The landscape of access control systems is ever evolving, and being one of the industry leaders, we predict that the future holds even more innovation and advancement. In terms of business access control systems, there are a handful of emerging trends that, like a compass, are set to navigate the future trajectory of commercial access control. Let's explore these emerging trends and what they mean for the world of opening solutions.

Improvement in biometric authentication

One of the most exciting developments in access control is the constant improvement of biometric authentication methods. Popular methods such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris recognition are continually being refined for accuracy, speed, and security. This means that these biometric options are becoming more trustworthy and reliable.

HID took that concept literally and created technology that utilises unique biometric traits – fingerprints and faces – to authenticate, verify and identify. It’s all done with speed, accuracy and security by design. And handled in a convenient, frictionless manner. That’s by design, too. Users will appreciate an exceptionally convenient experience.

Mobile-based access control

Another emerging trend is the integration of mobile devices in commercial access control. Smartphones have been used as secure credentials, allowing individuals to use their devices for authentication. Talking about mobile-based access control, it would be a miss to not mention SMARTair – a mobile solution that gives security administrators the ability to open electronic door locks remotely from the palm of their hand, from anywhere.

SMARTair

Being a cost-effective access control technology with multiple credential options, SMARTair has a portfolio of tailor-made solutions – you can choose the system you need to manage access with minimum hassle. Time schedules and permissions calendars for different user groups are easy to create with the intuitive software. So, should the CEO lose her keycard, cancelling it and issuing a replacement is simple, secure and instantaneous. If cleaners are permitted access only after office hours, SMARTair electronic locks can handle it. If a team relocates to a nearby office, it’s easy to change their access rights en masse.

Furthermore, with our Bluetooth-powered Openow app, site users receive virtual keys on a smartphone, so there’s no need to visit a security office to update their credentials.

AI-powered access control

Imagine living in a world where traditional passwords are no longer necessary, where behaviour patterns have become the primary means of identity authentication.

Artificial intelligence is being studied to utilise in access control systems.

On the one hand, the key benefit of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into access control systems is its ability to analyse data in real-time. AI can detect unusual patterns or behaviours and use that to indicate a potential security threat. This could include identifying unusual entry times, multiple failed authentication attempts, or any other anomalies that might go unnoticed by human operators.

On the other, there is the growing concern that relying heavily on AI for security measures can lead to a potential breakdown. If the AI system encounters a technical issue, it could result in a lapse in security.

While AI's abilities are undeniable, it’s crucial to approach the implementation of AI-powered access control systems with a balanced perspective, ensuring that they are used responsibly and in conjunction with appropriate safeguards and human oversight.

Cloud-based access control

In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of cloud-based access control systems. This trend is expected to continue as businesses benefit from the scalability, flexibility, and ease of integration with other security systems that cloud-based solutions offer.

Since the Incedo Business Cloud release, the system has helped multiple business sites safeguard and manage premises. Incedo Business Cloud offers real-time, remote control around the clock and from anywhere. Any PC with an internet connection keeps you in contact with your security, even when there is nobody on-site.

Incedo Business Cloud

Incedo Business Cloud management also reduces the start-up costs of switching to electronic access control. With Incedo Business Cloud, you can operate a robust access control system without a specialist IT department or a dedicated PC to administer the system. You do not need servers or other expensive hardware, because all your access control data is hosted offsite in a secure environment with ISO 27001 accreditation. With Incedo Business Cloud, you can scale up or down almost instantly as your organisation’s needs change.

Zero Trust security model

The Zero Trust security model is also gaining traction in the world of commercial security access control systems. Though the ‘Zero Trust’ phrase may sound scary at first, in this situation, it acts as a reliable system. This model defines that no user can be fully trusted. Instead of relying on perimeter defence, access is granted on a least-privileged basis, and users and devices are continuously authenticated and verified before accessing resources. This model provides an added layer of security and helps prevent potential breaches.

As these emergent trends continue to evolve, it is imperative for businesses to stay informed and adapt their commercial access control strategies to stay ahead of potential threats.