D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité

What D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité does

D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité S.A. is a Swiss Romandie-headquartered specialty contractor founded in January 1995 and based in Romanel-sur-Lausanne. The company designs, installs, and maintains fire protection and electronic security systems for buildings, operating three departments: Sprinkler Systems (under-water, under-air, pre-action, and deluge configurations), Electronic Security (fire detection via Honeywell Esser IQ8 panels, gas detection, intrusion alarms using Aritech ATS Master panels, and access control), and Security Concept Engineering (smoke/heat extraction concepts and simulations, evacuation planning, interlocking tables, and AEAI quality assurance). Projects range from small commercial installations to large industrial complexes compliant with both Swiss (AEAI, SES) and US (FM Global, NFPA 13) standards, including a 34,000 m2 FM Global sprinkler installation at Lidl Sévaz and access control rollouts across multiple UBS locations.

The firm's revenue model is professional services-based: project contracts for design and installation, plus recurring maintenance and 24/7 emergency piquet service. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting property owners, architects, engineering firms, real estate managers, and municipalities in French-speaking Switzerland, with project sourcing through direct relationships, industry-body referrals (AEAI, SES, VKF), and participation in the building permit process. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and dual AEAI/SES homologations, employs approximately 30 specialized collaborators, and operates a regional fleet across Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg. In April 2022, DES acquired a majority stake in IXA Systems SA (~CHF 3.5M revenue, ~10 staff), adding video surveillance and access control capabilities while the entities remain operationally independent.

Ownership is concentrated among founding shareholders and management, with no disclosed institutional or external capital. A planned leadership succession completed on January 1, 2024 with the appointment of Marc Barraud (formerly 15-year IXA Director) as General Director, while founder Charles Trachsel transitioned to President of the Board. With over 1,800 completed projects across nearly three decades, the company is a mid-sized, vertically certified specialist in a regulatory-protected Swiss niche.

Name

D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité

Legal name

D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité S.A.

Website

https://des-security.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité is a Swiss Romandie-based, ISO 9001-certified specialist contractor that designs, installs, and maintains AEAI/SES-compliant fire protection (sprinkler, detection, gas) and electronic security (intrusion, access control) systems for commercial, industrial, residential, and public buildings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Protection and Security Systems Services

NAICS

Security Systems Services (56162)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems (Design/Install/Service/Testing) (BPABAHAB), Fire Alarm Systems (Design/Install/Service/Monitoring) (BPABAHAA), Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems Integration (BPAKAGAF), Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC)

Keywords

• Fire protection systems
• Sprinkler installation
• Fire detection systems
• Security systems integration
• Building safety engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Romanel-sur-Lausanne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems: The company designs, installs, and maintains sprinkler systems (under water, under air, pre-action, deluge) and electronic security systems (fire detection, gas detection, intrusion, access control) for buildings. Revenue is generated through project-based contracts for new installations and ongoing maintenance/service agreements. Services include 24/7 emergency piquet service, preventive maintenance, and after-sales service covering repairs, modifications, and technical upgrades.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité S.A. designs, installs, and maintains fire protection and electronic security systems for buildings in French-speaking Switzerland. The company offers integrated solutions including sprinkler systems (under water, under air, pre-action, deluge), fire detection, gas detection, intrusion alarms, access control, smoke and heat extraction concepts, smoke extraction simulation, and evacuation/security concepts. Services are delivered through direct project-based B2B engagements and ongoing maintenance contracts.

