A new report analyses how wireless access control is evolving — and how this will affect security managers

“We are delighted once again to offer fresh insights into the ongoing digitalization of access,” says Gavin Macdougall, Product Manager, Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY South Africa. “A particular focus of the 2023 Report is access control’s potential impact on the wider business — as an enabler for business intelligence, cost efficiency and of course better sustainability performance.”

“The Report highlights ways for security departments and consultants to contribute directly to strategic business performance — and indeed, reveals data which makes it clear this process should happen sooner rather than later.”

Convenience above (almost) everything

Convenience — effectively a synonym for operational efficiency — has triumphed. End-users prize flexible, scalable technologies which are easy to use and to integrate with companion building systems. In the Report survey, 93% of respondents agreed that compatible, integratable standards are important when choosing or recommending access control.

“Security is often assumed these days,” adds Macdougall. “The role of access control is now to help businesses work smarter, saving time and costs in the process.”

The most important technology for convenience — within and far beyond security — is the smartphone. Data from the 2023 Report highlights the growing deployment of mobile credentials in organizations of almost every size and type.

Among the organizations surveyed, 29% said they had already rolled out mobile credentials, in place of or (more often) alongside traditional cards, fobs and the like. A further 40% expected to issue smartphone credentials within the next 2 years.

The greatest reason to choose mobile credentials, according to the Report survey? Convenience.

“At the very least, future-proofing every investment you make in access control technology, to ensure it offers the option of a future rollout of mobile credentials, is now essential,” says Macdougall.

The cyber-security knowledge gap

A growing number of businesses already adopt a holistic approach to security, combining cyber and physical under one internal roof. As the report explains: “It’s not enough to have an efficient, convenient and secure access control system if it doesn’t have the right digital (cyber) protection. If the digital part is insecure or flawed, the system is vulnerable, and the same goes for the mechanical part.”

Yet many ‘traditional’ security staff remain uncertain about relevant regulations. Presented with 4 important regional laws and directives which are (or soon will be) critical to cyber- and physical security, 55% of survey respondents did not recognize any.

Only 12% of survey respondents said they were fully prepared for the implications of cyber-security legislation. “The cyber-security knowledge gap in ‘traditional’ security and facilities management departments is real,” says Macdougall.

“But there is cause for optimism: it is at least a ‘known unknown’. It’s now the job of industry leaders like ASSA ABLOY to help customers and partners calculate their next steps in filling this important gap.”

“As the Report also highlights, combination cyber–physical security attacks are on the rise. Now is a good time to upgrade both systems and knowledge.”

Getting a seat at the table for security

Who are the real influencers for important decisions around security and access control technology, including budgets? According to Report data, all too often it is not the people who will commission and manage the systems. A third of survey respondents even said security was not considered a core function in their company.

However, a deepening focus on cost and workflow efficiency presents an opportunity for security managers and directors to show how their function can contribute to business success.

“Data gathered from security systems can be used in many other areas of the business, such as managing the hybrid working patterns of the staff and improving energy efficiency by only heating and/or lighting areas of the building which are occupied,” notes the Report.

Integration across building systems is critical. The flexible, scalable, interoperable system is about more than just convenience. According to Deloitte^*: “The value of integration has long been ignored and those early adopters who have embraced advanced integration have seen those benefits, the reduced risk, and cost savings integrations create.”

“Sustainability is another important area where access control decisions make an impact,” says Macdougall. “Wireless locking solutions are faster and less intrusive to install. They use much less energy during usage than wired solutions and usually require very little maintenance. Choosing wireless access control can be an important element in an organization’s sustainability strategy.”

“Security can escape its silo,” Macdougall adds. “Indeed, it must, if organisations are to thrive in the challenging economic climate ahead.”