Access Control as a Service: 7 Benefits You Need to Know
By CEC
Access control isn’t a new technology—it’s used in all types of buildings to regulate who can enter (and where). But did you know there’s a new way to deploy access control within your building or on your campus?
Most organizations are familiar with traditional (on-premises) access control systems. With these systems, all the hardware, software, and other equipment are installed and maintained at your physical location.
Access control as a service is a newer option that’s attracting lots of attention. Why? Because it opens doors to many valuable benefits. Since it’s cloud-based, the software and servers are removed from your physical location and stored offsite while the hardware remains onsite.
When might access control as a service be a good fit? Consider these seven benefits to see if any of them address your security, budget, or time-management challenges.
1. Don’t Worry About Outdated Software
Taking advantage of access control as a service means that your system will always be running on the latest software available.
As new features are rolled out (patches, bug fixes, etc.), you’ll receive an automatic software upgrade to the latest version. These continuous enhancements eliminate the extra work and downtime typically required to access software updates with traditional access control systems.
2. Cross Maintenance Off Your To-Do List
When a traditional access control system goes down, what do you do? You can either rely on someone in-house to troubleshoot and try to fix the issue (if you can find someone knowledgeable enough who also has time available). Or you can place a service call and wait for help.
With access control as a service, however, necessary repairs and regular preventive maintenance are part of the deal: The partner providing the access control subscription takes care of these things whenever needed at no extra cost. You don’t have to worry about remembering what needs to be done. Things like visual inspections, performance analysis, and device functionality are all checked and managed for you.
3. Grow or Streamline as Needed
If you decide to add users, change access, or downsize, then a lot of manual work is usually required with a traditional access control solution (and it can take a while to make these changes). If you purchase access control as a service, you can scale up or down on demand whenever you need to—without headaches or hassle.
4. Manage and Control the System Remotely
Because access control as a service is cloud-based, the entire system can be accessed and managed from anywhere (as long as there’s an internet connection and a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop).
Administrators can remotely review logs at any time, from anywhere, through a web browser—even across multiple locations.
5. Catch Anomalies Early
Access control as a service means that your system will be monitored and supported around the clock by the third party offering the service.
Because the system is monitored remotely for unusual events, anomalies, or suspicious access attempts, potential problems can often be spotted and resolved before a major security incident occurs—and you never even have to worry about it. It’s handled for you.
6. Easily Roll Out Mobile Credentials
Because access control is cloud-based, it’s becoming increasingly popular to also integrate the use of mobile credentials for access control at the same time.
The user’s mobile phone and card reader communicate using Bluetooth technology. In lieu of presenting a physical card to the reader, the user taps a button on the app as they approach the door. Different gestures can also be set up, such as a double tap or using Siri to unlock the door. The system can also learn to anticipate the door sequence you pass through.
7. Save Money
At the end of the day, this may be the biggest benefit of all for most organizations. If you’ve purchased a traditional access control system recently, then you know it’s a large expenditure that requires upfront planning, available capital, and buy-in from executive leadership.
Instead of buying all the hardware and software upfront in one bulk purchase, access control as a service gives you access to the hardware and software you need through an affordable monthly payment instead—which is much more digestible.
And access control isn’t the only type of security technology you can deploy as a service. You can also integrate the access control system with fire alarm systems, surveillance, and intrusion detection to reap even more benefits while staying within budget.
How to Get Started
Our Managed Systems Program (MSP) packages the latest technology into an affordable, budgetable monthly usage payment. You never have to worry about downtime; we maintain the system for you.
Do you have questions about MSP? Send us a note. We’re happy to explain more about CEC’s Managed Systems Program and help you decide if it’s the right option for your security initiatives. Or check out our list of frequently asked questions here.
Technologies:
Fire and Security
