Dipl. Ing. Klaus Adler and Dipl. Ing. Petar Tomić take a look at TAPKO’s history and its role in the development of KNX.
TAPKO Technologies, based in the southern German city of Regensburg, has been a trailblazer in the field of building automation for 25 years. Founded in 1999 by engineers Klaus Adler and Petar Tomić, TAPKO was born from a vision: to help shape the global standard for connected buildings. Since its inception, the company has become a renowned developer and manufacturer of KNX products, offering tailored solutions and OEM devices. From the very beginning, TAPKO Technologies played a crucial role in the success story of KNX.
The origins of TAPKO are the origins of KNX
Our history is deeply intertwined with the development of KNX. In the early days of EIB (European Installation Bus), the predecessor of KNX, the founders were instrumental in shaping the standardisation efforts during the 1990s. Their goal was to simplify building automation by creating uniform solutions that were both effective and efficient.
In the late 1990s, the smart building technology market was still in its infancy, and TAPKO’s founders helped to pave the way for KNX to emerge as a global standard. This required building trust in the technology, overcoming significant technical challenges, and navigating an ever-changing market landscape.
An important milestone on our path was the development of OEM solutions that enable other manufacturers to integrate ready-made KNX devices into their portfolio. In doing so, TAPKO not only promoted the market acceptance of KNX, but also established itself as a strategic partner within the KNX ecosystem.
As Heinz Lux, CEO of the KNX Association, put it, “TAPKO is not just a company but a driving force behind the development and expansion of KNX. Its contribution to the standardisation and advancement of KNX has been essential for its global success.”
A market full of challenges and opportunities
Today, we view the building automation industry as one of the most exciting yet challenging markets. Topics such as sustainability, energy efficiency, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving demand for intelligent solutions. We are well-prepared for this dynamic environment, focusing on innovation and partnerships to further shape the market.
Looking ahead: 25 years of innovation and beyond
Reflecting on 25 years of growth and innovation, the long-term advantages of working with KNX are evident: KNX offers a robust, future-proof platform that enables an ever-expanding range of applications. Our future is full of opportunities, from the continued evolution of our well-established product portfolio to the development of new applications and technologies within the KNX segment.
If we, as Managing Directors of TAPKO, can give one piece of advice to the industry, it would be, “Focus on collaborative partnerships and invest in new, innovative projects.” After 25 years in the industry, we still feel that there is so much more still ahead of us.
Dipl. Ing. Petar Tomić and Dipl. Ing. Klaus Adler are the founders and managing directors of TAPKO Technologies GmbH, a leading provider of KNX products and OEM solutions for KNX-based building automation. Another brand of TAPKO Technologies is Apricum. As part of the company, it is responsible for the production of KNX devices in the European Union and takes over regional sales tasks in South-East Europe.
