Open standards: The future of security integration

According to respondents, the main advantages of having an integrated security system is that it removes the need to keep multiple systems updated (74%), makes compliance easier (48%) and saves employees’ time (48%).

Integration with wider building management functions allows users to better track occupancy levels and improve building efficiencies. Traditionally, access control, surveillance and intrusion alarm systems, would need to be monitored separately, as they operated in different ways.

However, this is not the case anymore as open standards and architecture which work on common protocols and APIs. Another study has also corroborated the evolution of smart buildings and system integrations as a growth factor for electronic access control equipment sales.

Omdia’s Smart Buildings Intelligence Service[1] reported more than 27% of the access control hardware market in 2020 was integrated into either a BMS platform or a physical security information management (PSIM) platform.

It found the need for facility managers to track occupancy levels in buildings as a major contributing trend to higher adoption rates of BMS platforms, with occupancy-tracking data required to better understand occupancy levels and ensure social distancing requirements were adhered to during the pandemic.

But what other benefits does true integration offer, and how can security and facilities managers utilise integrated systems effectively to gain the most reward?

Boosting efficiency with a singular interface

Organisations often use access control as an initial step into the realm of integrated building management, and 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.

Hybrid and 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.

Data insights reducing costs

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.

Maximise 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.

Mobile credentials

As well as the rise popularity in integrated security systems, access control solutions that utilise mobile credentials – or mobile keys as they are also known – are also in demand.

Forecaster IHS Markit predicts over 120-million mobile credentials will be downloaded in 2023, a huge increase in contrast to the 4.1-million downloads recorded back in 2018.

A mobile credential is a digital access key that sits on a smart device such as a mobile phone, replacing a traditional credential such as a key, a fob, or a card.

Mobile keys offer a more flexible and convenient solution, as security and facilities managers can amend, issue or cancel credentials from anywhere and users always have their access rights up to date.

Mobile credentials are seen as a more secure way to manage access, as people are much less likely to lose a mobile phone in comparison to other credentials such as a key card of fob.

Plus, mobile credentials use on-device passwords and biometrics such as fingerprint, voice and facial recognition, to prevent unauthorised people from accessing the key stored on the smartphone.

Barriers to adoption

Despite the number of benefits in using integrated access control, there are still barriers preventing adoption. Cost is cited as the biggest factor[2] (67%), which is an increase from previous years, which could indicate greater cost pressures on businesses from rising inflation.

Other factors holding organisations back from greater security integration include complexity (38%) and lack of knowledge (32%). There are also apprehensions around cloud-based integration, with the risk of a cyber security breach the biggest concern (28%), just ahead of privacy and data (20%).

Security systems leading the way

Part of Abloy’s digital security and access solutions portfolio, INCEDO provides an enhanced solution for complete access management, connectivity, security and convenience, from anywhere in the world, leading the way with integrated access control.

Online and offline control of both wired and wireless locks can all be operated within a single electronic access control system, with one secure Seos credential operating every locking point.

The solution adds operational efficiency by connecting all mechanical, electromechanical and digital solutions into one cloud-based application. This includes PROTEC² CLIQ, mobile access solutions and a wide range of mechanical key management features.

Featuring a user-friendly, highly visual map-based interface, security and facilities managers have all the security details that cover an operation, in one application. In high level security and restricted environments, it also provides the convenience of digital cloud connectivity across all professional end user application areas.

Maps, dynamic icons, and building plans can be uploaded and customised for an organisation’s specific needs. This allows area-based control, more visibility and situational awareness. Detailed audit trails are available for PROTEC² CLIQ and digital access solutions, as well as a wide range of mechanical key management features.

With in-depth reports, security and facilities managers have transparency and clear control over all users, access rights management and security. So, the status of every lock and key can be tracked, whenever required.

Incedo is available 24/7 anywhere, as a convenient SaaS solution. Users also benefit from Abloy’s global service and support - from setting up an environment to ensuring professional support and services for continuous operation, every customer’s needs are taken care of.

Essentially, integrated wireless access control makes life easier for security and facilities managers, while also contributing to commercial improvement and success. Solutions such as Incedo guarantee flexibility and scalability in every direction, to meet security needs today and in the future.

[1] https://omdia.tech.informa.com/products/smart-buildings-intelligence-service

[2] ASSA ABLOY The Wireless Access Control Report 2023 https://www.abloy.com/gb/en/campaigns/2023-wac-report

For further information on products and services available from Abloy, call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk.