This article originally appeared in Access Control Trends & Technology 2023, a special bonus publication to Security Business magazine, Security Technology Executive, and Locksmith Ledger magazine.
Access control and other security solutions have seen substantial growth over the last few years; the introduction of the cloud has dramatically impacted organizations in nearly every area: Business processes, data storage, conveyed workspaces, and security. While cloud-based access control has been slower to adopt in the United States, that is beginning to change. Meanwhile, other countries seem to be embracing it at a quicker rate. According to a recent investigation by Markets and Markets, cloud adoption will keep increasing and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3% between 2021 and 2026.
The Benefits of Cloud-Based Access Control
Cloud-based access control can be a beneficial tool or service for any organization looking to track and manage its access control system, on-site or remotely. When associated with a surveillance system covering access points, a quality access control system confirms that only authorized personnel access the sensitive parts of any secure building. But what separates conventional access control systems from cloud-based access control systems? The significant difference is that while traditional access control systems are generally managed and operated on-site, cloud-based access control systems can be operated virtually anywhere via the cloud. In addition, numerous benefits present themselves to end-users and integrators.
A Straightforward Solution
Cloud-based applications are often considered user-friendly and straightforward to understand. With the mobility supplied by the cloud and flexibility with numerous platforms and devices, security team members with access to the system will presumably find the cloud-based applications preferable over the on-site alternative, given the possibilities for customization and simplicity for each available device. With an exclusively on-premise access control system, training can be prolonged, and more burdens are placed on the leaders of the security team. While most security teams can use on-prem systems appropriately, the cloud creates a streamlined, straightforward solution that safeguards the infrastructure and reduces human error.
Mobility and Flexibility
One of the primary advantages that cloud-based access control systems supply is mobility. With the ability to handle and manage systems via the cloud, users can do so almost anywhere utilizing an Internet connection and a mobile or net browser or app instead of an on-site location. In a post-Covid-19 landscape, this can be a practical ability to possess. The authority to grant and withdraw access from individuals - be it in the office or at home - makes the procedure more manageable for the security team and guarantees that sensitive materials are secured promptly after the loss of an employee. In addition, updating and sustaining the access control system is made easier on the cloud by supplying staff members with access to it remotely, allowing them to create modifications at any time. With standard access control systems, organizations often encounter problems with active key cards that need to be adequately deactivated, constructing potential risks and possible safety violations.
Cost Effective
Cloud-based systems give companies the option of a lower total cost of ownership. Maintaining the system on the cloud offers numerous benefits compared to entirely on-premises systems. The cloud can save organizations money by offsetting the cost of data storage on-site, the price of powering extra hardware, and excessive on-site servers. Traditional on-premise systems are considered a CAPEX line item, and upfront investment is needed. A cloud-based solution is regarded as an OPEX purchase or operating expense that presents many advantages and ultimately depends on the package selected. By driving access control to the cloud, none of these costs that come with operating on-prem are present, and all of these costs are covered in one payment from your cloud provider.
Data Redundancy
In the world of access control, possessing data is essential. It enables security teams to track who is permitted access to certain site areas and ensures that individuals are who they say they are. It also guarantees that data is protected in case of an emergency. For instance, power failures, workplace misfortunes, hardware and software malfunctions, and various other factors can generate valuable company data to become compromised. Nevertheless, this is only a matter of concern if the company's security data is stored on-premises.
With the cloud, users can rest assured that their data is cyber-secure, and their system complies with the latest regulatory, security, and privacy regulations. When an organization's access control data is stored in the cloud, they can rest easy knowing that the likelihood of catastrophic data loss is dramatically reduced due to the cloud's redundancy with off-premises data storage. This is not to imply that companies should not store data on-premises, but ensuring data redundancy makes for an ideal insurance approach.
Easy Integrations
Integrations make the world of access control go around. The ability to integrate other valuable, highly sought-after pieces of software quickly and effectively into your hardware or create a piece of software compatible with hardware from other companies is a trait that genuinely places high-quality organizations apart from the rest. Due to the character of the cloud, it is much easier to incorporate access control software into other systems, such as surveillance systems, intercoms, touch screens, and various other applications. As stated earlier, virtually any device with access to the Internet can be made to access the cloud, so it's no wonder that cloud-based access control integrations are quick and easy compared to conventional access control integrations. Just ensure your hardware is compatible with your cloud provider beforehand.
The Final Argument
If organizations are looking to adopt and evolve their security in the age of digital transformation and are wondering if cloud-based access control is necessary, it's paramount to ask this first: What types of organizations require access control? The answer to this question is essentially any organization with assets that need protection, conveying nearly all of them.
Suppose your organization has valuable assets that require monitoring and protection, such as heavy equipment, rare items, costly technology, sensitive materials, data, or any additional mission-critical assets. In that circumstance, your organization could profit significantly from a cloud-based access control system. Overall, cloud-based access control can be an ideal solution for almost every organization, and it can be as grand or small as you deem fit for your building, whatever the size and needs.
