What Scharfstein does

Scharfstein is a Chilean technology integrator founded circa 1950 and headquartered in Santiago, specializing in security equipment, intercom, telecommunications, and parking control solutions. The company operates as the exclusive local representative for nine globally recognized brands — including Hikvision, i-PRO, ZKTeco, Kidde, Aiphone, Fanvil, Redstone, AVer, and Amano — and serves enterprise clients in Chile and across Latin America through a dedicated field sales team, a physical showroom, and an integrator partner network. Its customer base spans residential communities, multifamily properties, industrial and corporate facilities, distribution centers, and individual homes.

At the core of Scharfstein's offering is the proprietary Smartki ecosystem, a cloud-managed access control platform that unifies facial recognition, QR, RFID, mobile app credentials, license plate recognition, and CCTV analytics under a single dashboard. The platform is supplemented by sub-products including SmartKi Desk for visitor management, SmartKi Guard for guard-based identity verification, and SmartKi E-Lockers for automated package reception. The company complements its proprietary software with an in-house technical service laboratory, factory-certified engineers, and warranty and maintenance offerings that span access control hardware, video surveillance, fire detection, IP telephony, video conferencing, and parking guidance systems.

Scharfstein's revenue model is a mix of project-based hardware sales from its exclusive brand portfolio, recurring professional services (installation, configuration, preventive maintenance, certified training), and emerging cloud and software subscriptions tied to Smartki and parking cloud services. Pricing is custom per project with financing options, and customer engagement runs through direct enterprise sales, a physical showroom for live demonstrations, and a channel of certified integrator partners. The company employs 120+ certified professionals and is privately held with no disclosed external institutional investment.

Name

Scharfstein

Legal name

Scharfstein

Website

https://scharfstein.cl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Scharfstein is a Chilean technology integrator and exclusive distributor of global security, communications, and parking brands, serving enterprise and residential clients in Chile and Latin America through its proprietary Smartki access control platform and certified technical services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Santiago

HQ country

Chile

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Security & Parking Equipment Sales: Scharfstein generates revenue primarily through the sale of physical security, communications, and parking equipment from its portfolio of exclusive global brands (Hikvision, i-PRO, ZKTeco, Kidde, Aiphone, Fanvil, Redstone, AVer, Amano). Equipment includes IP cameras, access control hardware, intercom systems, fire detection panels, parking barriers, IP phones, video conferencing devices, and VoIP paging systems. Sales are project-based, typically involving custom specification per client.
2. Professional Services & Technical Support: Revenue is generated through installation, configuration, and ongoing technical support and maintenance services. The company provides factory-certified engineering support, warranty management, in-house laboratory repairs, and preventive maintenance. Training and certifications are provided free of charge to integrators and clients.
3. Cloud & Software Services: Parking cloud services, remote monitoring, and software platform subscriptions for the Smartki ecosystem. Smartki provides analytics dashboards, remote access management, and event processing as part of its unified security platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Scharfstein is a Chilean technology systems integrator and exclusive distributor of global security, communications, and parking brands. The company sells and integrates IP cameras, access control hardware, intercom systems, fire detection panels, parking barriers, IP phones, video conferencing devices, and VoIP paging systems from brands such as Hikvision, i-PRO, ZKTeco, Kidde, Aiphone, Fanvil, Redstone, AVer, and Amano. It complements the hardware portfolio with its proprietary Smartki unified access control ecosystem, professional installation, certified technical support, and cloud subscription services.

