AI has the potential to enhance the usability of traditionally complex access control and physical security systems. The application of AI (artificial intelligence) within access control is still relatively new, but rapid advancements in generative AI are already transforming how security systems operate.
acre security is driving the deployment of generative AI in access control through its acquisition of REKS earlier this year. REKS is a purpose-built generative AI solution designed specifically for acre’s access control platform. Unlike generic AI tools, REKS understands both system and security-specific terminology, allowing users to ask natural-language questions like, “Show me all access denied events at a specific location,” and receive instant results.
AI workflows and AI agents
“We're starting to see how AI workflows and AI agents, that leverage language models, can potentially be used in conjunction with access control to create new, automated processes around false alarm reduction, system configuration, report generation, data analysis, threat detection, and in-system customer support,” says Adam Groom, Director of Business Development, AI Development Team, acre security.
“We expect AI-driven capabilities to evolve rapidly, but the full range of benefits will depend on continued development and real-world application,” he adds.
Integrate AI-driven capabilities
acre’s ability to integrate AI-driven capabilities across the company’s product portfolio positions
The best way to think of REKS is as an acre access control expert you can talk to, says Groom. “As AI adoption grows in security, REKS will expand its capabilities, making access control more usable and more efficient.”
Groom says acre’s ability to integrate AI-driven capabilities across the company’s product portfolio positions the company as a pioneer in next-generation physical security. “These features will add long-term value by enhancing usability and operational insights across various segments,” says Groom. “Work is already under way to incorporate REKS into acre access control, and we’ll evaluate other integration opportunities in the future.”
REKS' AI capabilities
According to acre, REKS simplifies daily operations, automating routine tasks, and delivering real-time, actionable intelligence. With REKS' AI capabilities, users can interact with the system to retrieve more detailed insights and actionable information from their acre access control system.
“This eliminates the need for complex reports, navigating drop-down menus, or manually reviewing logs,” says Groom. “It significantly enhances efficiency and usability for security professionals.”
Enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction
Key concern is ensuring that system configuration, enactment, and servicing remain within their scope
For integrators, the key concern is ensuring that system configuration, implementation, and servicing remain within their scope of expertise. With REKS, that doesn’t change — but the process becomes significantly faster and more efficient.
Instead of manually configuring every panel, input, and output — a traditionally time-consuming task — REKS enables integrators to use natural language commands to streamline setup and adjustments, says Groom. This eliminates tedious steps and dramatically improves operational efficiency, allowing integrators to deploy and fine-tune systems with greater speed and accuracy, ultimately enhancing both productivity and customer satisfaction, he adds.
Cloud-enabled ecosystems
“We are committed to helping organisations modernise their security infrastructure by transitioning from legacy systems to cloud-enabled ecosystems at their own pace — ensuring minimal disruption while maximising value,” says Groom. “By integrating AI-driven capabilities, we enhance usability and deliver deeper operational insights across all segments.”
“Security’s future isn’t about forcing change — it’s about empowering choice,” adds Groom. “Whether staying on-prem, migrating to the cloud, or adopting a hybrid model, we plan to provide a seamless, zero-disruption transition, prioritising interoperability, automation, and security at every stage.”
Generic AI tools
AI must be purpose-built for security applications because security demands precision, reliability, and context-aware decision-making, which only focused AI offerings like REKS bring to the table, says Groom. In contrast, generic AI tools, like ChatGPT, are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks, like how humans can learn and do many different things.
Instead, purpose-built AI is built to do just one specific function. “REKS adds specially designed artificial intelligence to our access control solutions to enhance both intelligence gathering and the user experience,” says Groom.
New applications in access control
The integration of generative AI into acre's access control platforms and their broader portfolio
A new AI development team will lead AI initiatives at acre, driving the integration of generative AI into acre's access control platforms and their broader portfolio.
This team will seek to push boundaries in applying AI to new applications in access control, intrusion detection, and beyond, empowering security professionals to interact with their systems in a smarter, more intuitive way. But don’t worry, AI will not take the human element out of security entirely.
AI human capabilities
“The reality is that AI will improve upon human capabilities because it is a versatile tool that supports and strengthens security operations, not a replacement for human decision-making,” comments Groom. “It helps operators process large amounts of data quickly and detect patterns that might be missed otherwise.”
Rather than removing the human element, AI allows security teams to work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and providing actionable data, enabling professionals to focus on critical responsibilities.
