Certifying excellence: Ajax Systems and Kiwa collaborate for world-class security solutions

Ukraine headquartered Ajax Systems specializes in innovative technologies for intrusion detection, fire and life safety, video surveillance and home automation. With a presence in over 180 countries, Ajax Systems is committed to delivering certified products that meet stringent industry standards. To achieve compliance with key norms such as EN 50131, Ajax has teamed up with Kiwa FSS Products for product certification. Maksym Melnyk, R&D Director at Ajax Systems shares further insights into this collaboration below.

Ajax Systems is an international tech company and the largest manufacturer of security systems in Europe. The company specializes in a broad range of innovative solutions, including intrusion detection, video surveillance, fire and life safety, flood detection and home automation. Its systems are designed with wireless and wired options, making them versatile for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal applications. The company is known for its proprietary technologies like Jeweller, Wings and OS Malevich, which enhance device communication and reliability.

Ajax’s products have been certified to high industry standards, such as EN 50131 Grade 3 and French NFA2P, making them suitable for high-risk installations like banks and jewelry stores. The user-friendly design of both hardware and software ensures seamless integration and ease of use for customers and professionals alike. Despite challenges, due to the war in Ukraine, Ajax Systems has expanded significantly. It operates facilities in Ukraine and Turkey, employs over 4,000 people, and protects more than 3 million users across 187 countries.

How does the collaboration between Ajax Systems and Kiwa FSS Products ensure that Ajax’s security solutions meet global standards?

Maksym: ‘Ajax Systems ensures that its intrusion protection devices, such as Baseline, Superior and Fibra, undergo rigorous testing, inspection and certification through Kiwa FSS Products. This process is vital to meet the highest global standards for performance, reliability and compliance with regulations. Given the company’s global reach in 187 countries, Ajax is prepared for unannounced audits, with inspection processes embedded at every stage of production, from design to deployment. This commitment guarantees their products maintain world-class quality and meet the strict requirements of various markets.’

How did your organization cope with this subject before the certification was obtained?

Maksym: ‘Before certification, we followed complex internal procedures to meet international and local standards, conducting thorough in-house testing to ensure our security devices were always reliable and safe. We stayed updated with industry best practices and regulatory developments to maintain compliance and offer trusted solutions globally. However, we recognized the need for a more robust certification, such as Scheme 5 (ISO/IEC 17067:2013). This certification goes beyond initial product testing, including ongoing production surveillance, regular audits and continuous compliance checks. It helps enhance our quality management systems, improve personnel training and prepare for stringent audits. Through this, we ensure uniform quality in our products, providing customers worldwide with further confidence in the safety and reliability of our security systems.’

How did you ensure that your internal measures were aligned with global market requirements before deciding to pursue formal certification?

Maksym: ‘At Ajax Systems, we believe that delivering uncompromising quality and security is essential for alarm systems. We rely on strict and regular testing, inspection and certification processes to ensure that we provide our partners and customers with truly compliant, reliable, innovative and secure solutions. Our security systems are designed within stringent regulatory requirements that vary by region. Certifying our products with Kiwa FSS Products confirms compliance with international standards such as EN 50131, INCERT, SSF and NFA2P, among others. This not only helps to gain customer trust but also facilitates entry into regional markets where local certification is crucial.’

Why did you team up with Kiwa FSS Products?

Maksym: ‘Kiwa is a renowned, independent company with a strong reputation for providing top-quality full-cycle testing and certification services, which greatly simplify the whole process and make it more efficient. Kiwa FSS Products’ certificates and test reports are recognized and trusted worldwide, which helps reinforce Ajax Systems' commitment to delivering products that meet the highest safety and performance standards.’

What was certification process like?

Maksym: ‘The testing, inspection and certification process with Kiwa is a highly structured, thorough and transparent experience for Ajax Systems. At all stages, starting from initiation and continuing through the process of maintaining the received certificates, we receive detailed and high-quality information and feedback. We also greatly appreciate that Kiwa’s experts don’t merely follow the instructions but are fully involved in the process of finding effective, mutually beneficial solutions. Furthermore, we constantly observe how Kiwa improves its internal processes, which increases our level of satisfaction with the cooperation.

Were there points of improvement after the initial audit?

Maksym: ‘We view the audit process not only as a means of certification but also as a critical opportunity for continuous improvement and innovation. Therefore, each audit process can reveal areas for improvement at any step of production.’

What benefits does certification bring to your organization?

Maksym: ‘Testing, inspection and certification bring numerous benefits to our organization. Firstly, they enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of our products in both global and local markets, reassuring our customers about the reliability and effectiveness of Ajax Systems' products, which gives us a competitive edge. Secondly, these processes help us identify and address potential issues at the pre-production stage, leading to improved product quality and performance. Additionally, certifications streamline market entry by meeting regulatory requirements in different countries, allowing us to expand our global and local reach more efficiently. Overall, they reinforce our commitment to excellence and innovation.’

What does certification mean for your organization’s clients?

Maksym: ‘It holds great significance for our clients as it serves as a guarantee of the quality, safety and reliability of our security systems. Certification ensures that our products have undergone thorough evaluation by independent, accredited organizations to meet stringent international and local standards. Moreover, they unlock additional facility types for our partners, helping to boost their businesses. For our clients, this guarantees that they are investing in solutions that are not only compliant with regulatory requirements in their respective regions but also proven to perform effectively under various conditions. This level of assurance builds trust, giving clients confidence in the dependability of our products to protect their assets and loved ones. Ultimately, it reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value and fostering long-term relationships based on trust and excellence.’

Has the certification process increased awareness among employees?

Maksym: ‘The certification process with Kiwa FSS Products has significantly increased awareness and engagement among our employees, boosting confidence that our product development and manufacturing processes truly meet the highest standards. Additionally, the experience we gain from Kiwa’s experts helps us improve our processes and establish additional quality controls throughout the entire product life cycle.

Do you expect it will be easy to stay certified?

Maksym: ‘Ajax Systems' commitment to continuous improvement, compliance monitoring, employee training and proactive risk management will guarantee the sustained success in keeping our products certified with Kiwa.’