Formerly a key, now a smartphone
What used to be the conventional key for physical access is now a card, a hardware token, or a mobile ID on a smartphone. “RFID cards (Radio Frequency Identification) and mobile credentials based on NFC (Near-Field Communication) or BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) are currently favored the most,” emphasizes Alfredo Neumann, Head of Area Sales and New Business at Elatec. Modern physical access control systems that use RFID or NFC can do much more than “just” open the door. They can be used to also check user identities and assign individual or role-based access authorizations, as well as track who has entered, left or used a facility – and at what times. Temporary access permission for visitors or temporary employees can also be implemented. As part of an integrated security system, physical access control can also be interlinked with other components, such as HR management.
Focus on the user
RFID/NFC technologies enable simple and cost-effective provision and management of credentials and are easy to use: The card or smartphone simply needs to be held in front of a reader to gain access to an area or object. An RFID ID or key fob grants blanket access to the building, while different access authorizations apply within the building depending on the user ID. Access can also be deactivated immediately, for example, if employees leave the company or lose their ID card or smartphone.
With the right RFID reader, it is possible to set up a system that uses both ID cards or tokens and smartphones. That allows the needs of all user groups to be met with a single physical access solution. Many organizations already issue RFID cards to identify employees, members or tenants. The same cards can also be used for physical access control. Smartphone ID systems simplify implementation by eliminating the need to issue and manage physical cards. These systems are useful for user groups who do not want to carry a separate card, for example, gym members, students or hotel guests. Some companies are also moving away from using cards to control physical access for their employees and are using smartphone ID systems instead. “The user-friendliness and option of immediate deactivation if employees have lost their job or left the company are decisive advantages,” says Neumann.
Developing a unified physical access system
For maximum convenience, security and simple management, PAC applications can be integrated into a unified access solution for physical and digital access. A unified system could include all areas in a building or on a site (interior and exterior doors, turnstiles, elevators and parking gates) as well as access to computers, printers, production machinery and laboratory or medical devices, and logins to business systems, networks and applications, and single sign-on (SSO) systems.
A unified access system offers advantages for security, convenience and administration. In addition to reducing security gaps and vulnerabilities by eliminating silos, companies can ensure consistent security policies across all access points, making it more difficult for unauthorized parties to exploit isolated vulnerabilities.
A unified system allows comprehensive security policies to be implemented that cover both physical and digital access points. In the event of a security breach, it enables faster and better coordinated countermeasures. Companies also benefit from a centralized system that simplifies the administration of access controls. Access management and monitoring access logs become more efficient, which reduces administrative effort and shortens response times in the event of security incidents. Access authorizations are updated centrally by the administrators and there is less risk of error or inconsistencies that could be exploited. A unified access system is more scalable and allows companies to simply add or change access points as needed without the hassle of managing multiple systems.
It also offers advantages for users. It is much more convenient for them to identify themselves everywhere with the same access authorization and not have to use several keys, cards or passwords in parallel. This convenience not only increases user satisfaction but also reduces the likelihood of access data being lost or stolen. “The choice of physical access solution depends largely on the specific requirements of the user groups, the existing infrastructure and the company’s security requirements. Factors such as the acceptance of smartphones, the need for individual or role-based access authorizations and integration into existing business systems also play an important role,” says Neumann.