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Over the past two years, our way of working has changed forever. Organizations have had to make drastic changes in order to stay ahead of the curve. As we transition out of the height of the pandemic and into the “new normal,” work culture has shifted from in-office to mostly hybrid or remote models. In terms of access control, companies are looking for technology and features that not only incorporate security into our new way of working but also boost productivity and safety while transforming building access into a frictionless experience.

As technology evolves, so does the access control system. It’s important to be aware of the latest trends in this industry. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the top trends that are shaping the future of access control in 2022.

Remote Management

With so many employees now working remotely, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage access from a central location. Remote management allows you to connect to your access control system from anywhere in the world and make changes or updates as needed. Remote access and security management allow enterprises and smaller organizations to stay nimble and flexible while completing day-to-day tasks without having to be on-premises. This access control solution paved the way for productive hybrid work models and will continue to gain traction as new tools and technologies are developed to make remote management easier and more efficient.

Merging IT, Cybersecurity, and Physical Access Control Systems (PACS)

The best way to approach security within hybrid workplaces is to integrate IT, cybersecurity, and PACS. It’s important to look at spaces holistically to ensure a seamless, secure, and safe office environment. New access control trends lead to strategies that include knowing who is unlocking doors and accessing the network and how data is being shared across several devices. For companies juggling multi-site management, having all IT, cybersecurity, and physical access control data on a single platform ensures a better understanding of the way spaces are being utilized and how to improve their security.

Cloud-Based Access Control

A recent study by Flexera notes that 92% of companies today have systems running on the cloud, and this shift is beginning to gain more momentum in the security sector. Cloud-based access control systems offer several advantages over traditional on-premises solutions. For one, they are much easier to deploy and manage. They also provide users with real-time data over multiple sites in a central location and insights that can be used to improve security protocols. Additionally, cloud-based access control systems enable better responses to security breaches and incidents. While the advantages of cloud-based access control systems are many, companies have been reluctant to full migration since they are inoperable with existing legacy systems. Hybrid cloud solutions may be the solution to this since companies can take advantage of centralized access to data across locations in the cloud without having to replace all existing hardware.

Touch-Free Technology

The pandemic led to a profound shift in our perception of touch-based systems. Today, a touchless automatic entry system is a necessity for almost every space. Apart from the topic of hygiene, touch-free technology is more convenient. As systems continue to rely on mobile and digital technologies, creating touchless entry experiences becomes easier. Using mobile credentials and cloud-based platforms eliminates one less touch point in the office, which reduces maintenance and routine wear on physical hardware.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The access control landscape is changing, and with it, the way we authenticate users. In the past, a single password was enough to grant access to sensitive data and areas. However, as hacking techniques have become more sophisticated, it’s no longer enough to rely on one layer of security. MFA makes it more difficult to use cloned credentials or passwords to gain unauthorized access. A multi-layered approach to access control is an effective way to prevent common vulnerabilities identified in recent security breaches in the news.

Smart Automation & Analytics

As access control systems become more innovative, the demand for features that provide automation and analytics has increased. Advancements in AI analytics make it easier and faster for organizations to identify data patterns and take mitigating action across all security and building systems. By automating access control processes, businesses can reduce the amount of time their employees spend managing access rights. Additionally, access control automation can help to improve security by reducing human error. Automated access control systems integrated with business intelligence analytics can also provide valuable insights into making smarter business decisions.

Upgrade Legacy Technology

A lot has changed in the access control landscape since the days of traditional on-premises access control systems. As access control technology continues to evolve, it is important for businesses to stay up to date with the latest trends and solutions. Upgrading legacy access control systems can be a daunting task, but it is crucial for businesses to future-proof their security. The risks associated with relying on dated technology have grown too great to outweigh the costs of investing in more efficient, secure, and modern access control systems. When upgrading access control systems, it is important to work with a reputable provider, like Access Professional Systems, that can help to ensure a smooth transition.

Final Thoughts

As we look at the future of access control, adaptability is paramount, but not at the expense of security. Key innovations in access control systems go beyond protecting data and restricting unauthorized access. Access control solutions that prioritize scalability and flexibility enable businesses to adapt to constantly changing environments without comprising the safety and security of your employees and office. If your organization isn’t taking the necessary steps to future-proof your security and optimize your workplace, it’s time to start.

Access Professional Systems is proud to have delivered customized solutions with superior service to over 14,500 customers since our inception. Our commitment to providing top-tier customer service and outstanding results is what sets us apart. Contact us today to get started!

How do you know you’re in good hands with APS? We’ve successfully installed equipment and services in more than 14,500 projects.  Get a free estimate today or call us directly by phone at 853-223-9982 (CA) or 602-737-2081 (AZ).

We look forward to hearing from you!