Product overview

Scharfstein is a multi-brand technology integrator and exclusive representative of global security, communications, and parking brands in Chile. The portfolio is organized into three core pillars: (1) Security Infrastructure covering access control (Smartki proprietary platform, ZKTeco, access equipment), video surveillance (i-PRO with AI edge analytics, Hikvision), intercoms (Aiphone), and fire detection (Kidde UL/FM certified); (2) Unified Communications including IP telephony (Fanvil terminals, Redstone IP-PBX systems from North America), video conferencing (AVer with native Teams/Zoom/Meet support), and IP paging (Voceo); (3) Parking Solutions featuring Amano Japanese parking management systems and a proprietary Parking Guidance System with LPR technology achieving 97%+ reading rates. Smartki is Scharfstein's flagship proprietary ecosystem unifying facial recognition, QR, RFID, and mobile app credentials with advanced analytics and CCTV integration, while Scharfstein Labs continuously develops and iterates this platform alongside other solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Smartki: Intelligent access control ecosystem developed by Scharfstein, integrating facial recognition, QR, RFID, mobile app credentials, and advanced analytics for pedestrian and vehicular access management.
• Scharfstein Labs

Products and services

• Smartki Access Control Ecosystem Proprietary intelligent access control ecosystem developed by Scharfstein that unifies multiple credentials (facial recognition, QR, RFID, mobile app) with advanced analytics, CCTV integration, and vehicular control under a single cloud-managed platform for residential communities, corporate facilities, and multifamily properties.
• Amano Parking Management Systems Japanese parking management systems and vehicular access automation solutions offering equipment, cloud services, and comprehensive management and maintenance for efficient urban parking operations.
• i-PRO AI Surveillance Cameras High-end Japanese AI-powered security cameras featuring edge AI processing, real-time analysis of people, vehicles, colors, and sounds, with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 cybersecurity certification, NDAA compliance, and 5-year warranty with local support.
• Hikvision Security Cameras Highly durable security cameras capable of operating in demanding conditions with weather resistance, waterproofing, and adaptability features, including Acusense technology for intelligent threat detection.
• Aiphone Intercom Systems Communication and secure intercom systems enabling fluid connection between residents, visitors, and common areas for communities, corporate buildings, and multifamily properties.
• AVer Video Conferencing Solutions Enterprise video conferencing solutions featuring 4K quality and PTZ cameras with intelligent tracking. Plug-and-play scalable solutions for rooms of 2 to 50+ users with native compatibility for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
• Kidde Fire Detection Systems UL/FM certified addressable fire detection panels with intelligent photoelectric detection designed to reduce false alarms and ensure early response in critical infrastructure applications.
• Fanvil IP Phones and Telephony Specialized IP communication solutions including PoE devices and multi-zone management for clear alert broadcasting and audio in industrial plants, transport terminals, healthcare, and education environments.
• Redstone IP-PBX Systems Enterprise telecommunications solutions including IP-PBX systems, voice gateways, and cloud collaboration, integrating hardware and software to centralize and optimize voice communications and productivity.
• Voceo IP-SIP Paging Systems IP-SIP paging systems enabling real-time message transmission to specific zones or entire facilities, integrating with existing data networks and communication platforms for emergency alerts and operational announcements.
• ZKTeco Biometric Access Control Biometric access control and attendance solutions combining facial recognition, fingerprint, or palm recognition with IP connectivity and simple configuration for organizations of various sizes.
• Smart Parking Guidance System Intelligent parking guidance combining sensors with high-visibility LED indicators and dynamic signage, including Find Your Car feature using LPR technology. Reduces search time by up to 40% with real-time occupancy statistics and integrated CCTV analytics.
• Physical Access Control Equipment Physical security equipment including swing gates, turnstiles, and barriers that manage high-traffic access flows with aesthetic design and industrial-grade resistance for various environments.
• Installation, Configuration, and Technical Support Services Factory-certified engineering support including installation, configuration, warranty management, in-house laboratory repairs, preventive maintenance, and free training and certifications for integrators and clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Parking guidance reduces vehicle search time by up to 40%
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability11 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• i-PRO (Panasonic)coreTechnology or Integrationi-PRO is a Japanese brand and exclusive partnership represented by Scharfstein. i-PRO cameras feature advanced AI edge analytics, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 cybersecurity certification, NDAA compliance, and 5-year warranty. Scharfstein provides local laboratory support, certified technicians, and spare parts inventory.
