Hinn Kft

What Hinn Kft does

Hinn Kft is a privately held Hungarian engineering company that designs and manufactures Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR/LPR) hardware and software for barrier, gate, and industrial access-control applications. Founded in 1994 in southern Germany by engineer Karlheinz Hinn and relocated to Hungary, the company relocated again in August 2025 to a new, larger facility in Vértesszőlős where it handles development, assembly, and final testing in-house. The company serves industrial sites, recycling and quarry operations, hotels and hospitality venues, campgrounds and motorhome parks, business parks, and parking facilities across the DACH region and additional European markets plus Azerbaijan.

The product portfolio centers on a family of on-device ANPR units that run on a proprietary embedded operating system (not Linux or Windows) and require no external PC or server. Flagship Pollux (introduced 2006) is a high-frequency barrier ANPR device with up to 4,000-plate allowlists; HinnKey (2021) is a compact WiFi-enabled camera configured via smartphone app; Castor (2016) is a recognition module paired with standard IP cameras for industrial weighing; Propus (2019) is a utility-model-protected barrier-bar mount camera; HinnNprServer is Windows-based ANPR software for weighbridge integration; and Stellplatzautomat (2020, Alcor/Merak) adds self-service payment terminals for the camping vertical. Differentiating technical features include white-LED illumination for dirty-plate recognition, neural-network OCR that handles German umlauts and spaces, perspective correction for skewed plates, a fraud-detection algorithm for spoofed plates, and a uniform HTTP interface for third-party system integration.

Hinn generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales via its website and a ~14-partner channel of regional installers in Germany and Austria, supplemented by PC software licensing, an optional ~156 EUR/year firmware/software upgrade subscription, and Stellplatzautomat hardware. Distribution is direct (website inquiry) and channel (regional installation partners), with software integration partnerships extending reach into weighbridge, hospitality PMS, campground management, and logistics platforms. The company is owned outright by founder Karlheinz Hinn with no external investors or parent holding company disclosed.

Name

Hinn Kft

Legal name

Hinn Kft

Website

https://hinn.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Hinn Kft designs and manufactures on-device ANPR/LPR hardware and software for barrier, gate, and industrial access control, serving industrial, hospitality, campground, and weighbridge customers across the DACH region and Europe from its Hungarian headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automatic License Plate Recognition (ANPR) Hardware

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTLAJABAB

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) / Video Tolling & Enforcement

Transportation & Logistics/Transportation Infrastructure & Operations (Roads, Rail Networks, Traffic Management)/Road Tolling, Congestion Charging & Road User Charging Systems

Keywords

• Automatic license plate recognition
• ANPR barrier control
• Vehicle access automation
• Industrial weighbridge ANPR
• Gate control cameras

Headquarters

HQ city

Tatabánya

HQ country

Hungary

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Primary revenue from selling ANPR hardware products: Pollux, HinnKey, Castor, Propus camera, and Stellplatzautomat (parking terminal). These are physical devices sold as one-time purchases with optional accessories (cables, mounting brackets, power supplies).
2. Annual Upgrade Service: Optional annual subscription for firmware updates, PC software updates, country matrices, and additional tools. Charged at 156 EUR per year. Not mandatory — customers can choose to forgo updates.
3. Software Licensing / PC Software: PC-based ANPR software products: HinnNprServer (Windows software for industrial weighbridge integration), PolluxWin (PC control software), PolluxHotel (cloud booking system interface), PolluxGate (reception software), PolluxDoc (archiving), PolluxNet (PC software). Sold as standalone or part of product bundles.
4. Stellplatzautomat (Parking Terminal): Self-service parking payment terminals (Alcor and Merak models) sold to campgrounds and motorhome parks. Hardware sale plus optional card terminal (cVEND-Pin-Solo from Feig) for cashless payment. Terminals handle cash and coin change dispensing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Hinn develops, manufactures, and sells hardware and software systems for automated license plate recognition (ANPR/LPR) used to control barriers, gates, and industrial vehicle access. The portfolio includes standalone recognition devices (Pollux, HinnKey, Castor), a Windows-based recognition server (HinnNprServer), specialized barrier-bar cameras (Propus), self-service parking terminals (Stellplatzautomat Alcor/Merak), and supporting PC software. All products share a unified HTTP interface and run on a proprietary virus-immune embedded operating system, enabling autonomous operation without requiring an external PC or server.

