Why specifying cloud-based access control to optimize on-site security is important

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Many companies believe that on-premises access control is more secure. There is comfort in the belief that systems housed internally or on local servers with familiar people will provide greater protection. That perception is understandable, however, relying on traditional access control methods is actually fraught with risks.  
 

The very structure of an on-premises access control system makes it vulnerable to outages and attacks. This is because your system’s security is only as strong as its most recent update. Without regular software updates, vulnerabilities can emerge, leaving your system open to potential exploitation by hackers. This puts additional demands on your IT and maintenance department, which must ensure that regular, time-consuming updates are installed correctly.   
 
In addition, if your onsite access server fails, the entire system will fail – unless you have redundant servers to offer support. However, the cost of purchasing and maintaining redundant servers can be prohibitive.

Let’s examine how cloud-based access control addresses these issues and takes the burden off your team to improve your security and resilience.  

Cloud-based access control is easier and more secure 

Moving access control to a cloud-based solution provides the security companies need without the challenges and expenses of maintaining an on-site system. Cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) options eliminate the need for IT software upgrades and expensive computer hardware. They also provide the customization, reporting, and management control users want.  

Multi-level backup redundancy is a key part of the cloud-based system service. For example, with Schneider Electric’s Access Expert^TM, services run concurrently in three different locations. This greatly reduces the odds of a system going dark. Real-time alarms, without lag or system refresh times, also keep staff informed about the system’s status. 
 
Reputable cloud-based systems are maintained and updated through continuous improvements, which are made in response to the latest available cyber-security information. Included in the subscription, this enables quick identification and management of new cyber-security threats and risks. Therefore, your organization remains protected without worrying about the need for constant updates to its systems.  

Schneider Electric’s Access Expert takes further steps to protect its clients from online risks. Unlike other companies in the industry, the Access Expert code undergoes rigorous scans by a third-party security specialist, including weekly—and in some cases, daily scans—to help ensure security.

Protection on the go 

Another major benefit of a cloud-based access control system is that it can easily support mobility options. With the post-pandemic increase in work-from-home and hybrid models, a cloud-based system makes it easier to ensure continuous 24/7 security without needing a VPN or other connection software to ensure secure remote access.   
 
Mobile apps for iOS and Android devices enable security staff to access and control systems anytime, anywhere. This allows them to manage emerging incidents or routine tasks whenever needed. Two-factor authentication adds another layer of login protection to reduce the security risks associated with poor password usage. 

This flexibility and accessibility highlight the growing need for innovative, adaptable platforms that can provide tailored solutions to meet the evolving demands of modern security systems.

Flexible, secure, cost-effective access control

One such platform is Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ Access Expert (formerly AccessXpert), a flexible cloud-based access control solution designed to meet the unique needs of end-users and specifiers alike. By eliminating the need for on-site servers or appliances, Access Expert significantly reduces the total cost of ownership, streamlining operations and enabling cost-effective security modernization.

With minimal server requirements, it also supports traditional on-site applications, ensuring compatibility with existing networks while delivering the benefits of a secure, hosted solution. Schneider Electric has led the way in hosted security solutions for years, providing cutting-edge innovation that increases adoption rates across the industry.

The value of specification 

As access control becomes more complex, clients and specifiers need to be able to clearly communicate what’s truly needed. Buyers should request a detailed feature document from their supplier to ensure they select the right access control solution, including options they may not know about. It’s recommended that anyone looking to buy an access control solution ask their supplier for a comprehensive document that outlines all the features and functionality available so they can choose exactly what’s needed—including potential options that they may not be aware of.   

This is where Schneider Electric can help. We have been providing security solutions for more than 30 years, helping our customers modernize and protect their systems and data. We also support our EcoXpert partners with the information and tools they need to provide the best possible outcomes to their end-users.  

If you are a specifier, click here to try our new Spec Designer tool. It makes creating a comprehensive specification document for your customers easier.  If you’re looking for an access control system for your business, reach out to your nearest Schneider Electric service partner to explore the best Access Expert solution for your business.