• HikvisioncoreTechnology or IntegrationHikvision is a leading global provider of security cameras and video surveillance solutions. Scharfstein represents Hikvision in Chile, offering high-resistance cameras capable of operating in demanding conditions with durability, waterproofing, and adaptability features.
• AmanocoreTechnology or IntegrationAmano is a Japanese brand, world leader in parking management systems and vehicle access automation. Scharfstein offers Amano parking equipment, cloud services, and comprehensive management and maintenance solutions, contributing to creating more comfortable and efficient cities.
• AiphonecoreTechnology or IntegrationAiphone is a manufacturer with over 70 years of leadership in communication and secure intercom systems. Scharfstein distributes Aiphone products enabling fluid connection between residents, visitors, and common areas, adapting to communities, corporate buildings, and multifamily properties.
• ZKTecocoreTechnology or IntegrationZKTeco is an Asian manufacturer of biometric access control and attendance solutions. Scharfstein distributes ZKTeco products enabling secure entry/exit management with face, fingerprint, or palm recognition combined with IP connectivity and simple configuration.
• KiddecoreTechnology or IntegrationKidde is a US brand with over 100 years of leadership in fire detection. Scharfstein offers UL/FM certified systems with addressable panels and intelligent photoelectric detection designed to reduce false alarms and guarantee early response in critical infrastructure.
• FanvilcoreTechnology or IntegrationFanvil is a specialized brand in IP communication solutions offering VoIP paging through devices with integrated amplification and multi-zone management, ideal for clear alerts and audio broadcasting in industrial plants, transport terminals, healthcare, and education.
• AVercoreTechnology or IntegrationAVer is a leader in video conferencing solutions for enterprise environments, featuring 4K and PTZ cameras with intelligent tracking. Plug-and-play scalable solutions for rooms of 2 to 50+ users with native compatibility for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
• RedstonecoreTechnology or IntegrationRedstone is a North American specialist and global leader in enterprise telecommunications solutions present in over 70 countries. Scharfstein offers Redstone IP-PBX systems, voice gateways, and cloud collaboration, integrating hardware and software to simplify, centralize, and optimize costs and productivity.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Convergint Technologies: Large global security systems integrator combining access control, video surveillance, intercoms and integrated building systems. Closely comparable to Scharfstein as a multi-brand, project-based systems integrator serving enterprise and institutional customers.
• SKIDATA: Global provider of parking management and access control solutions, including LPR and parking guidance. Directly comparable to Scharfstein's Amano-led parking pillar and proprietary guidance product line.
• Nedap: European specialist in physical access control, vehicle identification (LPR) and parking solutions. Comparable to Scharfstein's Smartki access control ecosystem and parking LPR business.
• ScanSource: Distributor of security, communications and AV/UC products to resellers and integrators. Mirrors Scharfstein's exclusive-distribution business model across security, comms and physical infrastructure categories.

Broad incumbents

• ADT: Large incumbent security and access control provider with installed base across residential and commercial segments. Overlaps with Scharfstein's access control and Smartki residential communities offering at a much larger scale.
• Securitas: Global incumbent in security services and integrated security solutions including electronic security. Comparable as a broad-line security player, though Scharfstein is more focused on equipment integration and less on guarding services.
• ASSA ABLOY: Global leader in access control hardware and locking solutions, including residential and enterprise credentials. Comparable to Scharfstein's access control pillar as a major upstream player in the same value chain.

Emerging players

• Genetec: Unified security software platform (video management, access control, ALPR). Comparable to the VMS/analytics layer within Scharfstein's offering; Scharfstein is a Genetec integration partner in Chile.
• Milestone Systems: Open-platform IP video management software widely deployed via integrator channels. Comparable as a VMS platform that Scharfstein integrates and resells alongside i-PRO and Hikvision cameras.
• Verkada: Cloud-native physical security platform combining cameras, access control and environmental sensors sold direct to enterprise. Represents the disruptive, cloud-based model that could compress traditional integrator economics over time.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/scharfstein.cl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/scharfstein

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Scharfstein