Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, explains why connected access control makes life easier for security and facilities managers.
Businesses need security technologies that work seamlessly with each other to fully reap the benefits of connected security. Recent research[1] shows that 95% of security professionals understand the crucial importance of integration across building management functions.
In addition, 92% consider open architecture, designed for interoperability with similar technologies and products to be important. But what benefits does true integration offer, and how can businesses utilise them effectively?
One central control interface
We often see organisations using access control as their initial step into the realm of integrated building management. Control from a single, integrated interface boosts efficiency in many ways.
Some are specific to an industry or business, but there are advantages which apply almost anywhere. Firstly, integration reduces training needs and therefore costs. Everything is administered from a single system, rather than several working in isolation.
Secondly, when facilities staff only consult or update one interface, they save time and reduce manual errors. Thirdly, analytics can deliver more value and better insights when multiple sources of data provide input.
Future-proof and compliant
A smart building is integrated and automated, relying on standards for interoperability to keep data flowing. For example, Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) streamlines the interoperability of access control and security devices. Open Network Video Interface Forum Profile D & Profile M help access control devices connect with analytics.
Access control hardware which is designed for interoperability - with accessible APIs and SDKs for app integration - creates security which is ready for what’s next, even when predicting “what’s next” can be difficult.
Attract and retain staff with flexible working
Hybrid and fully remote work schedules are more commonplace than ever before, and to offer this kind of flexibility cost-effectively, a security provision must be able to adapt. Smarter use of space is an increasing focus of attention and priority as the trend is for employees to favour hybrid work patterns evolves.
To assist in a move to hybrid working, access control credentials can be authorised to unlock doors during specific timeframes, so staff enter only when scheduled. Facility managers can regulate daily access so building occupancy stays within capacity.
Integrated electronic access control makes it easy with a single hub to issue, amend and revoke access rights, streamlining the administration of a hybrid system.
Cost saving connectivity
An integrated access control system generates critical data to understand building use, which could potentially reduce office rental costs. If a space is not being used, valuable budget can be saved by not renting it.
Integrated systems transform data into knowledge, which allows organisations to be more considered and predictive when it comes to their security management, rather than reactive.
Increased energy efficiency
Extending a security system with integration-ready wireless locking can contribute to any business’ energy efficiency or sustainability strategy.
Wireless electronic locks use less cabling and consume less energy at installation. Carrying a single, flexible credential stored securely on a mobile phone reduces the use of plastic cards and metal keys – and reduces the security risk from lost keys and cards.
Electric locks powered by energy-harvesting technology may even bring electricity consumed at the door down to zero, in contrast to traditional wired door locking such as a magnetic lock, which typically use power continuously.
Fundamentally, for all these reasons, connected access control makes life easier for security and facilities managers while also contributing to commercial improvement and success – so the future should most definitely be connected.
For further information on products and services available from Abloy, visit https://bit.ly/3QAM0LE, call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk.
[1] Wireless Access Control Report 2021 - https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/wacreport2021
