6 Access Control Trends Defining 2024

Over the years, the access control industry has undergone substantial changes, and as we step into 2024, it keeps evolving, offering fresh challenges and new opportunities. The convergence of technology, security, and convenience continues to be pivotal, influencing the path of access control systems. Let’s explore the access control trends in 2024 that are defining the industry.

1. Continued Embrace of Cloud-Based Systems

Cloud-based access control systems, a trend that gained considerable traction in recent years, continue to redefine the way organizations manage and monitor access. According to Flexera, 92% of businesses already operate systems via the cloud. From document handling to security protocols, the cloud presents numerous advantages for companies striving to enhance operational flexibility. Hence, the next logical step is that we will witness a broader adoption of cloud-based access control systems, enabling remote management, seamless updates, and centralized control across multiple locations. These systems, operating through web-based interfaces, offer unparalleled flexibility, especially for multi-location entities and those requiring temporary access provisioning. Yes, the convenience and flexibility they offer remain pivotal in shaping access control practices.

2. Standardisation

In response to the growing complexity of security ecosystems, there’s a push for interoperability and standardisation among access control solutions. With each access control company working on their own solution without any standards to abide by, this has been long overdue. The result: Standards have emerged as a critical focal point in the access control narrative, and that’s why the OSS Association is pushing for standardized protocols. Industry players are working towards creating unified standards, ensuring seamless integration between various systems. The goal behind this is to enhance overall efficiency and reduce vulnerabilities. With the OSS Standard Offline the first step was taken, the association was already working on the OSS Mobile Access Standard and presenting its first showcase in 2022.

3. The Rise of Mobile Credentials

Touchless access — in combination with the use of mobile credentials — emerges as a pivotal trend in access control technology for 2024, gaining considerable traction in public and commercial spaces due to its advantages. Many access control systems now offer mobile apps, such as the Tapkey App, that allow users to securely access facilities and resources using their smartphones or other mobile devices. There has been a tremendous uptick in the popularity of mobile credentials. Research firm IHS Markit has reported that mobile-based credentials are the fastest-growing access control product, with more businesses and homeowners turning to this secure and convenient option.

Although access cards still play a powerful role in the access control market, we are seeing a strong shift towards mobile access control. The fact that people are always with their smartphones helps popularise this trend. Phones aren’t just phones any more. They play a bigger role in day-to-day life, and this also includes access control. Mobile credentials can be used to authenticate identity and grant entry. This gives greater flexibility, improves privacy, and can also lower the maintenance costs of credential management for end users.

4. Growth in Wearable Devices

The landscape of mobile access control is expanding further with the integration of wearable technology. 

What are wearables? Wearables are a class of smart devices that can be worn on the wrist or clipped onto clothing or carried. This includes smart jewellery, such as rings, wristbands, watches, or pins. They work with Bluetooth or Near Field Communication.

They present an innovative approach and should solve day-to-day human problems in real-time by integrating functional, portable electronic devices into people’s daily lives. For access control, wearable devices allow you to unlock with your Apple watch, wristband or other device to unlock doors, and not having to pull your phone out first. While wearables are carving a niche, the concept of embedding access control into everyday items like clothes or rings paves the way for new possibilities. But what’s next? Will access control get under our skin? Well, at the moment, it sounds far-fetched. Human microchipping is way off from seeing mainstream adoption.

5. Access Control As a Feature

The industry is witnessing a shift towards individual adaptability in mobile access solutions. As technology advances, personalized settings and tailored access management are becoming crucial. Moreover, access control is no longer seen as a standalone entity; instead, it’s becoming an essential feature within larger systems.

“We will see access control more as a feature than a stand-alone industry”, says Lee Odess, founder of Inside Access Control, in an interview.

Access control as a Feature is gaining prominence, where integration into other systems like visitor management or tenant experience apps enhances overall value for end-users. Companies, such as Officemanager, Geneva Ski Storage or Locaboo are already partnering with Tapkey. These systems integrated the Tapkey access technology into their system to automate access and optimise processes.

6. Automation through AI

As security and access control tech becomes more advanced, there’s a chance for companies to make their operations smoother. That’s why we expect automation to be a top trend in access control for 2024. Of course, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will have an impact on the automation processes as well. These technologies enable predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and behaviour-based authentication. Moreover, AI-driven automation streamlines operations, providing real-time insights and responses to potential threats. Security teams can use artificial intelligence to pinpoint where to focus efforts and when. Or the AI can become the security bouncer itself.

Overall, the access control industry’s trajectory in 2024 encapsulates a narrative of adaptation, integration, and innovation. It is progressing towards more secure, flexible, and integrated solutions that cater to the diverse needs of organizations and individuals.