What LCN does

LCN, operated by the privately held German partnership ISSENDORFF KG, is a building automation and smart home provider that designs, manufactures, and distributes a proprietary wired bus system — the Local Control Network (LCN) — together with its associated modules, sensors, actuators, and configuration software. The platform covers lighting, shading/blinds, HVAC, access control, alarm/security, weather-based automation, and remote visualization, and is sold with an exclusive 5-year warranty. The system scales from single-family homes to large commercial installations supporting up to 30,000 modules, 60,000 sensors/actuators, and bus segments up to 1,000 meters (30 km via fiber), and integrates via open protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC, BMA Bosch, IP-Symcon, EnOcean). LCN also offers a browser-based global visualization system (LCN-GVS) and the LCN-PRO / LCN-PRO+ Windows-based parametrization software used by certified installers. The hardware lineup includes the LCN-GT series of design-award glass touch panels, the new LCN-TD4 high-end control interface, DIN-rail and bus modules (LCN-UPP/UPS/UPU/UMR, LCN-SH/SHS/SHU), relay blocks (LCN-R6H), LED dimmers (LCN-HL4+), weather and air-quality sensors (LCN-WIH, LCN-GSA4), and recently extended into EV charging via the LCN Wallbox.

Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales to electrical wholesalers, supplemented by one-time software licenses (LCN-PRO / LCN-PRO+) and paid professional training (basic, advanced, and GVS visualization courses). LCN does not sell direct-to-consumer or via DIY/mail-order; the company operates an exclusive three-tier distribution model — electrical wholesalers supply certified electrical installers, who implement systems for end customers — reinforced by a nationwide field sales force of regional territory managers. The customer mix spans residential installers and planners, commercial real estate, healthcare facilities, logistics, and hospitality, with flagship references including Maintower Frankfurt, UPTOWN Munich, and ICU Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1986 as ISSENDORFF Mikroelektronik GmbH in Hannover and restructured to a KG partnership around 2008–2009, the company remains family-controlled by the Issendorff family, with no external equity funding, and operates from Sarstedt and Rethen, Germany.

Name

LCN

Legal name

ISSENDORFF KG

Website

https://lcn.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

LCN, a brand of the German family-owned ISSENDORFF KG, builds and sells a proprietary wired building-automation bus system (modules, sensors, software, glass touch panels) exclusively through electrical wholesalers and certified installers for residential, commercial, healthcare, and hospitality projects across Germany and international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Building Automation Systems

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290)

SIC

Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Building Automation & Controls (BAS/BMS, HVAC Controls) (IMAIABAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial Networking & Communication Electronics Manufacturing (Ethernet switches, Fieldbus, Wireless) (IMAGAGAE)

Keywords

• Building automation systems
• Smart home technology
• Bus modules hardware
• Lighting control systems
• Home automation software

Headquarters

HQ city

Sarstedt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of LCN bus modules, sensors, actuators, and peripheral devices including keypads, transponders, couplers, and relay blocks.
2. Software Licenses: LCN-PRO parametrization software is a paid product. Licenses can be obtained from the web store or with the starter kit (LCN-SKO).
3. Training Services: Three training courses offered: basic course for introductory knowledge, advanced course with complex topics, and LCN-GVS visualization course. Also courses for teachers and wholesalers.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

LCN (brand of Issendorff KG) designs, manufactures and sells wired building automation systems for smart homes and commercial buildings. The offering consists of proprietary DIN-rail bus modules (input/output modules, dimmers, relay blocks, room controllers), peripheral devices (sensors, weather stations, glass touch panels, remote controls, wallboxes) and the supporting LCN-PRO parametrization software and LCN-GVS visualization software, all centered on a proprietary 4-phase acknowledgment bus protocol.

Product overview

LCN (Local Control Network) by Issendorff KG is a modular building automation and smart home system manufactured in Germany, covering applications from single-family homes to large commercial buildings and skyscrapers. The portfolio centers on the LCN bus system as the core platform, with modules providing intelligence, communication, and control across building functions including lighting, shading, HVAC, security, and access control. Configuration and monitoring are handled through LCN-PRO/LCN-PRO+ (Windows parametric software) and LCN-GVS (browser-based visualization with mobile app support). Manual control is delivered via the award-winning LCN-GT glass touch panel series, including the new LCN-TD4 high-end interface and variants with integrated color displays (GT4D, GT6D). The product range spans bus modules (LCN-UPP, LCN-UPS, LCN-UPU, LCN-UMR, LCN-SH, LCN-SHS, LCN-SHU, LCN-HU), relay blocks (LCN-R6H), LED dimmers (LCN-HL4+), room controllers (LCN-SHD), couplers (LCN-PKU/PKU2, LCN-VISU, LCN-SKU), sensors (LCN-WIH weather station, LCN-GSA4 air quality sensor, LCN-GG1 gesture sensor), remote controls (LCN-RT), and EV charging (LCN Wallbox, 2023). Open integration is supported via BACnet, Modbus, OPC, BMA Bosch, IP-Symcon, and EnOcean interfaces. The system ships with a 5-year warranty.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LCN-PRO: Windows-based parametrization and programming software for LCN systems
• LCN-GVS
• LCN-PRO+

