Nedap Security Management explains the emerging trends for tomorrow’s access security

As a market pioneer in access control, Nedap Security Management has its finger on the transformative pulse.

Where will most opportunities present themselves? Which technologies look likely to pull ahead, and how can organisations best use the potential of emerging tech and advancements in integration and connectivity?

Building management options

The Potential of AI - AI can be integral to how businesses incorporate digital systems and technology into their infrastructure to improve efficiency and streamline systems. Data is becoming more crucial to efficient operations across all forms of business. And AI can empower automation by utilising the power of data, with potential applications across all forms of access control – physical access, building management, IT security or business processes.

Biometrics are a common feature of many people's lives thanks to the prevalence of smart devices

Biometric Authentication - Biometrics are a common feature of many people's lives thanks to the prevalence of smart devices, with statistics suggesting a steady increase in the global number of smartphone users since 2016.

This, coupled with the increased acceptance of contactless interaction methods, means that biometrics such as facial and voice recognition or contactless fingerprint technologies are emerging as realistic and effective security access and building management options. With biometrics come substantial privacy considerations and the huge potential for simplification and optimisation of access systems.

Improving incident response

Automation and Integration - Bringing automation into play for processes beyond basic access control can greatly benefit businesses.

Not only can automation improve incident response and system reactivity, but it can also help save on costs and improve sustainability. In combination with emerging technologies such as AI and advanced biometrics, businesses can secure premises more efficiently and data can be gathered and utilised to improve optimisation and build greater system resilience.

Automation may be a critical aspect to consider for businesses with one eye on cybersecurity and integrated IT systems.

Minimise energy usage

Sustainability continues to be an important topic across all segments of society and business

Sustainability - Sustainability continues to be an important topic across all segments of society and business. How can businesses align with sustainability goals while saving on costs, improving efficiency, and strengthening security?

Integrated access control systems can minimise energy usage and optimise processes through automation and data analysis. This can prompt businesses to use their buildings better, lock-off areas unnecessary for use, and limit unnecessary access.

For new infrastructure, pursuing sustainability by design means incorporating emerging technologies to lower carbon footprint and integrate sustainable energy sources – automated systems, whether IT, security or building management, play a key role in this, creating a sustainable, secure, and cost-effective business environment.

Demanding increased flexibility

On-Premises v ACaaS (Access Control as a service) - In recent years, the importance of flexibility and a proactive approach to the working environment has been made loud and clear. With the modern workforce expecting and demanding increased flexibility, the modern workplace must respond in turn.

SaaS access control provides on-demand service with lower capital investment needed, along other benefits. Being highly modular, SaaS access control can flex and adjust to evolving businesses' needs, making businesses more agile, proactive, and forward-facing. In some cases, organisations can implement a combination of on-premise and ACaaS solutions. The key to the future of security is in flexibility.

Modern business places

Convergence of IT, Cybersecurity, and Physical Access Control - Increasingly, cybersecurity processes are becoming embedded within IT security and physical access control systems. Building services are inherently vulnerable to attacks.

Therefore, guaranteeing security and trust is essential for businesses looking to unlock the potential of new tech

Therefore, guaranteeing security and trust is essential for businesses looking to unlock the potential of new tech. The demand for further integration and convergence across different aspects of modern business places additional demands on IT infrastructure, access control, and security systems.

As such, by investing in automated, integrated, and secure access control systems, either as part of new solutions or upgrades to existing infrastructure, businesses can save costs and ride the wave rather than chase it.

Championing positive steps

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion - Globally, businesses have prioritised the need to do better in regard to inequality and diversity.

CSR and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) commitments are an essential part of any organisation’s plan, be it internally or externally. Businesses should reflect the diverse world we live in, and offer equal opportunities for all applicants, employees, and customers.

Beyond championing positive steps within their own companies, business owners and leaders should make sure the right voices are heard across their industry, and recognise that collective action is the best path to progress.

Understanding customer needs

This is especially true for businesses seeking to expand their ESG commitments

Closer Connections with Communities - Across all markets, understanding customer needs and engaging more effectively with communities has emerged as a key part of short and long-term strategy. This is especially true for businesses seeking to expand their ESG commitments and broaden their scope for better service and security.

By adopting processes and infrastructure that enable reactivity and adaptability, businesses can better connect with their client, employees, and community, creating better services, championing better causes and identifying areas for positive development, whether in a business, social or ethical sense.

Physical and cyber infrastructure

Merging Physical and Cybersecurity - Cyber-attacks are on the rise, and in a world in which data has become crucial to all facets of business and everyday life, cybersecurity has become the frontline. With increased innovation comes increased opportunity for security breaches.

With today's high levels of interconnectivity between systems and even companies, a single physical or cyber breach could spell disaster for businesses and individuals. Therefore, a merged, symbiotic approach towards security is becoming a pressing need, combining physical and cyber infrastructure, allowing businesses to take full advantage of emerging tech and traditional, modernised access control systems.

Access control systems

The Power of the Cloud - The power of cloud technologies and cloud-based infrastructure has led to many innovations throughout the past decade. Increasingly, cloud-based platforms offer businesses advantages that can impact budget, operational efficiency, and compliance. Flexibility and adaptability will be key in the coming years.

As such, cloud-based access control systems provide businesses with complete visibility across multiple sites and numerous devices.

Businesses can make better, more effective decisions through real-time data and insights. In addition, upkeep is simplified, with updates and modular additions being rolled out with little to no downtime to access control systems – essential in the modern age.