By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
As access control technology advances, security leaders should keep an eye on the latest trends and the opportunities they bring Access control technology is undergoing significant transformations, with outdated systems being replaced by modern, more accessible solutions. There is an increasing demand for integrated solutions that combine video, audio, and analytics. These comprehensive solutions are becoming more feasible due to advancements in system architecture, mobile technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. This article explores four major trends in access control that security leaders should monitor and the opportunities they offer.
System Architecture
How are cloud and hybrid technologies being applied to access control? What are their advantages and disadvantages?
Within the security industry, cloud technology is rapidly being adopted in access control due to its management of transactional data, which contrasts with the storage and privacy demands of video data. Cloud solutions offer the advantage of seamless software updates without the need for onsite physical servers, easing the burden on system administrators.
However, enterprise systems often prefer on premises servers for greater control, and cloud solutions may be less effective in remote areas with limited bandwidth. Hybrid solutions offer a cost effective method to expand legacy systems into the cloud, protecting the initial hardware investment and facilitating the addition of new sites without extra hardware expenses. Despite these benefits, integrating hybrid systems can be complex and sometimes result in less robust user interfaces compared to traditional on premises systems.
Mobile First Technology
Is access control moving toward mobile technology? If so, why, and what opportunities and challenges does this present.
Access control is shifting towards mobile technology due to its cost effectiveness for organizations and ease of use for individuals. This shift enhances the efficiency of temporary credentialing, as QR codes and Bluetooth credentials can be sent directly to visitors or contract workers via phones or emails, offering improved control and security.
Mobile credentialing can be used across on premises, hybrid, or cloud systems, leveraging mobile devices as credentials instead of key cards or fobs. Despite potential risks like credential sharing, good systems can manage these challenges. Some users may resist having work related applications on personal devices, but this can be mitigated by providing card credentials and multi credential readers. Mobile technology offers significant opportunities for system management, enabling authorized users to easily add and remove users, assign visitor access, receive alerts, and remotely control doors via their mobile devices.
AI and Analytics
How are AI and analytics being applied in access control? What are their potential use cases and how can they improve safety?
While video surveillance leads in adopting AI and analytics, access control is gradually integrating these technologies. Combining video with access control enables detection of tailgating and monitoring of personal protective equipment compliance. Access control analytics can also manage occupancy restrictions. The main challenge with AI and analytics is ensuring properly trained models for effective use.
Cybersecurity
Are there cyber risks uniquely associated with access control? If so, how can they be mitigated?
Cybersecurity risks in access control are not unique, and best practices from other security areas can be applied. It is crucial to monitor who has access to specific spaces and implement multi factor authentication to protect credentials. Encryption of devices and communications is essential, and security leaders should consider security keys, OSDP standards, and TPM modules to ensure comprehensive security from door readers to servers.
Legacy access control systems are being replaced by all in one systems that automate and unify the user experience. With evolving architectures, mobile design, AI and analytics, and heightened cybersecurity demands, access control will continue to advance alongside the security industry. Staying informed about the latest developments is essential, while always focusing on the specific needs of an organization’s system.
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