We have finally shut the door on 2020, and head into 2021 with great uncertainty. But one thing we are certain of is that the events of 2020 have significantly shaped and evolved the physical security industry. The demands of the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the need for and adoption of both existing and emerging technologies to create a safer environment. By identifying access control trends for 2021, we can properly prepare to meet both business and end-user needs.
1. Mobile Access Control
Companies are rapidly adopting mobile access control.
According to finder.com, in 2020, 84% of UK adults own a smartphone and most likely carry them wherever they go. So, it only makes sense that mobile credentials will play a leading role in the future of physical access control technologies.
Unlike mobile devices, cards/tags have a singular use and are frequently forgotten or lost, which amounts to expense for the employer.
Forecaster IHS Markit predicts that more than 120 million mobile credentials will be downloaded in 2023.
CDVI’s Solution
Mobile-PASS smartphone credentials are specifically designed to meet this need. No need for constantly replacing plastic card or tag credentials; with Mobile-PASS all you need is your smartphone. And it’s AES encrypted from end-to-end. What more could you want?
The DIGIWAY door automation can be combined with the GALEO-4.0 keypad for a touchless mobile solution.
The free and user-friendly DIGICODE® user app allows authorised people to trigger the GALEO and activate the door directly from their smartphone app, completely removing the need to touch any shared surface. There’s no keypad code to remember and no card or tag to worry about – just safe and hygienic access control.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication
Where digital identity meets physical identity.
As security threats have increased, so has the need for a more secure method to authenticate users.
Multi-factor authentication requires the authorisation of more than one credential to gain access. For instance, it may require an employee to use their mobile credentials and key in a pin before they are allowed to access a facility.
Other credentials that can be combined include video intercom, fingerprint ID, mobile credentials, SMS text or email pin. Multi-factor authentication has been taking root over the last few years and is expected to become even more common in 2021 and beyond.
3. Biometrics
According to Future Market Insights, contactless biometric technology will ride the wave created by the COVID-19 pandemic to a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 17.4% from 2020 to 2030. And this is expected to increase.
As the demand for touchless access control solutions increases, facial recognition is quickly growing in popularity. Millions of users already use Face ID on their smartphones, and this trend is rapidly spreading into the access control industry.
Mobile credentials for access control, facial recognition, and other biometric characteristics are more secure, as it adds another layer of identification for access to high-security areas with restricted access. COVID-19 has reinforced the need for touchless technology to eliminate common touch surfaces that can spread disease, facial recognition access control meets that need and does so securely.
CDVI’s Solution
CDVI offers an all-in-one that combines DIGIWAY door automation with the FTC1000, making facial recognition and temperature checks an easy, touchless access control solution.
CDVI acquired ievo in late 2020 and offer robust, reliable and accurate fingerprint scanners for advanced security with innovative features.
Unlike other fingerprint scanners, the ievo ultimate™ employs a high-performance multi-spectral imaging (MSI) sensor allowing it to read through hand sanitizers and some latex gloves for real-world deployment.
4. Hygiene and Physical Separation
Companies across the globe are eager to start bringing employees back to ‘normal’ working conditions in 2021, after months of working at home.
To persuade employees back on-site, it is vital that organisations implement safety and hygiene procedures, practices, and protocols. The adoption of touchless systems, removal of doors, sanitisation stations, one-way traffic, reduced occupancy, and social distancing is a new norm. Other innovations might include tightening access privileges and limiting building access points.
CDVI’s Solution
ATRIUM’s built-in counter function, facilitated by read-in read-out technology, creates a safer environment by automatically implementing social distancing and head counts per room or building through area capacity management, time spent on site per user and anti-pass back, perfect for one-way systems.
The Traffic Light Access Control System is simple and easy-to-use, allowing staff to control the flow of people into a building or area by limiting access and clearly indicating when it is safe to enter a facility. Perfect for day-to-day visibility and management of building capacity and occupancy limits.
Conclusion
Flexibility, safety, and convenience will continue to influence security and access trends into the future. Technologies that are aligned with these trends will grow in popularity and soon become the new standard.
More so, access control technologies – and technology in general – that prioritises user health and wellness will prevail as the industry standard. Becoming familiar with these trends and implementing them will ensure business resilience and end user satisfaction.