Access control is at the heart of any business’ operations. Cloud-based access control goes beyond physical building security and what traditional systems can do by simplifying access management through better user experience, heightening security with continuous updates and improvements, and naturally integrating into existing workflows and applications.
If you want to learn more about what cloud-based access control is – check out the blog in our Knowledge Base.
11 benefits of a cloud-based access control system:
- Access your system from anywhere
- Data protection with automatic backups
- Cost-effective
- Safe and secure data storage
- Customisable to your business needs
- Remote support
- Scalable to your business needs
- Reduced server downtime
- Integration with current systems
- Automatic software updates
- Improved user experience
Access your system from anywhere
Cloud-based access control allows for off-site hosting, meaning you can access your system remotely, whether at home or out of the country, with complete flexibility. Regardless of which OS or browser you use, with a secure login you can inspect your site and manage hundreds of keys from any Internet-ready device. This is particularly useful if an organisation has multiple locations around the world, you can grant access from anywhere, at any time, without needing to step foot on site.
Data protection with automatic backups
Security is elevated with cloud-based access control. The digital credentials of these solutions are encrypted with state-of-the-art cryptographic algorithms to ensure your data is protected – similar to how online bank accounts protect themselves from hacking.
Unlike traditional access control systems, they don’t require dedicated on-site servers so if there were to be a power outage or hardware failure, the system would still function with all data intact. Also, the cloud-based system can be utilised with smartphones, so you no longer run the risk of unauthorised access via a lost or stolen keycard or fob.
Cost-effective
Cloud-based access control solutions are great alternatives to traditional systems as they’re significantly more affordable. The most expensive part of IT ownership is the ongoing operational expenses, support, licensing agreements and hardware replacements. Failure to invest in these ongoing infrastructure updates can result in loss of backups, corrupted files and databases lacking information when needed.
Cloud solutions mean you no longer have to pay for a physical server, its accompanying rack storage, fixes and upgrades, nor do you require a dedicated IT team with the system being so user-friendly. New features, security measures and other updates are all applied automatically, whilst data and management options can be backed up easily.
Cloud-based access control is a subscription service that includes technical support with no hidden costs, this manageable expenditure allows companies to scale up and down depending on their needs and budget. Many tasks are faster or entirely automated which will save on time as well.
Safe and secure data storage
Quick and easy to set up, a cloud-based access control system, can streamline your business policies with ease. All data and information are safely stored in a remote server in the cloud that won’t be compromised due to secure encryptions and its safe, reliable environment.
As there is no physical server, you won’t have to worry about valuable data getting lost in a power outage or hardware failure – it is easy to get access to the information you need continually.
For those with sensitive data, the risk of data theft is decreased with a cloud-based access control system. As well as being stored in a safe and reliable environment, modern cloud-based systems store their data in off-site hosting centers which means you’re able to monitor anyone who has remote access to the system or the data.
Customisable to your business needs
Cloud-based access control solutions offer unprecedented flexibility in almost every area of operations. They grant unrestricted access control to facility managers who don’t have to worry about the digital infrastructure. Mobile functions allow you to send mass notifications like emergency alerts or grant and revoke access to all employees and visitors at once, keeping them safe and secure.
With standard access solutions, you have to pay for feature-rich systems and typically with advanced ones, you have an ongoing yearly update cost and costs per feature required. Once additional features are bought, they often can’t be removed, but with cloud solutions, it’s possible to add or remove services as they suit your business.
Remote support
Compared to its traditional counterpart, cloud-based access control systems offer better support. Rather than relying on in-person support that can be time-consuming and costly, you can pay affordable monthly fees to keep your system updated, running efficiently and securely with live monitoring from a dedicated expert who will promptly tackle any issues that may arise or questions you may have. This means on-site technicians don’t have to go through time-intensive training to make sense of your access system.
Scalable to your business needs
Cloud-based access control allows you to easily scale your business each time you expand to a new location, or your facilities and staff numbers increase. These systems can support you with potentially global growth, processing large numbers of users without having to install server boxes in every building like you would with traditional access control.
You can easily onboard people on mass – if a new team is onboarded or someone leaves, you can instantly turn access on and off remotely. If you decide to move or expand to a new location, you can add more devices to your centralised system, avoiding the need to rebuild your security infrastructure every time.
Reduced server downtime
All data and management options are centralised and can be backed up easily. For maximum reliability and security, cloud-based access control systems are hosted on multiple servers – if one server were to fail or go offline, another would take over, giving you the reassurance that your system has resilience.
Integration with current systems
Unlike traditional access control systems, cloud-based access control is developed on an open API platform, integrating seamlessly with third-party systems and software in your security ecosystem. These include mobile devices, video surveillance, booking platforms, biometric credentials and more. By integrating your solution with existing workflows and applications your business already uses, you can permit automatic processes and delegate tasks across the whole organisation with ease.
Automatic software updates
Having a cloud-based access control system means you will always have the latest features with real-time automatic software updates, policies and credentials. Your system will benefit from the latest security features, bug fixes and performance enhancements, whilst requiring fewer pieces of physical equipment to be installed at your facility.
Less hardware to maintain means less staff to manage the system. Any changes in your personnel’s access to your business will also be made automatically, ensuring you’re always up to date with the latest access rights.
Improved user experience
Since cloud-based access control systems are on the cloud, they’re incredibly easy to use and manage. You can add and delete users, update access credentials, view reports on entry times, export real-time audit trails, make compliance an automated process and securely share data throughout your organisation to ensure each department is informed.
Having an automated workflow allows you to set up your system with pre-defined rules, eliminating human error and reducing manual time-consuming tasks, resulting in optimal business operations.
Cloud-based access control is essential for organisations looking to “futureproof” their security infrastructure. As businesses grow over time, they no longer need to worry about outdated technology.
Cloud-based access control continues to garner attention as more organisations acknowledge the strength, flexibility, and functionality it delivers. Not only does it remove the worry of obsolete systems, constant IT updates and staff training, but it also provides an optimal solution to preserve space for organisations that don’t have room for a dedicated server room.
About The Author
Ollie Law has been working in the access control sector for over 14 years and has an extensive range of knowledge in the UK, Europe and USA markets.
He is a specialist in his field and has hosted talks on the importance of access control for the security of businesses worldwide.
Connect with Ollie on LinkedIn or if you’re ready to discuss your access control project, request a quote.
