Understanding the Emerging Trends in Access Control

Keeping your business premises secure is much more than locking the door or erecting a gate. It is about keeping ahead of advancing technology and adapting your access control system to meet your needs. Four key trends are beginning to shape the future of access control. Learning about these trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and use advancing technology to offer superior protection.

Cloud-Based Access Control

Many businesses are migrating to cloud-based access control. The latest studies suggest that at least 44% of users already control around 1/4 of their physical security efforts through the cloud. Cloud-based security technology offers many advantages for business owners, including automatic updates and integration with your existing infrastructure.

Cloud-ready appliances are becoming increasingly popular. These appliances allow your organization to modernize access control systems while keeping some of your infrastructure. You will experience a more flexible, secure, and scalable solution without pursuing a complete system overhaul. When selecting access control upgrades, ensure you pursue those with cloud-based options.

Automated Access Control Management

Manual access control management becomes taxing and time-consuming. Manual management is also prone to errors. Automating the workflow helps simplify many tasks, including temporary access granting, tracking security permissions, and onboarding employees.

Modern access control systems allow users to request access through an online portal. Designated management members can review and approve all requests according to set protocols. With automated reporting, your organization can ensure access compliance and quickly identify security gaps.

Mobile Credentials and Biometrics

Mobile credentials are gaining popularity among organizations. Mobile credentials and biometrics offer increased convenience and security as organizations manage access. They work better than smart cards because they reduce the risks of loss, unauthorized sharing, and cloning. Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning, is rising. These technologies can help you provide an added layer of security and work well with other control methods to help enhance protection.

Access Control Integration with Smart Building Technology

As security threats evolve, access technology is no longer just about security. It also plays a role in sustainability. Many organizations are implementing access control systems with IoT management solutions. Organizations can connect their access control systems with their HVAC, lighting, and elevator systems to automate energy-saving efforts.

When someone enters the building, the HVAC system and lighting can automatically respond, eliminating energy waste. A uniformed security platform approach will help your organization monitor space usage, streamline operations, and optimize its building layout.

The Future Is Now

As security threats increase in scope and evolve, organizations must make integral changes to their access control systems. Investing in modern access control solutions will help your organization improve security, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The most crucial aspect of deciding is to choose an open and unified platform that can adapt to new technologies as your organization’s needs change.

It will be interesting to see how access control evolves over the next decade. For now, organizations must carefully balance cutting-edge technology with keeping as much of their existing infrastructure as possible.