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Author: Kelly Kao

The Role of Access Control Is Evolving
In the past, access control systems were often seen as standalone modules focused on preventing unauthorized entry. However, with advancements in technology and growing demands for proactive security, access control has transformed into a core component of intelligent security systems.

According to HID’s 2025 State of Security and Identity Industry Report, over 1,800 global professionals indicated that future access control will be driven by integration, real-time capabilities, and scalability, shifting the industry from isolated defenses toward a data-driven and platform-based approach.

Key Trends: Three Directions in Access Control Evolution

1. Rapid Adoption of Mobile Credentials and Digital Identity
HID reports that 61% of security professionals believe mobile identity will be one of the top three trends. Through NFC, Bluetooth, or dedicated apps, mobile credentials are replacing traditional cards, integrating biometric authentication, encrypted transmission, and real-time authorization.
Over two-thirds of companies have deployed or plan to adopt mobile credentials. These solutions are compatible with smart building platforms, supporting remote management, real-time credential revocation, user activity tracking, and reducing the environmental impact of plastic cards.
Notably, 84% of organizations still use hybrid models (mobile + physical), reflecting varied needs across departments and roles.

2. Biometric Authentication Enhances Multi-Factor Verification (MFA)
The demand for biometrics has surged post-COVID, as it offers accuracy and anti-spoofing capabilities. Fingerprint and facial recognition are now common, especially in high-security sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government.
These technologies are often combined with mobile MFA—for example, requiring both facial recognition and mobile credentials to access sensitive areas.

3. AI-Enabled Access Control: A Shift Toward Proactive Defense
AI is moving beyond image recognition to analyze access logs and detect unusual behavior. Advanced security platforms deploy AI models to identify risks based on time, frequency, and movement patterns. For example:

• An employee appears on a floor they shouldn’t access
   
• A user swipes into multiple locations within an implausibly short time
   
• Unusual activity spikes during off-hours
  Such anomalies can trigger automatic lockdowns, alerts, or reports to the security center. Campus Safety Magazine highlights AI’s emerging role in real-time situational analysis, enabling a shift from record-keeping to prediction and response.

Value of Access Control × Video Surveillance × AI Integration

1. Deep Tech Integration for Proactive Smart Security
Access control is no longer just about door management—it is a central part of identity verification, visual recognition, and data-driven security. Platforms like Avigilon's Unified Security combine IP cameras, access control, intrusion detection, and video analytics into a single interface.
For example, if an unfamiliar person tailgates into a restricted area, the system can detect and trigger automatic lockdowns or alarms, reducing response delays.

2. Cloud and Edge Computing Enhance Performance and Flexibility
Traditional systems depend heavily on on-premises servers, resulting in high maintenance costs. Next-generation platforms use cloud and edge computing for real-time processing and scalability.
According to the Security Industry Association (SIA), cloud-connected surveillance cameras in North America are expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 80% through 2026—yet only around 10% of systems are currently cloud-based, showing vast untapped potential.

Multi-Industry Use: Access Control Expands into Vertical Scenarios

• Office Spaces:
  With remote work and flexible hours, access systems must support mobile authorization, remote identity verification, and multi-floor management. Logs can integrate with attendance systems for HR and risk monitoring.
   
• Healthcare Facilities:
  High-security zones like pharmaceutical storage and surgical rooms demand role-based access and biometric tracking to ensure compliance and traceability.
   
• Educational Institutions:
  Students and staff can access campuses via smartphones or facial recognition, with video systems detecting unauthorized intrusions to maintain campus safety.
   
• Smart Homes/Communities:
  Smart doorbells and access systems let residents identify visitors remotely or generate one-time access codes for guests or deliveries, enhancing both safety and convenience.

Outlook: From Defense to Governance—Security as a Strategic Pillar

The evolution of access control by 2025 is not only technological but also strategic. Key future trends include:

• Cross-platform Integration Becomes Standard:
  Unified platforms will connect access control, video, cybersecurity, and IoT, simplifying operations and enhancing visibility.
   
• AI-Driven Risk Prediction and Response:
  Behavior-based models will enable a shift from reactive security to predictive governance.
   
• Cybersecurity and Privacy Governance:
  Access data will fall under security regulations, requiring end-to-end encryption, zero trust authentication, and compliance with GDPR  and other privacy frameworks.
   
• Widespread Adoption of Mobile and Contactless Solutions:
  Most enterprises plan to phase out physical cards within five years in favor of mobile and biometric credentials.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and reference purposes only. It aims to illustrate the evolution of access control technologies, application scenarios, market trends, and security platform integration. All information is compiled from publicly available sources and general industry understanding. The analysis and conclusions presented reflect the author's interpretation of the available data at the time of writing and do not constitute investment advice, technical guarantees, or product endorsements.

Reference

2025 Access Control Solutions: Key trends & Innovations

HID Global — 2025 State of Security and Identity Industry Report

Access control trends 2025: Matrix Technologies insights

2025 Access Control Predictions: AI, the Cloud and Mobile Credential Applications to Expand

Future of access control: Top 8 access control technology trends of 2025

Security Megatrends: The 2025 Vision for the Security Industry

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