In 2020 alone, 63% of businesses opted for cloud migration. We are starting to see much more cloud adoption in the corporate world – with many companies choosing to adopt cloud-based door entry systems. But what are cloud-based door entry systems, and how do they benefit the modern business?
This guide will talk you through what cloud-based access control is, as well as the benefits, types, and available integrations.
What Is Access Control, And Why Is It Needed?
Access control is a staple feature in any commercial or residential security strategy. It is a security measure that prevents unauthorised parties from entering your property without the correct access credentials.
Cloud-based access control through the form of keyless card entry systems or biometric entry systems are becoming an increasingly popular solution as they provide more accessibility and convenience. Here are some of the advantages of adopting a cloud-based access control system:
- Remote operation – your security staff can easily unlock doors without visiting the entrance. They can use a user-friendly mobile app to permit entry quickly, reducing time-consuming manual tasks.
- Touchless entry – using mobile credentials, users can enter without pressing a button or swiping a keycard. Instead, they can simply wave their hand over the access control reader. This will trigger remote communication with their mobile device to unlock the door and permit entry.
- Open API integrations – cloud-based access control offers open API integrations which allow security professionals to expand the function of their existing security hardware. You can upgrade your access control system to automate visitor management, perform identity verification, and more.
For the above reasons, many companies favor cloud-based access control over on-premise alternatives.
What Are The Different Types Of Access Control?
You can choose from many different types of access control in the modern security climate. The types of access control offer different access credentials. Here are some of the different access credentials you can implement for unlocking doors within your facility:
- Keycards – with a keycard, building users can enter the building by swiping the card over the reader or inserting it into a slot.
- Fobs – fobs are small devices containing microchips. The user must present the fob to the reader to unlock the door.
- Mobile credentials – mobile access credentials are like digital keycards that users can download to their mobile devices during onboarding. With mobile credentials, you gain the potential for touchless entry.
- Biometrics – biometric access credentials include facial recognition, fingerprint, and retina scans. Using biometrics is useful to ensure identity verification, preventing intruders from using stolen access credentials to enter the building. This is a recommended solution for a high-security facility.
The right access credentials will depend on the level of security you need and the nature of building use. For instance, high-traffic buildings might benefit from mobile credentials, as they allow for fast contactless entry using Bluetooth.
Top Integrations For Cloud-Based Access Control
You might consider applying software integrations to your access control system to ensure you’re getting the most out of your security hardware. Below is a list of the top software integrations for access control.
- Visitor management software – you can automate the visitor management process with visitor management software. It provides your guests digital registration forms to fill out using their mobile phones. Once the form is complete, they will gain temporary mobile access credentials to enter your building.
- Facial recognition software – by integrating your access control and video security systems, you can verify the identity of users with AI technology before they enter the building. The software will ensure the individual’s facial profile matches the credentials they’re using to prevent entry using stolen access credentials.
- Occupancy tracking – for high-traffic buildings, it’s essential to manage occupancy levels, preventing the hazards that come with overcrowding. Occupancy tracking software allows you to view the number of occupants in a facility to manage overcrowding and promote safety.
Summary
The modern access control system does much more than protect your building from intruders. It provides identity verification, convenient entry, and more. If you’re equipping your building with physical security solutions, it’s best to consider a hybrid or cloud-based access control system – as you’ll be able to improve ROI later on with software integrations.
