Why Door Access Control is Moving Beyond Traditional Lock and Keys 

Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by Admin

Access control operations are a fundamental aspect of a building’s security. They are concerned with ensuring that only authorized people can enter a building or specific areas. This is necessary to prevent or minimize the risk of undesirable events, such as burglaries, vandalism, and unwanted intrusions.

Traditionally, access control has been managed through lock-and-key mechanisms, but this is quickly changing as new technologies are adopted. An increasingly popular solution is using smartphones and other portable personal devices with embedded NFC technology to enable keyless entry. This type of system can be used in both residential and commercial settings, giving users the convenience of not worrying about carrying around physical keys.

In this article, we will discuss why these solutions are a more effective way to future-proof buildings than traditional measures.

What is Future Proofing in Relation to Access Control?

The term future-proofing refers to designing access control measures in a way that makes them resilient to changes in technology or the environment. The idea is that building owners and operators should proactively prepare for the future by investing in flexible and adaptable solutions to accommodate evolving needs.

While traditional locks and keys may still be helpful in specific scenarios, new buildings that are designed with an eye toward the future require more sophisticated access control technologies.

Mobile Credentials and Multi-Factor Authentication

One way modern access solutions are revolutionizing how we authenticate and gain access to buildings and their internal areas is by providing a safe and convenient way to authenticate users without needing physical keys or cards. Mobile credentials allow users to use their smartphones or other portable devices as a form of authentication to gain access to restricted areas.

Another increasingly popular feature is the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) procedures, which refer to the use of two or more independent methods to confirm a user’s identity. This could include using standard passwords, biometrics like facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprints, or even iris scans.

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No More Worries about Physical Credentials Being Lost or Stolen

Mobile credentials are inherently safer than physical credentials as they are less easily usable by unauthorized individuals when lost or stolen. If you were to lose a key or a traditional plastic card, you’d have to worry about what could happen if it were to fall into the wrong hands. It can also be quite costly for the building manager to have to replace the lost or stolen credentials and reissue them.

In contrast, smartphones and other portable devices are typically secured with a passcode and can easily be blocked remotely. They are also much easier to reissue if lost or stolen, as the process is entirely digital.

Mobile credentials also provide additional convenience to users, who don’t have to carry around (and keep track of) multiple cards and fobs in order to gain access to different areas of a building or facility.

Cutting Down on the Cost of Physical Credentials

Not having to issue physical credentials can result in significant savings for the building’s owners or managers. Not only is the process of issuing mobile credentials much cheaper but mobile credentials are often much easier to manage and track in comparison to traditional keys or cards. This is because access logs generated by mobile credentials can provide detailed information about who, when, and where a person accessed a certain area, as well as give you an easy way to restrict or revoke access if necessary.

Remote Security Management

Modern access control solutions also allow the building’s staff to manage security remotely. Let’sLet’s take the example of a school. Traditional access control measures would require those in charge of security to be there 24/7 to lock the schools, or areas of it, in case a threat were to present itself at any time. In contrast, modern classroom lockdown solutions make it possible to lock down the entire building remotely with a few clicks, even if it’s 3 a.m. on a Sunday.

Remote management capabilities are beneficial to those organizations that own multiple buildings and want to minimize security costs without exposing their workforce, customers, and properties to additional risks.

Automatic Provisioning of Mobile-Based Credentials During Employee Onboarding and Offboarding

Integrating an HR database with access control can be a powerful tool for streamlining employee onboarding and offboarding.

By provisioning mobile-based credentials, companies can ensure that the workforce has safe access to the resources they need while also protecting sensitive data. It also eliminates any need for manual processes and ensures that employees are granted the right type of access quickly and safely. Companies can also use this integration to set up automated notifications when an employee’s access rights change, ensuring that all staff members know their current privileges.

In addition, integrating an HR database with access control enables companies to track employee activity in real time. This helps to identify any potential security risks or unauthorized access attempts, allowing organizations to take proactive steps to protect their data.

Finally, mobile-based credentials can help organizations meet the requirements of various security and data protection regulations more effectively.