Access control technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, moving beyond its traditional role of securing physical spaces to offering enhanced user experience and convenience.
With the advancement of technology, access control solutions have evolved beyond traditional lock-and-key methods to include AI driven, data backed solutions that are spread across visitor management, authentication, surveillance and access rights.
These solutions allow businesses to manage and monitor access to buildings, rooms, and data, as well as track employee and visitor activity. The scale of the organization no longer stands in the way of implementing these technologies. In fact, given their automated nature, standardization across organizations of different scales is now very manageable.
Needless to say then that in this era of heightened security concerns and regulations, access control solutions have become a critical aspect of business operations.
10 big trends are driving the future of access control technology today:
- Remote Management: The Future of Access Control
Access control systems can now be managed remotely, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of building access from anywhere in the world. This feature is particularly useful for large organizations with multiple locations, where centralized management of access control systems can save time and resources.
- The Cloud Takes Center Stage in Access Control Solutions
Cloud-based access control systems are increasingly popular due to their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. They offer the ability to manage and monitor access control systems from a centralized location, with the added benefit of automatic software updates and maintenance.
- The Future is Mobile: Sec-proofing with Mobile Access
With the widespread adoption of smartphones, access control systems are increasingly leveraging mobile technology for secure and convenient access control. This includes features such as mobile credentials, which allow users to access buildings using their smartphone, and Bluetooth-based access control systems, which provide touchless entry and exit.
- Integration for Efficiency: Leveraging Integrations for Smart Automation
Access control systems are increasingly integrating with other smart building technologies such as HVAC, lighting, and occupancy sensors to provide a more integrated and automated building management experience.
- Embracing Touchless Access
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of touchless access control technology such as facial recognition and touchless biometrics, which offer a hygienic and convenient way to access buildings without touching shared surfaces.
- Biometrics and Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication and biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, offer enhanced security and are becoming more commonplace in access control systems.
- Seamless Video and Access Control: A Match Made in Security Heaven
Video surveillance and access control systems are increasingly integrating to provide a more complete security solution. This allows for real-time monitoring of access points and the ability to quickly respond to security threats.
- The analytics edge
Access control systems are increasingly incorporating analytics capabilities, such as predictive analytics and machine learning, to provide insights into building usage patterns and identify potential security threats.
- The Synergy of IT, Cybersecurity, and Physical Access Control
With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in modern buildings, access control systems are increasingly being integrated with IT and cybersecurity systems to provide a more comprehensive security solution.
- The Future is Smart: Advancements in Building Security
Access control systems are playing an increasingly important role in the smart building ecosystem, with the ability to integrate with other building systems to provide a more efficient and automated building management experience.
In conclusion, as technology advancements in the areas of access control continue to pave the way, the future of access control looks promising and reassuring.
In addition, as the influence of IoT continues to grow, development of access control systems that are integrated with other devices and systems will only grow. This means that not only does the future look more secure, but it also looks more seamless. Two key aspects on which any workplace of the future will be evaluated.