Advancements in technology and evolving work norms have changed how industry has approached physical security. Now more than ever, there is increased demand for flexibility and convenience in security systems.
Business partners and employees want convenient access, and facilities managers want flexible operation and increased security. Let’s look at the top 5 new trends in access control systems.
1. Biometrics and Touchless Access Control
Access control systems are no longer dependent on key cards, fobs, and other physical credentials. Today, more companies are leveraging biometrics, including facial recognition, touchless fingerprints, iris, palm and vein scans, and voice recognition.
These systems have traditionally been expensive to implement and required cumbersome set-up processes. Early biometric systems were also not very accurate and often resulted in lock-outs.
Advancements in technology are making these systems more accessible, and employees enjoy the convenience of no longer keeping track of physical credentials.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication requires employees to prove identity or credentials via at least two methods: e.g., a fingerprint and a password. Multi-factor authentication has been used for years in certain industries such as oil, gas, and power plants. It is also common in the non-physical security space.
This type of authentication is now becoming more popular in physical security for other verticals. Multi-factor authentication allows additional protection because a stolen or cloned key card will not be enough for access. In addition, it still offers convenience for employees.
3. Mobile Access Control
The vast majority of US adults use a smartphone, and many of them have their devices with them at all times. Using these devices for access is becoming more popular in access control systems. Mobile access control is much more convenient than key cards or fobs.
Mobile access is also more secure because key cards and fobs can be easily cloned if lost. More companies are shifting away from other physical credentials and transitioning to mobile access.
4. Cloud-Based Access Control
While physical security has been late to transition to the cloud, more businesses are transitioning their systems. Cloud-based access control provides operational improvements, higher security, and scalability.
Cloud-based systems allow flexibility and redundancy in a way that on-site systems simply cannot. Multi-site access is also much easier in a cloud-based environment. In the cloud, operators can manage access levels instantly across all sites, which was not possible with older systems.
5. Subscription-Based Business Model
Traditionally, access control businesses were driven by one-off hardware sales. Companies would buy readers, key cards, and panels and assemble them on-premise. Updates were inconvenient and often required a physical visit from the system provider.
Times have changed, and this model is being phased out in favor of a subscription-based model operated from the cloud. This transition makes it easier for providers to service systems and gives end-users the control and flexibility they want.
Employees and business partners will increasingly be looking for these trends to be implemented in access control systems. If you are interested in upgrading your system, contact Koorsen Fire & Security today!
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Koorsen Fire & Security is one of the leading commercial security companies in the nation. We have branches throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Whether your business is located in South Bend, Indiana, or Columbus, Ohio, our security experts can design, install, and service your access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection system.
