, early fire detection, video surveillance, and rack-level intelligence in one environment. KentixONE offers real-time overview for more than 40 potential physical risk factors, from unauthorized entry and perimeter breaches to overheating, humidity changes, water leaks, and power anomalies. Everything the security manager needs is accessible on dashboards or via the convenient mobile app.
Data-center disciplines are combined rather than reinvented, saving management time and reducing the risk of human error. Early fire detection —before a fire breaks out— goes beyond conventional smoke-based systems by correlating thermal imaging, gas detection, temperature trends, and air-quality data to identify fire risks much earlier. This is especially important in high-density computer environments and battery-powered infrastructure where traditional alarms often activate too late to be effective.
An equally innovative approach underpins the broader model of unifying up to 8 formerly separate security and monitoring domains into a single IoT-based framework, reducing system complexity while increasing depth of insight. The platform is designed to scale from small technical rooms to multi-site data-center estates, helping an organization’s infrastructure to grow, evolve, or become more geographically spread without creating hassle.
“KentixONE can even help improve the energy-efficiency performance of your data center,” says Joachim Mahlstedt. “Granular power monitoring from Kentix rack PDUs gives operators insights into power consumption and load behaviour, supporting more efficient capacity planning and improved PUE management.”
“In fact, according to many of our customers, KentixONE can save up to 50% in operational costs compared with traditional siloed solutions. Its open platform design simplifies integration with a vast range of compatible systems to help data center managers get their security ready for what’s ahead.”
To learn more about implementing innovative physical security in your data center, visit kentix.com.
1: www.npsa.gov.uk/security-best-practices/build-it-secure
2: www.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-all-of-the-worlds-data-centers-in-2025/
3: www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/stories/news/staying-secure-in-todays-digital-landscape
4: datacentremagazine.com/data-centres/eudca-report-reveals-100bn-investment-pipeline-to-2030