New ‘State of Access Control Report’ underscores the growing demand
for future-proof mobile solutions
THE RFID, QR Code, FIDO + NFC, are but a few of the technologies available to help manage physical access and security. In the fast pace of digitalization, manual methods of access and authentication, for example in building access or in the supply chain’s management of vaccine inventory, hamper the speed of processing and may even compromise the quality of goods or of services.
Whether it’s a cool box containing vaccines, a loaf of bread with a code on the pack or door to the server room, everything requires a level of security to maintain both its quality and reputation. By maximizing efficient identification, tracking entry into a room for example can create the visibility needed to stop pilfirage, tackle fraud, fulfill orders and overall reduce losses in terms of time and products.
With convenience being a major theme, 42 percent of respondents worldwide indicate plans to upgrade to mobile-ready systems
A report produced by IFSEC Global in partnership with HID Global called the 2022 State of Access Control Report, insightful perspectives of the market’s current state and trends were presented. The report surveyed just over 1,000 respondents from across North America (56 percent), EMEA (29 percent) and Asia Pacific (15 percent) to detail trends in the procurement, installation, specification, and operation of physical access control solutions.
It delved into the technology being used, and trends that security and IT professionals are witnessing and foreseeing in the years to come, including:
Convenience: Ease of use is the most crucial reason to upgrade to a new access control system, according to 60 percent of the respondents. This means that in addition to securing premises, a new system must provide a smooth and straightforward process for both users (employees, residents or visitors) and administrators (security, facilities and IT teams).
Mobile access and touchless capabilities: It’s no surprise then, that demand for mobile access is showing an uptick, with 42 percent of respondents planning to upgrade to mobile-ready systems. While security system administrators benefit from increased operational efficiency, employees and visitors may find mobile access more convenient and secure since they are more likely to have their mobile devices at hand than their access cards. The pandemic also played a role in the demand for touchless physical access control. About 32 percent of respondents cited they would upgrade systems to introduce touchless solutions in response to the pandemic, with contactless biometrics also being considered among them.
System interoperability: Future-proof support is also a growing concern as users are pushing for long-term convenience while achieving cost savings. In fact, almost half of the respondents (49 percent) selected the ability to support new tech in the future as one of the top three features in a new access control solution, and 33 percent included integration with existing security platforms as being important. As a result, consultants and integrators are moving away from proprietary models and embracing open standards-based technology, where software upgrades can be securely managed through the cloud. One in five respondents added that interoperability and open standards will be one of the top trends set to shape the industry in the near future.
Sustainability: Organizations across all regions are making a clear effort to understand how new purchases and upgrades in access control technology can have an impact on sustainable practices, with about 28 percent of respondents having consulted their sustainability departments about their buying decisions. Access control readers that have Environmental Product Declarations and intelligent power management, for example, support green building ratings such as LEED. Additionally, deploying mobile access and virtual credentials removes the need for plastic cards and so spares the carbon footprint associated with their lifecycle. When integrated with a building management platform, it is possible to maintain for continuous adjustment of building resources based on occupancy
The full report provides a more in-depth analysis and data points on what is driving the physical access control industry now and into the future. Read it here. To see how HID Mobile Access increases convenience and operational efficiency without compromising security, visit the website.