Hedengren Security is the only Finnish company that develops comprehensive security solutions in-house. Why is that, and how does our Finnishness benefit customers?
There is one factor that unites the innovative Prodex FIREscape fire alarm brand, the energy-efficient Neptolux emergency lighting brand, the Hedsam brand for access control, and the HHL burglar alarm brand. They are all developed and manufactured by Hedengren Security in Finland.
There is no other Finnish company providing equally comprehensive security systems – why?
“Finnishness is a value choice for our family business, which has developed a strong backbone over time. We have never wanted to enter into a price competition where we would have to compromise on the quality of the systems or the development possibilities,” says Hedengren Security product development manager Thomas Thodén.
Foreign security systems are typically sold in Finland through partner representatives or sales offices. The systems are manufactured according to the partner’s principles, for example in the Far East or in the former Eastern Bloc countries.
Close to the customer
According to Thodén, the greatest value of being a Finnish company comes from being close to the customer and knowing the supply chain from start to finish.
“The most effective security solutions are created when the developer and the customer can have a direct dialogue and their values are aligned. As a Finnish operator, we have a deep understanding of our customers’ needs and the legislation in the sector.”
According to Thodén, Finnishness also increases the speed of response.
“Our speed in responding to the needs of designers or contractors is on a completely different level than if the security system were purchased from a partner 10,000 kilometres away, and if that system were designed as a mass product for a different market,” Thodén says.
Finnishness spurs development
To stay competitive as a domestic operator, Hedengren Security has had to invest heavily in its design and manufacturing processes. Cost-efficiency has been increased through automation and technological innovations, among other means.
“You could say that being Finnish has pushed us to do better in every sector,” says Thodén.
Hedengren’s main market is Finland, but the company bilingual in Finnish and Swedish, and also exports customised systems to the other Nordic countries. The ancillary products that complement the security systems are sourced from large European partners.
“We want to keep the quality level high in our ancillary products as well, so we choose our partners carefully,” Thodén emphasises.
Life cycle management brings the greatest benefits
Life cycle thinking is the cornerstone of Hedengren Security’s homegrown system development.
“All our systems are designed and built with longevity, energy-efficiency and recyclability in mind. A change of generation does not mean a change in the system – we keep our systems modern by replacing components and updating technology,” says Thodén.
When life cycle thinking is combined with effective processes and the advantage of being local, Finnishness starts to bring significant benefits to every actor in the supply chain. Delivery times are short, installations are easy, last-minute changes can be made to orders and products, and spare parts are always in stock.
“If a system is ordered from the Far East, the journey alone takes eight to twelve weeks. Air freight would cancel out the price advantage of ordering the product from the Far East, and would also create more greenhouse gas emissions.”
Another strength of being a Finnish company is being able to provide comprehensive services. Systems acquired from the same manufacturer are easy to integrate with each other, and in the future high-tech and long-life products can also be integrated with other smart technology in the building.
The importance of tendering for security systems
According to Thodén, the Finnish nature of Hedengren’s security systems has always been a major boon for property owners and real estate investors with a focus on long-term value.
However, the choice of security solution for a property is often decided by the contractor, whose interest as a reseller and maintainer of systems is of course different from that of the property owner.
“In the worst case, tendering can be done on the basis of purchase price alone, depriving the property owner of the long-term benefits of a Finnish system.”
According to Thodén, tenders may also fail to take into account that the unit cost of a foreign system in the target country is entirely different from the total price of the purchase after freight and installation.
“We live off the contractors themselves, and we aim to bring the benefits of Finnishness to them too, for example through fast installation and delivery of systems. We are confident that in the long run, a satisfied customer is always the best outcome in any business.”
Responsibility a key criterion
Thodén predicts that in the future, more and more competitors will relocate production to their home countries or to Europe as prices in faraway manufacturing countries rise.
“With new technology and automation, domestic manufacturing is already becoming a viable option if the processes are designed properly.”
According to Thodén, the change is also driven by growing consumer demands for businesses to operate ethically.
“If companies do not act in line with sustainable values, they will start to feel pressure from more aware customers to change their earning models. We believe that the companies that will succeed in the future are those that think long-term about what’s best for their customers and that benefit the environment and society.”
How the customer benefits from the domestic nature of security solutions:
• High-quality systems are long-lasting.
• The energy-efficiency of the systems bring long-term savings.
• Delivery times are short, and quick changes can be made to the order.
• The systems can be customised to the customer’s needs.
• The manufacturer is familiar with domestic legislation and the scope for designers to work within.
• A common language makes it easier to do business and to install the system, to provide training in its use, and to use it.
• Products and spare parts are always available.
• Coordinating the systems is easy.
• High-tech and long-life security systems can also be integrated with other building automation systems later on.
• The systems are manufactured ethically and with respect for workers’ rights.
• A responsibly produced and energy-efficient system also reduces the customer’s carbon footprint.
How society and the environment benefit from a Finnish manufacturer:
• The value of investments remains in Finland.
• The business supports Finnish employment.
• The environmental impact of production and freight is low.
• Saving energy helps to tackle climate change.
• When customers choose responsible business practices, the whole industry becomes more sustainable and ethical.