Trends in Credential Technology

Electronic access control (EAC) innovation and adoption continue to grow at a significant pace. The same is true for credential technology, which has evolved from access cards and badges to more advanced options, including mobile solutions and biometrics. 

We’re seeing increased demand for EAC in K-12, health care, military, government, higher education,  multifamily housing (MFH), and small  businesses — whether from the owner, contractor, or channel levels. The need for security is evident, but there is also a demand for convenience.

Opening More Doors
Mobile credentials have become increasingly important everywhere, especially among college-age students considering which schools to apply to. They expect their phones to fulfill an expanding range of transactions - from convenient, secure payments for food, bookstores, laundry, and other campus services to easy, safe access to workout facilities, school events, and - perhaps most importantly - campus housing. 

In fact, mobile access has become a differentiating amenity for higher education institutions. 

Facial identification technology for access authentication is experiencing broader acceptance today. Attractively priced and no longer limited to high-security government applications, facial identification solutions are being deployed in critical environments such as hospitals, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and commercial buildings. 

Once a person's face and information have been captured in the solution's database, a facial identification device near a doorway immediately identifies the individual approaching the station and opens the door hands-free. This is particulary convenient when it's challenging or impractical to carry a keycard or mobile phone. 

Consider K-12 and university athletic complexes where the technology allows athletes, coaches, and staff to move seamlessly between fields, courts, and other facilities without worrying about stowing or losing a physical credential. Facial identification can also benefit employees in offices and other spaces by enabling them to access areas without fumbling for a badge or phone when their hands are full. 

When biometric technology like this is implemented, only authorized individuals can gain access to the system's devices. Since biometric traits are unique to each person, this solution enhances security, accountability, and audit trails while making unauthorized access much more difficult.

Intelligent Intercoms See Who's There

The intelligent video visitor intercom is yet another layer of access control that has emerged in the security market and is particularly gaining momentum in the MFH sector.

Innovative IP technology and a mobile app let this intercom go far beyond standard buzz-in systems that require tenants to be home to answer visitors. Instead, it allows residents or administrators to use their phones to see, communication with, and buzz in whoever is at the building outdoor station. 

Outdoor stations house an HD video camera, voice and speaker communication, and a touch display or directory. Residents can also vet visitors through an optional in-unit station offered at some MFH properties. This video intercom solution is also ideal for visitor management in other environments, such as K-12 and health care settings. 

Access Control Applications Keep Expanding

Among newer developments, digital access has become much more affordable and practical for today's small and medium-sized businesses expand into larger ones. 

Secure, assignable smart locker systems for package delivery and storage are among some of the other extremely beneficial access systems now available. 

Intelligent key (IK) systems may not be quite as new, but the access control applications for these advanced electromechnical cylinders and keys continue to expand, further blurring the line between traditional mechanical security and EAC. They can be installed almost anywhere to add extra functionality and accountability, such as access scheduling and audit trails. 

Intelligent key systems are often connected to municipal and statewide networks. Ensuring that only authorized personnel have access and cabinets are securely locked after servicing helps mitigate the risk of a destructive break or cyberthreat. 

More Trends and Topics

Wireless EAC

Wireless solutions remain an important trend, offering organizations great flexibility. Untethered from traditional infrastructure, wireless access control can be deployed more easily throughout a facility - not just at the perimeter. Wireless EAC locks can also be relocated if a building is sold or reorganized, providing added adaptability. 

Unlike traditional hardwired systems, wireless solutions can also function offline during natural disasters, ensuring access control remains active even without power or network connectivity. 

Sustainability

Engineer's and architects are broadening their sustainability assessments to include high-energy areas such as doors and access control devices. By leveraging existing IT networks - such as IP-enabled Power over Ethernet and Wi-Fi locks - facilities can expand access control systems more efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Companies are setting sustainability goals, choosing products that reduce their carbon footprint, and partnering with manufacturers that share similar environmental targets. Demand is shifting toward locally manufactured products and greater transparency about the production process and materials. 

Manufacturers are sourcing more raw materials and components new their production sites, benefiting both sustainability and supply chain perspectives. These efforts also help meet carbon reduction goals and comply with programs and acts like the Buy America Act (BAA), Trade Agreements Act (TAA), and the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA).

Architectural Design

Products must remain safe, secure, functional, and durable, but they must also meet today's aesthetic and architectural expectations. More attention is now given to ensuring doors like those in hospital maternity wings or school libraries don't feel industrial or resemble those found in armories. 

End-User Experience

Exit devices must be safe, secure, and compliant with fire-resistant requirements. However, these devices can be disruptive if they produce loud noises when opening or closing a door, especially in environments like hospitals and schools. Ensuring these products operate quietly is key to aligning with the intended atmosphere. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Questions arise about how AI is used and how companies like ours are adapting. As functionality gets smarter, AI is playing a bigger role in product development and in everyday activities like online chats, customer service, and technical support. 

Top security trends - automation, simulation, and data intelligence - all rely on AI to turn machine learning into valuable insights. The challenge lies in using this data effectively. 

Applications like digital twinning illustrate this shift. While building and testing physical prototypes remains important, simulation and modeling tools now all faster, more efficient development. We have entered an era where insight, automation, and simulation are integral to creating safer, more productive spaces. 

AI continues to improve at sorting cast amounts of data and finding meaning from a sea of information. However, without industrywide standards - and with a risk of hallucination - it's best for AI to remain focused on non-life-safety applications. 

As always, integration remains the biggest trend. The better these access control and door security innovations are designed for seamless integration, the more impact they can deliver when couples together. 

This article was originally published in Door Security and Safety - DHI's Publication for Door Security.