Product overview

Hinn Kft offers a portfolio of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) products for barrier/gate control and industrial vehicle automation. The core products include Pollux (high-end standalone ANPR device for barriers), HinnKey (compact WiFi-enabled ANPR camera), Castor (network-based recognition module for IP cameras), and HinnNprServer (Windows software for industrial scales). Supporting products include Propus (specialized barrier-bar camera), Stellplatzautomat payment terminals (Alcor/Merak), and software tools like PolluxWin, PolluxHotel (cloud booking integration), PolluxGate, PolluxNet, and RoKey. All products share a unified HTTP interface for third-party system integration. The company develops, manufactures, and services these products in-house at their facility in Vértesszőlős, Hungary.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HinnKey: Compact ANPR camera with onboard WLAN module and integrated license plate recognition; smartphone app compatible; suitable for small driveways and gates of all kinds.
• Pollux
• Castor
• Propus
• Stellplatzautomat
• HinnNprServer

Products and services

• Pollux High-end standalone ANPR recognition unit for barrier and gate control with high opening frequency. Houses complete recognition logic, whitelist management, relay outputs for barrier control, web console, network interface, and integrated fraud detection. Available in three expansion stages (200/800/4000 license plates) with cycle times of 0.2–1.5 seconds. Designed for industrial and commercial barriers, gate pairs, and high-traffic applications.
• HinnKey Compact ANPR camera with integrated recognition electronics and onboard WLAN module. Configurable via smartphone app for Android devices. Designed for small gates, driveways, and barriers with whitelist capacity of 50/100/500 entries depending on tier. Standalone operation with no PC or server required; suitable for self-installation by consumers or small businesses.
• Castor Autonomous ANPR recognition module designed to pair with standard IP cameras for industrial environments such as vehicle weighbridges and recycling facilities. Software runs on the Castor device itself; modular recognition unit for factory automation, vehicle scales, and similar industrial applications with high operational reliability.
• HinnNprServer Windows-based ANPR software for license plate recognition, designed for integration with vehicle weighbridge systems and industrial applications. Runs on standard Windows computers combined with IP cameras. Includes simulation tools for testing recognition without live hardware and a RoKey tool for direct transfer of recognized plates into weighing software delivery note fields.
• Propus (Barrier-Bar Camera) Specialized ANPR camera designed for gate-bar mounting (Schrankenbalkenmontage). Features integrated white LED illumination instead of IR, compact robust waterproof housing. Protected as utility model DE202009017623.1. Designed for direct mounting on barrier bars to position camera in the direction of vehicle travel for optimal plate visibility.
• Stellplatzautomat (Alcor / Merak) Self-service parking payment terminals (Alcor and Merak models) for unmanned RV/camping sites. Features touchscreen license plate entry, cash payment with change dispensing (Alcor), cashless payment option via cVEND-Pin-Solo card terminal from Feig, and web console for booking management. Integrated with Hinn ANPR systems for automated barrier control.

Quantifiable outcome

• >98% recognition rate across varying conditions (weather, plate condition, lighting)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration23 records

