Top 10 access control technology trends in 2023

To understand what the future of access control holds, you must assess emerging trends in the field and anticipate the technology that will continue to shape these systems. The latest access control technology is sleek, powerful, and — as you’ll soon notice — primarily powered by mobile devices.

Here are the top 10 most popular access control technology trends in 2023.

1. Integrations

More and more access control providers are opening their APIs so that their products can integrate with others easily. Devices that integrate with each other essentially “talk” to one another, therefore allowing systems to share data and interface with third-party platforms.

By choosing access control products that integrate with other property technologies, you’ll create efficiencies that streamline your daily operations. For example, integrating your access control system with your building’s smart locks will allow you (and your tenants) to manage both devices from one app and platform. This can save time while creating much-desired conveniences for residents.

2. Multi-factor authentication

Security concerns are at an all-time high as hackers, phishing attempts, and scamming efforts barrage the public. As a result, people are seeking ultra-secure technologies that protect them from these threats.

Multi-factor authentication (also called two-factor authentication or 2FA) is a type of authentication technology that requires users to present two or more forms of identity verification. In other words, someone who wants to gain access must have more than one credential or multiple sources that prove their identity.

Access control systems with multi-factor authentication enhance security by making it harder for unauthorized people to gain access. And multi-factor authentication can be used to protect both physical and digital assets.

3. Mobile access control

An estimated 6.4 billion people in the world own a smartphone. That statistic alone helps illustrate why mobile access control is quickly becoming the norm.

And it’s not just that more and more people are using smartphones — smartphones are simultaneously getting smarter every year. Today, people use their smartphones for everything from ordering food to finding a date. So, access control providers are growing wise to this trend and turning smartphones into keys.

Using a smartphone to unlock doors and manage access to buildings is the future of access control. So if you’re seeking a system for a new development or a retrofit, your best bet is to choose a mobile access control system.

4. Cloud-based systems

Access control technology has made it easier than ever to control who can enter your property and when. And cloud-based technology has simplified the process of managing your access control system.

With a cloud-based access control system, you can ditch the cumbersome, expensive on-site server and instead host your data in the cloud. As a result, you’ll enjoy automatic data backups and software updates. You can also manage the system from anywhere, on any device.

Cloud-based systems are so popular because they’re easier to manage, and they save you both time and money. More and more access control products entering the market are powered with cloud-based software.

5. Video access control

Thanks to its security-enhancing nature, video access control is gaining speed in 2023. With a video access control system, tenants can see who’s requesting access before letting them in. That visual confirmation can be the difference between granting access to a trusted friend or colleague and a stranger.

Most video access control systems come in the form of a video intercom. These systems allow visitors to request access from residents via a video call. That way, residents can see and talk to guests before letting them in. The best video access control systems are also mobile systems, meaning residents answer video calls and manage access from their smartphones.

6. Biometric access control

PIN codes can be shared, and key cards can be copied. For these reasons, many are looking to biometric access control solutions in the future. Biometric access control has come a long way in the past decade, with many similar technologies implemented into the devices we use daily.

More and more access control solutions are implementing fingerprint scanning and facial recognition technology because these organic credentials are unique to the individual. Of course, these technologies are still being developed and enhanced, but you can expect biometric access control to increase in popularity moving forward.

7. Learning from analytics

Data is a powerful tool in today’s world. Access control technology trends show that data is being used to identify patterns in how people interact with the system. When paired with artificial intelligence, the data will create new opportunities for properties.

Some properties are already implementing these technologies to help manage amenity spaces more effectively or to assist in renewing leases with existing residents. In addition to these applications, the same data is used to help find opportunities for automation. Thus, properties are running more smoothly for the better of everyone.

8. Security convergence

One of the latest trends in IT is a concept known as security convergence. Security convergence is the idea of merging physical security with cybersecurity. As access control systems become more interconnected, many are looking to streamline the workflows of both these fields, especially as remote work becomes more prominent.

By seamlessly integrating, properties can approach security rather than in parts. As a result, unified security will greatly reduce security hazards that may come up with separated systems. Not to mention, they can cut down on the resources needed to manage these systems when they’re all accessible from one place.

9. Touchless access control

The COVID-19 pandemic tremendously affected how we see touchless systems, from public entryways and towel dispensers in the restroom to food and grocery deliveries. Touchless technology is here to stay.

Touchless access control systems are especially popular because of the convenience and health safety they offer users. To implement touchless access control, some systems may utilize facial recognition. But most systems use credentials like a proximity card or a mobile app. Then, users won’t have to touch as many surfaces when accessing the property.

No matter the credential, touchless access control maintains the health of users without sacrificing the property’s security.

10. Smart buildings

Lastly, as more devices begin to ‘talk’ to one another, the smarter our buildings will become. Smart buildings are becoming even smarter with the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. And property access is one of the best places to start when developing a smart building.

Rather than being updated physically by a technician, access control technology can receive updates directly from the cloud, providing new features almost instantly. As more updates are rolled out, these technologies will continually improve how we access and use spaces within properties. Simultaneously, these devices will collect and analyze data to further improve the use of the system and the surrounding environment.

Most importantly, access control technology will become part of a building’s centralized infrastructure to ensure security and convenience for users.

The Five 9’s Communications team offers free consultations to clients located in the Rocky Mountain region to ensure that you receive the expertise necessary for successful implementation. Five 9’s Communications, a BICSI-certified integrator, is specifically trained in access control design and installation.

If access control systems is something you are interested in learning more about send over a LinkedIn message or email us at service@59com.com.