ASSA ABLOY shares 7 problems that access control software can fix

So often, one’s focus in security and access control zeroes in on the hardware. Its latest functionality or compatibility with emerging technologies grabs the headlines. Yet it is the access control software which knits a system together — and the signs are, this is finally getting the attention it deserves in security procurement.

Supported integrations

“Today, access control software is more accessible to a wider variety of actors,” writes Bryan Montany, a research analyst at IHS Technology, “providing end-users with broader and more comprehensive data relating to patterns in building occupancy.”

“Software has also supported integrations with other security systems, enabling security managers to respond in real time to emerging incidents and potential security breaches.”

Software solutions

In other words, one can escape the limiting functionality of outmoded access management with a new generation of software solutions. They can fix everyday access irritants and below are seven.

• Freedom from the access management terminal

Multi-seat management should be a given. One’s intuitive, customised dashboard could have a personalised login screen configuration for every administrator. Software should offer flexible management options, including secure system administration from anywhere and multi-timezone capability options. An access management “terminal” should be tied to the person — not the other way around.

• Maximum flexibility, whatever the legacy system

Access control software puts in the hard yards when it bends the existing system or setup to new needs. It can integrate across several databases, making workflows easier and less error prone. One may even wish to manage any existing mechanical locks from the same interface as the electronic or electromechanical locks. The right access control software handles that for the person.

• Tailored access for every site user and visitor

Streamlining access rights management for staff, contractors and visitors can boost business efficiency. The access control software should filter access to specific locks according to the precise security needs of the site and users. For any system, one should be able to create individual schedules for key-holders, doors or audit trails. In a few clicks one can require users to revalidate keys regularly, making it safer to issue a contractor with time-limited access.

• Smarter, more effective building management

Smart buildings need intelligent software. Is it known who uses which doors at the site, and when? Is one planning an office expansion and weighing up appropriate security for each type of room use? A properly configured software control panel should accurately track user movement around the site. It feeds back the data needed to make better business decisions.

• Saving security budgets with a Software as a Service (SaaS) option

Ideally, one would want to spend the security budget on actually securing people and assets. In the real world, IT costs and contingency budgeting eat up much of it. When one runs access management software with a reliable SaaS provider, security infrastructure budgeting becomes more predictable. The data enjoys complete redundancy and is therefore more secure. And the company’s software is always, automatically up to date — critical for cyber security resilience.

• Mobile solutions for the modern mobile workforce

Are mobile workers and contractors returning to base — or the nearest credential updater — to redefine or revalidate their access rights? Access control software can (and should) be mobile. So, instead of updaters, workers update credentials on the go, wherever they are, via an app and its encrypted Bluetooth connection.

• All business process software in one place

Multiple systems create double or triple the work. Duplicating data entry increases the chance of errors. With access control powered by the CLIQ Web Manager, for example, one can integrate powerful access management features with the existing business process software. One hub for everything.

Thanks to the CLIQ Web Manager’s open architecture, one can build a single interface to control all “live” workflows. Manage HR, support ticketing, financial reporting and more, alongside daily access control tasks like validating and revalidating credentials, cancelling lost keys and ordering automated audit trails for locks or users.