SECURITY SYSTEMS
The Digital Revolution : Integrated Access Control
» PAT JEFFERIES , COMMERCIAL Director at Abloy UK , discusses the increasing adoption of integrated digital access control solutions , and explains the benefits of a flexible and scalable cloudbased ecosystem .
The demands on commercial building access control have never been more complex . With many people in a wide variety of industries now implementing ‘ flexible working ’, controlling the movement of people while maintaining a secure environment can seem like a difficult challenge to overcome .
‘ Flexible working ’ can equate to continuously changing work patterns and occupancy levels , and with this comes the need for agile and adaptable access control solutions that are not only scalable but can also provide additional control .
Recent research shows that over a third of companies are now using cloud-based management to power their access control 1 , with 78 % of IT decision-makers anticipating growing their reliance on cloud solutions going forward 2 .
So , what are the benefits of systems like these , and why are they proving so popular in these unprecedented times ?
Flexible and robust
Many building and facilities managers are looking to digital cloud-based access control technology as a solution to offer fully controlled and audited access to selected areas , with easy to change access permissions giving the flexibility to adapt as required .
With adoption becoming more commonplace , and anxiety around technology reducing as solutions become more robust , the uptake of these advanced systems is on the rise . The additional benefits offered are also increasing desirability .
For example , innovative systems are suitable for ‘ non-contact ’ door operation , offering improved security and peace of mind for both the managers of a building and its occupants . They also allow controls to be added to existing systems to meet the needs for personal space , access management , and the health and safety of personnel .
‘ the demands on commercial access control have never been more complex ’
Wire-free wonders
Installation is also becoming faster and easier , thanks to the wire-free options available . In fact , the global market for wireless devices is expected to reach $ 141 billion by 2025 3 , and advances in the stability and security of wireless access control - along with increased familiarity of ‘ wire-free ’ technology - have made solutions more adoptable than ever .
In the new workplace environment , internal compartmentalisation of the open office and greater versatility will be a requirement . However , running cabling to internal access-controlled doors such as meeting rooms , IT and stores can be disruptive and expensive . Solutions also need to be quickly adaptable , scalable , and suitable for use in a wide range of building types and applications .
If no access control system is currently in-situ , a digital and a wire-free key system is quick and simple to install and can easily replace the existing keys to provide immediate control and audit capability .
In addition , electronic wireless solutions are now utilising Bluetooth Low Energy and smartphones in place of traditional keys . Handles , locks , and cylinders can also communicate remotely with the installed access system , meaning no wires going to the doors , cabinets , or compartments that need securing .
This type of solution has no costs associated with wiring to the doors but offers the ability to grant access to the digital key for an individual ’ s shift or for a specific date and time , or remove access for the key , making the system fully auditable for health and safety purposes . With this in mind , Abloy UK offers a range of digital access solutions to meet virtually any requirements , to provide flexible , scalable and compliant security , and help control the movement of people in a wide range of building types and applications .
These include Incedo™ Business , Aperio ®, SMARTair ®, and CLIQ ®, which can be combined in a number of ways
1 https :// bit . ly / 3sZZXpM | 2 https :// morphean . com / whitepaper /
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MAY / JUN 2021
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