Product overview

D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité S.A. is a Swiss Romandie-based fire protection and security systems company founded in 1995, operating three main departments: Sprinkler Systems, Electronic Security Systems, and Security Concept Engineering. The Sprinkler department provides water-based and air-based fire suppression systems including pre-action and deluge stations, while the Electronics department offers fire detection (using Honeywell Esser IQ8 control panels), gas detection, intrusion alarms (using Aritech ATS Master), and access control systems. The Security Concept Engineering department provides smoke extraction simulations, evacuation planning, interlocking tables, and AEAI quality assurance services. All installations are certified to AEAI (Association of Cantonal Fire Insurance Establishments) and SES (Swiss Association of Security System Constructors) Swiss standards, with some projects also meeting NFPA 13/FM Global American standards. The company employs approximately 30 highly specialized staff and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Under-water Sprinkler Installations Design, installation, and certification of under-water sprinkler systems for buildings in French-speaking Switzerland, using AEAI and SES certified techniques. Targeted at property owners, architects, and engineering firms commissioning new builds or renovations.
• Under-air Sprinkler Installations Design, installation, and certification of under-air sprinkler systems for buildings in French-speaking Switzerland, using AEAI and SES certified techniques. Targeted at property owners, architects, and engineering firms commissioning new builds or renovations.
• Pre-action Sprinkler Stations Design and installation of pre-action sprinkler stations, including Triplex Valves, for buildings requiring water-supply-protected fire suppression. Targeted at data centers, archives, and other water-sensitive occupancies via property owners, architects, and engineering firms.
• Deluge Sprinkler Stations Design and installation of deluge sprinkler stations for high-hazard applications requiring fast water delivery. Targeted at industrial and high-risk sites, delivered to property owners, architects, and engineering firms.
• Fire Detection Systems Design, installation, and maintenance of fire detection systems using IQ8 panels from Honeywell/Esser by Novar, integrating fire detectors, manual call points, and other components. Targeted at property owners and building operators in Romandie.
• Gas Detection Systems Design, installation, and maintenance of gas detection solutions for detection of toxic or explosive gases in buildings and industrial sites. Targeted at facility operators, property managers, and industry clients in Romandie.
• Intrusion Detection Systems Design, installation, and maintenance of intrusion detection systems based on Aritech ATS Master panels and related components. Targeted at property owners and building operators seeking perimeter and interior intrusion protection.
• Access Control Systems Design, installation, and maintenance of access control systems integrating with intrusion detection and building management. Targeted at property owners, building operators, and security-sensitive clients.
• Smoke and Heat Extraction Concepts Design of smoke and heat extraction concepts (Concepts de désenfumage) for buildings to support life safety and fire brigade intervention. Targeted at architects, engineering firms, and property owners.
• Smoke Extraction Simulation Perform smoke extraction simulation (Simulation de désenfumage) for buildings using 3D modeling to validate evacuation and smoke clearance strategies. Targeted at architects, engineering firms, and developers planning complex or large buildings.
• Evacuation Concepts and Plans Development of evacuation concepts and plans for buildings, including emergency exit management and interlock tables. Targeted at architects, property owners, and public-sector clients.
• Security Concepts Design of security concepts for buildings, integrating intrusion, access control, and video surveillance with the broader fire protection strategy. Targeted at property owners, building operators, and engineering firms.
• Interlocking Tables (Tableaux de mise en sécurité) Design and delivery of interlocking tables (tableaux de mise en sécurité) that coordinate fire protection, smoke extraction, and security subsystems. Targeted at architects, engineering firms, and building operators.
• Municipal Support and AEAI Audit Reports (Soutien aux communes) Provision of regulatory support to municipalities (communes), including AEAI audit reports and security concept assistance. Targeted at Swiss Romandie municipalities and public authorities.
• Maintenance and Emergency Services Recurring maintenance and 24/7 emergency service for installed sprinkler, fire detection, gas detection, intrusion, and access control systems. Targeted at existing property owner and building operator clients across Romandie.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sprinkler systems control fires with typically 1-3 sprinkler heads operating (avg. 80 liters/min per head) versus 600 liters/min from a firefighter's hose — reducing water usage by ~95%
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IXA Systems SAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2022DES acquired a majority stake in IXA Systems SA (based in Crissier) on April 1, 2022. IXA specializes in video surveillance systems, anti-intrusion, and access control installations. The acquisition brings ~10 collaborators and approximately CHF 3.5 million in annual revenue. Both companies will remain independent while benefiting from intra-company synergies. The co-directors of IXA are Marc Barraud and Didier Bujard. Marc Barraud subsequently became General Director of DES effective January 1, 2024.
• Lausanne Hockey ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDES supports the Lausanne Hockey Club as a 'OR' (Gold) sponsor. This sports sponsorship builds brand visibility in the Romandie region and aligns with the company's values of competition and excellence.
• FC SionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDES sponsors FC Sion as a 'Team Partenaire' since the 2012-2013 season. This long-running sponsorship supports brand recognition across French-speaking Switzerland.
• Association Romande des Experts et Spécialistes en Protection Incendie (ARESPI)minorOthersARESPI is a professional association for fire protection experts and specialists in Romandie. DES is connected to this network of industry professionals through its department concept de sécurité.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Johnson Controls: Johnson Controls (including legacy Tyco Fire Protection Products) offers sprinklers, detection, and integrated security across Switzerland as part of a global building solutions portfolio. Competes with DES on large enterprise fire protection RFPs.
• Honeywell Building Technologies: Honeywell is both an upstream technology partner (via Esser IQ8 control panels used by DES) and a broader building solutions competitor offering fire detection, integrated security, and building management across Europe.
• Bosch Building Technologies: Bosch Building Technologies provides fire alarm, video surveillance, access control, and intrusion systems in Switzerland and across Europe. Competes with DES on integrated security tenders while offering a broader building technologies portfolio.
• Siemens Smart Infrastructure (Schweiz): Siemens offers building technologies including fire detection, sprinklers integration, and access control in Switzerland. Competes with DES on enterprise projects but as part of a broader portfolio spanning automation, energy, and digital buildings rather than specialty fire protection focus.

Direct peers

• Chubb Fire & Security (Switzerland): Chubb (part of API Group/APi Group) operates a Swiss fire protection and security installation business, including sprinklers, detection, and integrated security. Directly competes with DES in the Romandie enterprise and commercial fire/security market.
• Wagner Group: Wagner Group is a European fire protection specialist offering sprinkler, detection, and suppression systems with active Swiss projects. Comparable to DES as a full-scope fire protection contractor in the DACH region with project-based and maintenance service revenue.
• Hälg Group: Hälg Group is a Swiss building services and facility management contractor with fire protection, HVAC, and maintenance capabilities. Comparable to DES as a Swiss specialty contractor serving enterprise real estate and industrial customers across multiple Swiss cantons.
• Minimax Viking Group: Minimax is a German-based specialty fire protection contractor with sprinkler, detection, and suppression capabilities, plus Swiss operations. Directly comparable to DES as a specialty fire protection contractor serving enterprise and industrial clients with similar scope (design, install, maintenance).
• Securitas AG (Switzerland): Securitas is a major Swiss security services provider with electronic security installation, monitoring, and guarding services. Comparable to DES/IXA on access control, intrusion, and video surveillance installation in Romandie, with overlapping enterprise customer base.

Emerging players

• Hekatron Technik: Hekatron is a German/Swiss fire detection specialist focused on smoke detectors, alarm systems, and notification. Partial overlap with DES's fire detection practice but without the sprinkler and integrated security bundling that DES/IXA offer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/d.e.s.-syst%C3%A8mes-de-s%C3%A9curit%C3%A9

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 D.E.S. Systèmes de sécurité