All eyes are on the access control industry as it rapidly evolves against the backdrop of mounting public safety concerns, the adoption of new technologies, and rising demand from end-users for systems that deliver value beyond security.
There are significant challenges ahead, but also exciting opportunities for innovation.
In our latest webinar, our very own Market Solutions Director, Daniël Nijkamp, talked about these very opportunities and security trends to watch with Lee Odoess, CEO of the Access Control Executive Brief.
We’ve narrowed down three of the top security trends that they believe will shape global access control in 2025.
Check them out and let us know if you agree:
1. Growing popularity of mobile wallet credentials
“One thing I’m hearing in conversations with customers lately, I think not a surprising one, is mobile access. It has been talked about a lot, so much that sometimes it seems like everyone’s telling the same story. The adoption is now coming, so mobile access is an important trend to watch.” — Daniël Nijkamp, Market Solution Director at Nedap Security
Mobile access control has been gaining in popularity as a solution that increases security while delivering a seamless user experience. Unlike traditional plastic cards or key fobs that pose serious security risks when misplaced, mobile credentials are stored safely in the user’s mobile wallet and kept protected by the smartphone’s 2FA security features.
Mobile passes are an invaluable asset, providing fast, convenient, and touchless access across multiple locations in different countries. They also eliminate the need for employees to carry multiple badges.
Yet, despite the numerous advantages of mobile credentials, the adoption won’t happen overnight. Solution providers and manufacturers must focus on how mobile access aligns with the specific business needs of each organization. It’s time to address barriers such as transition costs, security policy conflicts, limited IT resources, and a lack of understanding of how the technology works. Only then can we truly recognize the potential of mobile access control.
2. Increased capital influx that challenges long-standing norms
‘The most important trend I think is the amount of capital being infused into the industry, transforming the old truths that we’ve known and the dynamics of what we believed things had to be, and how they were. You have new money coming into the space, whether it’s private equity or venture capitalists, at a high rate because they see this as a growth opportunity.” —Lee Odess, CEO of the Access Control Executive Brief
The high growth potential of the access control industry has attracted massive capital investments that have the potential to transform traditional dynamics and how both large access control businesses and smaller ones operate in this space. Why? Because access control is no longer just a cost center; it can be a strategic business enabler according to Lee Odess.
On the one hand, access control providers are adjusting their strategies to stay competitive. Rather than investing heavily in time-consuming in-house development, they now have the opportunity to accelerate innovation by acquiring smaller, innovative market players. This industry consolidation trend is fueled by the need to expand technological capabilities and keep up with customer demands.
On the other hand, new capital flowing into access control will radically change how companies in the security industry operate and structure their offerings, leading to a shift from traditional capital expenditures (CapEx) towards operational expenditures (OpEx), such as subscription-based services.
For organizations looking for a new access control system, this means faster innovation and lower upfront costs. But you’ll also need the right partners who can help you navigate complexity, ensure long-term value, and “see” the future of access control.
In fact, Odess uses a kaleidoscope metaphor:
Only time will tell how we will all move forward as security professionals.
But there’s no benefit in standing firm in old patterns. Can we all agree on that?
3. Shift from system-based decisions to people-driven processes
“Access control was about a system where you put a decision in—this person can access at this moment, at that place. It’s the outcome you put in that the system checks and it works out at the door. What I see and hear from our customers lately is there’s more focus on the workflows and approval processes to reach that decision. Who should decide if you can access that specific space? Should it be someone from a central security team or should it be someone from the business, like a space captain or an owner?” —Daniël Nijkamp, Market Solution Director at Nedap Security
Access control is no longer just about configuring permissions in a system. The focus has shifted. It’s about who within the organization grants access to workspaces, how these decisions are made, and how to implement compliant access management workflows.
When access decisions move away from rigid, centralized policies, they become better aligned with changing organizational needs and the functions of individual spaces. So, instead of having a high inflow of access requests overwhelming security teams and causing delays, space owners or managers can decide who gets to access a certain workspace. This approach also helps organizations keep a clear audit trail of access decisions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (like NIS2).
Organizations should expect a fundamental evolution in how their access control providers support them. With solutions centered around people, roles, and real-world behavior rather than standard permissions. Identity-centric design and not just door management, for starters…
What’s next for access control?
As we move further into 2025, the access control industry will continue to experience a significant transformation—one that prioritizes agility, user experience, and long-term strategic value.
The rise of mobile wallet credentials marks a shift toward more secure, convenient, and user-centric authentication methods, reflecting the broader digital habits of today’s workforce.
Meanwhile, a surge of capital flowing into the sector accelerates innovation and challenges long-standing assumptions about how access control should function. This increased investment is bringing fresh energy, new players, and faster product development cycles.
But, most importantly, we’re seeing a cultural shift: decision-making is no longer just about systems and specs—it’s about people.
Security leaders are aligning access strategies with organizational culture, employee behavior, and broader business goals. The systems that succeed will be those that can adapt to these evolving expectations while delivering seamless, intelligent access experiences. In this new landscape, access control is no longer just a layer of security—it’s becoming a strategic enabler for how organizations think about space, identity, and trust.
The next chapter will belong to those who embrace this shift and place human experience at the heart of access innovation…
