Trends in PACS design by Mercury Security

Mercury Security, a pioneer in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe.

Role in PACS design

The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. 

With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for the security pioneers.

Key trends of reshaping physical access controller

The key trends reshaping physical access controller design and selection include:

• Security-First Thinking: 90% of respondents say staying aligned with cybersecurity standards is essential. More than 71% cite advanced protection – secure boot, OSDP, cryptography – as a top decision driver.
• Mobile and Cloud Integration: 55% seek controller compatibility with other credentials, including mobile credentials. Over half (52%) report cloud enablement as critical for scalability, real-time monitoring and remote management. 
• Reliability is Non-Negotiable: 63% rank reliability and uptime as the most important criteria in controller selection – far outweighing cost or feature specifications.
• Backward and Forward Compatibility: 86% require controllers that support long-term infrastructure planning through compatibility with past and future systems.
• Interoperability and Open Architecture: 76% cite interoperability with mixed-device environments as essential, underscoring the shift toward flexible, standards-based systems.

The report also explores the emerging role of AI and edge computing in controller performance, as well as the growing integration of access data with building operations.