Why choose a cloud-based access control system?

A cloud-based access control solution offers a wealth of benefits as a component of a larger integrated security system, reports Brivo.

As cloud computing resources continue to develop, and Software as a Service systems become ever more popular, many businesses are looking to take advantage of these new technologies within the security space, especially access control.

Whilst all access control systems do offer similar benefits and functions, the power of cloud computing allows for key advantages when you pick the right cloud-based system.

The benefits of cloud-based security solutions

Both at a local and enterprise level, cloud-based access control solutions provide greater flexibility in operations, with easy to access web-based controls and an architecture that places an importance on API integrations.

But, there are also benefits to the infrastructure of your sites.

The absence of server hardware means less device management and cost. It also allows for any updates or upgrades to be done off-site and rolled out and managed by the provider via the cloud.

Offsite system management – perhaps the key benefit of a cloud-based access control system is the removal of a key system control from the site, placing it in the cloud.

Everything – from a single door to the entire multi-site enterprise campus – is configured and managed from an internet-based dashboard, accessible 24/7 to anyone with the proper credentials.

Increased ROI – the reduction of hardware requirement cost in favour of the cloud provides an immediate ROI, for both small businesses and large enterprises.

Cloud-based access control systems allow for ease of integration with other systems, with in-depth API/SDK/Open Protocols promoting ease of use with third party systems.

This allows you to have your access control work fluently with systems such as CCTV, HR Databases, Fire, BMS and more, creating a cost effective way of integrating architecture that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Integrations drive automation and intelligence that allows your organisation to adapt to ever changing needs with ease and efficiency.

Enterprise capacity – the ubiquity of the cloud makes it adept for enterprise solutions.

With the remotely accessible management system, administrators can bring new systems online from any location, be it next door or on the other side of the world. Again, reduction of hardware plays well for large scale enterprise systems.

On-premises systems mean more space requirements, wiring, maintenance costs and administrative costs for upgrade and replacement. With the cloud, you can expand to meet your business needs without concern for these costs, as the hardware requirements are taken care of by the offsite system provider.

AI – with the continued expansion of AI within the security space, the cloud provides a perfect environment to welcome its benefits. 

More AI features means a growing hunger for computing power. A traditional on-premises system is less capable of quickly utilising these new benefits.

At any time, your on-premises system has finite computational power offered by hardware on site. This requires the user to make a choice, to either upgrade their system to provide the computational capacity required or miss out on new functions.

However, due to the flexibility of its architecture, a cloud-based system continuously expands its computational power. Cloud-based systems ensure your ability to access any new functions, features or benefits offered by AI.

Futureproofing – making sure that your on-premises server-based access control system is up-to-date with the latest requirements means regular interrogation of the system as well as time and effort updating systems and hardware.

When a system reaches obsolescence, many companies continue using the system due to the cost and operational challenges of a complete update of their access control solution. However, a cloud-based system circumvents these challenges.

The cloud system will automatically update and upgrade the system in the background, removing the responsibility of version control from you.

Cybersecurity – traditionally, IT security managers have often feared hosting data in a third party location as well as one open to the wider world.

Indeed, an entire industry dedicated to securing on-premises computer and server rooms grew almost overnight, with instruction on “best practices” and dedicated personnel quickly becoming the norm.

However, cloud-based providers have quickly overtaken the legacy on-premises security practices with advanced cybersecurity. In most cases, cloud cybersecurity meets or surpasses the effectiveness of on-premises security practices.

More importantly it can often adapt to and respond to threats more quickly and efficiently. Manufacturers with cloud-based systems have released many informative pieces highlighting the priority they place on cybersecurity.

But it is not just talk. Regular penetration testing is conducted on these systems and the latest processes are used to ensure that these systems and your data remain secure.

Cost analysis: Cloud-based security vs. on-premises physical security

Cloud-based systems typically have less up-front costs.

Whilst there is a hardware cost for the readers and door controllers themselves, the cost is largely spread over the subscription model, reducing the strains of the up-front costs on your business, as opposed to an initial cost on servers and software.

Whilst the lack of subscription costs for an on-premises system may seem beneficial in the long run, costs are incurred during the lifecycle of the system.

In-person maintenance and upgrades on servers will be required multiple times during the lifecycle of the system.

Visit Brivo at GSX – taking place 11-13 September in Dallas, TX, US – on Booth #3925