AI capability3 records

Feature13 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Matscheck Tortechnik GmbH & Co. KGminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner based in Norderstedt, Germany. Specializes in gate systems (Toranlagen) and access systems (Zufahrtssysteme). Recommends, installs, and services Hinn ANPR products.
• Prang Elektrotechnik GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Ronnenberg, Germany. Specializes in parking garage technology, barrier systems, electrical installations, and gate systems.
• Dr. Bellwon GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Lünen, Germany. Specializes in electrical installation, building technology, photovoltaics, e-mobility, security technology, network technology, and room air conditioning.
• Rhein Main Fördertechnik GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Dietzenbach, Germany. Specializes in forklift trucks (Flurförderzeuge), industrial gates, loading technology (Verladetechnik).
• Reif GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Heroldstatt-Ennabeuren, Germany. Specializes in intrusion alarm systems (wired and wireless), fire alarm systems, video systems, access control & time tracking, mechanical security, safes, gun cabinets, and electronic/mechanical lock systems.
• Jockel Industriemontagen GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Iggingen-Brainkofen, Germany. Specializes in sectional doors, rolling doors, high-speed doors, barriers, folding gates, sliding gates, loading docks, and fire protection doors.
• auf-zu Torsysteme GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Durmersheim, Germany. Specializes in hall doors, exterior doors, rolling grilles, high-speed doors, barriers, sectional doors, turnstiles, sliding gates, and swing gates.
• DANNER + KNOSP Maschinenbau GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSpecialized machine manufacturing partner in Offenburg, Germany. Specializes in custom machine construction, development & design, automation technology, and custom fabrication.
• TSiT Toranlagen und Sicherheitstechnik GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Appenweier, Germany. Specializes in sliding gates, barrier systems, and security revolving doors.
• Schreier Holz eKminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Traunreut, Germany. Specializes in wooden fences, playground equipment, fence systems, and barriers.
• KDB Montage und ServiceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Wilhelmsdorf, Germany. Specializes in automatic doors, turnstiles, sensor gates, sensor locks, revolving doors, and barriers.
• G+M Elektrobau und Signalanlagen GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Wiesthal, Germany. Specializes in building technology, electrical installations, traffic engineering, and inspections.
• Auer Antriebstechnik GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner with locations in Gratkorn and Vienna, Austria. Specializes in sliding gates, swing gates, garage doors, automatic barriers, hand-operated barriers, and rotary barriers.
• GESIG Gesellschaft für Signalanlagen GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner in Hallwang, Austria. Specializes in traffic engineering, parking technology, and security technology.
• camppartner.com oHGcoreTechnology or IntegrationCampground management software provider that extended its software to include a HinnNprServer and Pollux interface. Enables automated license plate access based on campground booking data. Used by camping sites at North Sea and Main River.
• campalot GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationCampground and RV park management software provider with a full PolluxHotel cloud interface. Actively marketed on Hinn's website as a key booking system integration. Supports automatic license plate list synchronization with Pollux.
• ibelsa (ibelsa.com)coreTechnology or IntegrationCloud-based hotel software with PolluxHotel cloud interface integration for automatic license plate access management. Listed as a primary integration on Hinn's site.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Adaptive Recognition: Hungary-based ANPR/LPR camera and software manufacturer serving access control, parking, and traffic applications. Directly comparable in geography (both Hungary-headquartered), product scope, and focus on European markets.
• Tattile: Italian manufacturer of ANPR/LPR cameras for ITS, access control, and tolling. Closely comparable to Hinn in product scope (standalone ANPR cameras for barriers and traffic), target verticals, and channel-based European go-to-market.
• Nedap: Dutch company offering ANPR-based vehicle identification solutions for parking, gated access, and mobility applications. Comparable in product category (ANPR for access control) and target customer profile (parking operators, industrial sites).
• Quercus Technologies: Spanish manufacturer of ANPR cameras and parking management solutions. Comparable to Hinn in product category (LPR for parking and access control) and end-market focus, though with stronger parking-management software portfolio.

Regional players

• Vitronic: German machine-vision specialist with strong ANPR/tolling enforcement business. Comparable in ANPR technology and DACH market presence, though larger and focused on enforcement/tolling rather than barrier-ANPR.
• Elsag by Leonardo: Italian ANPR/OCR specialist (part of Leonardo) focused on law enforcement, traffic, and access-control applications. Comparable ANPR technology and European market presence, with similar specialization in vehicle identification though operating at much larger scale.
• Kapsch TrafficCom: Austrian ITS provider with ANPR-based tolling solutions for European road-charging systems. Comparable in ANPR technology and DACH regional presence, but operates primarily in the tolling/road-charging segment rather than private-barrier access.

Broad incumbents

• Axis Communications: Swedish network camera giant with ANPR application modules for access control and traffic. Comparable technology stack (IP-camera-based ANPR) but operates as a broad incumbent across all video surveillance, not specializing in barrier-ANPR like Hinn.
• Hikvision: Chinese global surveillance giant offering ANPR-enabled IP cameras and dedicated LPR cameras. Comparable technology (AI-based ANPR) but competes as a broad incumbent with extensive R&D, pricing power, and global channel reach that Hinn cannot match.
• Genetec (AutoVu): Canadian security software platform whose AutoVu product line delivers ANPR for parking enforcement and access control. Comparable in ANPR capability but positioned as a broader security/VMS platform rather than a focused standalone hardware specialist.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hinn-kft

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 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 Hinn Kft