The methods businesses use to keep their property and people safe have changed significantly over the years. New technologies are constantly making their way into security strategies, promising to deliver stronger and more efficient protection. The industry is in no way standing still either – the future is bright, with various exciting solutions and trends on the horizon. Let’s have a closer look at what you can expect.

Two-factor authentication

In most instances, a typical security key – be it a passcode, fingerprint scan or swipe card – is enough to prevent unauthorised access. But there will always be criminals looking to infiltrate through fraud, theft or even force. The most obvious way to reduce the risk is to double protection by adding another layer. Two-factor authentication – or in some cases even three-factor authentication – requires users to prove their identity more than once, so the system can be completely sure before access is granted. It means if one method is unlawfully bypassed, the next is there as a backup. It’s something that’s already being implemented across the web, helping users keep online accounts secure, but we’re now starting to see signs of its effectiveness in physical access control.

Biometric access control

Biometrics are nothing new – retina and fingerprint scanners have been used as effective security tools for some time already – but these methods are evolving. Firstly, the accuracy with which scanners read is better than ever, and it’s still improving. This means businesses will be able to rely on them more heavily. Biometric technology is also becoming cheaper and more accessible, with smartphone manufacturers even using it in their devices. That means this reliable, and now more accurate, method is likely to become more widespread across businesses.

More integration

We’ll likely see businesses adopt a more integrated approachto access control. This is partly due to the rise of two-factor authentication, which will inevitably see the pairing of different technologies to create stronger barriers. There’ll also be more integration involving business-wide systems, with greater interoperability allowing different solutions to be brought even closer together into central control interfaces. As a result, security teams will have tighter control over the various hardware and software implemented throughout their premises. These improvements in interoperability will also allow businesses to combine technologies and create systems that better suit their own needs, rather than the generic needs of their wider industry.

The rise of automation

Automation is impacting most industries in some way or another – and we’re expecting a significant impact in access control too. With sensor technologies improving, security teams will have detailed and accurate information on the movement of people on their premises delivered directly to their dashboards, removing the need to find and aggregate it manually. With video analytics technologies improving quickly too, businesses may soon be able to rely on CCTV cameras alone to determine how many people are in a room or area. This would help to reduce the risk of tailgating.

A secure future for your business

Our access control systems can already give your business the peace of mind that comes with knowing your staff and property are safe and secure, but as the technologies on offer continue to evolve, so too will the protection available. That’s why we’re always keeping a close eye on developments in the industry. To find out more about how we can help, and to learn about the solutions available, get in touch today.