Products and services

• LCN-PRO Parametrization Software Windows-based parametrization and commissioning software used by certified LCN installers to configure modules, program logic and maintain LCN installations in residential and commercial buildings.
• LCN-PRO+ (next-generation parametrization software) Successor version of the LCN-PRO parametrization software, providing updated tooling for configuring and commissioning LCN bus installations.
• LCN-GVS Global Visualization System Building management and visualization software that provides a graphical interface for monitoring and controlling LCN-based automation (lighting, shading, climate, energy) across an entire building or property.
• LCN Bus Modules (UPP, UPS, UPU, UMR series) Family of DIN-rail mounted input/output bus modules that connect switches, sensors and actuators to the LCN bus, forming the core intelligence layer of every LCN installation.
• LCN DIN Rail Bus Modules (SH, SHS, SHU series) DIN-rail mounted bus modules in the SH family, designed for distributed installation in sub-distributors and provide inputs, outputs and dimmer channels for the LCN bus.
• LCN-R6H Relay Block Six-channel relay block for switching loads (e.g., lighting circuits) via the LCN bus, designed for installation in sub-distribution boards.
• LCN-HL4+ LED Dimmer Four-channel LED dimmer module for LCN installations, enabling automated and scene-based dimming of LED luminaires from the LCN bus.
• LCN-GT Series Glass Touch Panels Designer glass touch panels for in-room control of lighting, shading, climate and scenes within an LCN installation.
• LCN-TD4 Touch Display In-wall touch display unit for operating and visualizing LCN functions inside a room.
• LCN-PKU / LCN-PKU2 PC Coupler PC interface coupler that connects a computer running LCN-PRO or LCN-GVS to the LCN bus for parametrization, visualization and remote access.
• LCN-SKU Segment Coupler Segment coupler that links multiple LCN bus segments together, extending the topology and isolating segments within large installations.
• LCN-SHD Room Controller Compact room controller for LCN installations that bundles inputs and outputs for typical room-level automation tasks.
• LCN-WIH Weather Station Outdoor weather station sensor that feeds wind, precipitation, brightness and temperature data into the LCN system for facade and shading automation.
• LCN-GSA4 Air Quality Sensor Indoor sensor that measures air quality (e.g., CO2/VOC) and provides inputs to LCN-based ventilation and climate control logic.
• LCN-GG1 Gesture Sensor Gesture-based sensor allowing touchless control of LCN functions within a room.
• LCN-RT Remote Control System Handheld remote control for LCN installations, allowing end users to operate lighting, blinds and other functions wirelessly within the LCN ecosystem.
• LCN Wallbox (e-mobility charging) LCN-branded wallbox for electric-vehicle charging, integrated with LCN building automation for load management and energy-aware operation.
• LCN-SKO Starter Kit Bundled starter package for residential LCN installations, providing the core bus modules and accessories required to bring up a small smart-home project.

Quantifiable outcome

• Energy savings up to 40%
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• HeinzeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLCN products are listed in Heinze's product catalog, a major trade platform for building products in Germany, expanding product visibility to architects and planners.
• 1&1 GmbHminorOthersWebsite hosting provider based in Karlsruhe. Holds a hosting contract with ISSENDORFF KG and has access to all website data per privacy policy.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Schneider Electric: Global energy management and automation incumbent with EcoStruxure Building and KNX-based portfolios. Competes with LCN at the high end of commercial projects where its broader integration capabilities, software stack, and global service network exceed LCN's footprint.
• Siemens Smart Infrastructure: Global incumbent in building automation (Desigo, KNX/IP portfolios) and electrical installation. Competes with LCN in large commercial and high-rise projects with much greater scale, geographic reach and integration capabilities than a small private firm like LCN.
• Honeywell Building Technologies: Large global building automation and BMS vendor serving commercial and industrial facilities. Overlaps with LCN in commercial HVAC, lighting and access control, though Honeywell's portfolio is far broader and includes enterprise software/analytics layers LCN does not offer.

Direct peers

• Beckhoff Automation: German PC-based and EtherCAT-based automation specialist with growing presence in smart home/building automation. Comparable to LCN in modular bus-driven automation, DIN-rail hardware form factor, and German-engineered positioning in industrial and building applications.
• Gira: German manufacturer of building automation systems, KNX components, and design-led control panels (including glass keypads similar to LCN-GT). Competes with LCN in the German electrician/planner channel and in high-end residential and commercial KNX projects.
• Loxone: Austrian/German smart home and building automation provider selling its own bus/miniserver-based system through certified installers across Europe. Directly comparable to LCN in target customer (electrical installers and property owners), proprietary-bus business model, and product scope (lighting, shading, HVAC, access).
• JUNG: German building automation and electrical installation systems manufacturer with strong KNX presence and design-oriented switches and keypads. Comparable to LCN across installer channel, target projects (residential and commercial), and product coverage in lighting, shading and HVAC control.
• eQ-3 (Homematic / Homematic IP): Germany-based smart home vendor behind Homematic IP, offering wired and wireless building automation with broad European installer and consumer reach. Comparable to LCN as a German smart home brand serving installers and end customers in lighting, shading, heating and security.
• WAGO: German manufacturer of automation and interconnection technology, including building automation via WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM and KNX/Ethernet-based controllers. Comparable to LCN in industrial/building bus hardware, modular I/O architecture, and installer/integrator channel.

Others

• KNX Association: Industry consortium that defines and promotes the open KNX standard for building automation, which is the dominant multi-vendor alternative to LCN's proprietary bus. Relevant to LCN as the open-standard competitor shaping installer and planner preferences in European building automation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@lcn_automation
• Facebookfacebook.com/people/LCN-Geb%C3%A4udeautomation/61566868443441
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/issendorff-kg
• Instagraminstagram.com/lcn_automation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 LCN