Written by Ollie Law
Doors, gates and access points can be monitored easily through a PC, tablet or smartphone, enabling users with the ability to grant or revoke access instantly – preventing unauthorised access or operations to protect the people, premises and assets within.
How does cloud-based access control work?
Cloud-based simply means the software is hosted in the cloud rather than on-premise servers (physically in the building). Users can access the database from all common browsers with a secure login or via a simple to use, friendly-interface smartphone app.
This robust security solution promises ease of use, anywhere access, scalability and remote administration without having to invest heavily in IT infrastructure. On-site systems like key-card readers remain at their relevant locations while the server is in an online data centre rather than an on-site computer system.
For maximum reliability and security, these cloud-based access control systems are hosted on three remote servers so should one server fail or go offline, you have reassurance your system has resilience. OLS can assist in handling hosting, maintenance and support, meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying out operational fixes.
The features of cloud-based access control.
A cloud-based access control system includes specialist features like, identity management, access management, open and lock doors, initiate whole building lockdowns, see data and statistics on who entered or exited the premises and instantly see notifications or alarms.
The system can be used to monitor entry points at any time throughout the day, across a single or many locations – even ones located hundreds of miles away with no network infrastructure -via full remote controls and on-the-go permission editing. All data logs can be accessed on demand and easily exported when needed.
This access control can also act as a safety measure, preventing unauthorised people from going near potentially dangerous areas or equipment. Live occupancy monitoring and real-time Fire Muster Reporting can assist an organisation in being 100% sure of who is or was on a premises at any time.
What are the benefits of cloud-based access control?
Cloud-based access control has added benefits over on-premise systems, the most notable being that the cloud can futureproof your infrastructure, as unlike on-premise servers, there are no ongoing costs for maintenance or upgrades of outdated hardware. This solution simplifies physical security by integrating multiple systems into a slick, intuitive, user-friendly interface that can integrate with other solutions in the security ecosystem, to automate workflow.
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 who don’t have room for a dedicated server room.
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 back-ups, corrupted files and databases lacking information when needed. By installing and managing less hardware, cloud solutions are more cost-effective than on-premise with ongoing maintenance costs kept to a minimum. New features, security measures and other updates are all applied automatically, whilst data and management options can be backed up easily.
Having a cloud-based access system in place also allows a business to scale up or down as needed – adding or removing individuals, locations, services and entryways within minutes.
What cloud-based access control systems do OLS recommend?
Vanderbilt (ACT365)
ACT365 is a scalable cloud-based access control and video management platform designed to allow remote management of single and multiple locations from an easy-to-navigate interface. It provides ample flexibility for management of an organisation’s access control, including the ability to update or remove permissions, view cameras or open doors from a PC, tablet or smartphone.
The system is accessible 24/7, 365-days-a-year from any device in any location, allowing administrators to access video footage, notifications and more at their fingertips. Latest versions and features are continuously updated and available with no disruption to service.
More than just security, this cloud-based access control system provides added peace of mind in the form of time, attendance and absenteeism reports. These reports can be exported to Microsoft Excel for easy manipulation and importing into payroll systems.
Additionally, ACT365 offers different levels of cloud-based access services, allowing administrators to find the most suitable option for their organisation.
Brivo
Brivo’s comprehensive enterprise cloud-based access solution protects 70,000 business locations around the world, this access control integrates across security, administrative and identity systems.
On top of being able to manage your security through a single interface across multiple locations, Brivo allows you to connect physical access control with corporate identity and access management to automate onboarding and offboarding. You can monitor any risk or compliance issues your business may face by utilising the access controls to meet industry laws and regulations. Insight into your security data means you can have an in-depth understanding of any usage patterns, threats and abnormal behaviors.
Cyber vulnerabilities can also be minimized with Brivo as their access control devices and software are proven to be cybersecure and can reduce loss due to data thefts and breaches.
Feenics
Feenics is a secure, flexible, cloud-based access control solution accessible from anywhere in the world using a simple user interface. Built on Amazon Web Services to provide an unmatched level of security, redundancy and disaster recovery, Feenics cyber-hardened architecture provides a strong foundation for customer data and user privacy.
This high-performance solution enables customization and optimisation, balancing security and performance with convenience and ease. Native Windows, Web and Mobile Apps allow for in-depth reporting that provide key insights for overall business intelligence.
Akuvox
Akuvox is an all-in-one cloud-based access control solution that allows remote management of intercoms, access control and elevator controllers of multiple buildings across different sites from one portal. You will be able to delegate visitor management responsibilities to tenant companies, manage access rights, time-zones and user data, access time-and-date stamped photos of door entry and call logs, send building announcements to tenants in bulk and receive system alerts.
This system includes the option of various smart door unlocking options alongside tech-forward door phones and access control terminals that support non-contact credentials.
2N
2N’s cloud-based access control solution allows you to manage access to your building and monitor the status of access control units in real time. You can check immediately if devices are online as well as their door states and respond more effectively to designated events due to instant alerts by email.
Easily onboard visitors by granting time-limited access to the areas you choose. You can issue credentials remotely for self-serve access and maintain an audit trail for compliance. Tighten security and enforce access policy compliance with the anti-passback function. Restrict how many people are allowed in an area with Occupancy Management and track user attendance with reports that can be exported to PDF or CSV for easy manipulation into payroll systems.
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.
