“Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.”— Dalai Lama
You don’t have to be a great spiritual leader to take others’ perspectives into account. However, we all know that it can be hard to step back and see the bigger picture when we’re spending our day-to-day focused on specifical details of our work. This can be especially true for corporate security professionals. After all, ensuring the safety and security of your multinational corporation’s facilities, resources, and information is of the utmost importance and can be quite nuanced. Technical perspectives must also be considered because access control systems sit at the very core of IT and security.
And although it may not be possible to look at things from every angle every day, today we’ll tackle one angle that’s not specific to security. That’s right. Access control systems are being influenced by a number of non-security trends.
This article will explore five key non-security trends affecting access control at multinational corporations.
1. Building management system integrations
Multinational corporations are integrating their access control systems with building management systems, such as HVAC and lighting controls. This integration provides companies with a more efficient and cost-effective way to manage their facilities and keep an eye on their building occupancy rates, improving both security and comfort. Corporate security managers should consider the advantages of integrating their access control systems with building management systems for optimal facility management.
2. IoT’s continued growth
“The IoT stands at the forefront of our ability to bring together the digital and physical worlds in a manner that could have profound implications for both society and the economy. The benefits could be in the form of improving operations, the management of physical assets, and health and well-being, for example. Against that backdrop, the IoT can be the beating heart of digital transformations.”— IoT value set to accelerate through 2030: Where and how to capture it, McKinsey
The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand at breaking speeds and its impact on access control cannot be ignored. The ability to remotely monitor and control access to facilities from anywhere in the world, through connected devices, is becoming increasingly important. Corporate security managers should assess the potential advantages of using IoT-based access control, such as more efficient remote access control and the ability to grant temporary access to visitors.
3. Biometrics’ increasing popularity
Biometrics, which use physical characteristics like fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition to identify individuals, is becoming more widespread in access control systems. Multinational organisations are seeking more secure and convenient methods of identification, and biometrics is providing the solution. Corporate security managers should weigh the benefits of biometric-based access control, including enhanced security and the convenience of not having to carry physical key cards.
4. The rise of mobile devices
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, play an increasingly significant role in access control. The ability to use mobile devices as credentials for access to facilities is becoming more prevalent. In fact, our latest research shows that 74% of security leaders believe the future of access control will be through mobile access.
Corporate security managers should examine the benefits of incorporating mobile devices into their access control systems, including improved end user experiences and operational efficiency.
5. Focus on sustainability
Sustainability is a growing concern for enterprise organisations, and this extends to access control systems. Access control systems are being designed to use less energy by better matching building occupancy, featuring low-power components and energy-saving modes. This not only reduces environmental impact but also saves on energy costs. In addition, employee well-being can be improved because of the peace of mind and feeling of safety at work. Corporate security managers should examine the benefits of incorporating sustainable access control systems for the environment, the bottom line, and the employee experience.
Staying informed is staying ahead
We cannot deny that the Covid-19 pandemic transformed the way we work, with the rise of hybrid and flexible working becoming the new norm. Anticipating and accommodating fluctuating numbers in building occupancy is quickly becoming a must-have. And while this new working landscape has brought about numerous benefits, it has also introduced new security challenges for organisations to navigate.
But given the many non-security trends playing a significant role in the development and implementation of access control systems, it only makes sense that managing access control is evolving. So, by staying informed of emerging trends, security professionals can be better prepared to meet the changing needs of their organisations.
From building management system integration to the growth of IoT and the rise of mobile devices, these trends are at the intersection of challenges in the hybrid/flexible working landscape. Staying informed as much possible, without getting lost in the noise (and the weeds) of our day-to-day, is a major factor in successful access control management.
Is there another non-security trend that you believe is affecting the access control management in your organisation? We’d value your perspective and welcome you to reach out to us and start that conversation!