Usually, reactive multilayer systems (RMS, e.g., consisting of alternating layers of Al and Ni) are characterized by a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, which can be initialized by an electric arc or by higher temperature. Very few publications are dealing with mechanical ignition in detail. In our investigations the results show the possibility of mechanical ignition of RMS with a bilayer thickness of \Lambda = 50 nm and a total thickness of \textit{th}$_{\text{total}}$ = 5 $\mu$m. Such systems may ignite when mechanically indented by impactors of varying geometries. These geometries vary in shape, size, mechanical and thermal properties. It was found out that a certain distribution of impacting points can advance the ignition of the self-propagating process. It could also be shown that a single impact is not sufficient to achieve a reaction with the given bilayer/total thickness. Rather, a distributed punctual penetration and probably a stress-induced friction deformation is required for ignition of the RMS. These qualitative observations can be extended to quantify the exact distribution of impacting points, aspects of thermal conductivity of the impacting material, compression and impact force, as well as the deformation behavior of RML itself. Combining these aspects, an understanding of critical energies and thresholds can be obtained. The investigations include micro-, macro- and nano insights into the behavior of reacted and unreacted multilayers with the aim of providing a comprehensive description of the deformation and ignition process. We compare our experimental results with the results of numerous published simulations to gain deeper knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms involved. The goal is to extend the range of applications of RMS into mechanical ignition processes.