The advantages of cloud-based access control 

In our rapidly evolving digital world, the cloud has reshaped the way we operate, store and access data.

The recent year has witnessed a surge in the acceptance of cloud services across diverse sectors, one of them being security.

Businesses worldwide are now reinventing their solutions to leverage the potency, adaptability and superior functionality that the cloud provides. 

Embracing cloud for enhanced security 

Organisations are increasingly adopting cloud-based security solutions in response to growing connectivity among companies, employees and devices.

Transitioning from traditional on-premises security to cloud-based solutions has proven to be a boon for many businesses and it’s no surprise why.

Cloud providers are held to a strict set of security standards, the cost of the cloud is more affordable and dedicated cloud security staff can secure data and resources freeing up in-house staff for more relevant and business-focused tasks and projects. 

In today’s dynamic environment, leveraging the cloud is emerging as the most efficient solution to tackle a host of challenges, including those related to safety and security.

Previously, cloud-based solutions were largely restricted to video surveillance and primarily focused on residential applications.

However, the landscape has significantly evolved with innovative solutions coming into play.

Especially in the realm of access control, cloud-based access control solutions offer considerable benefits, allowing business owners or security managers to access the infrastructure anytime, from any internet-enabled device. 

The advantages of transitioning to cloud-based access control  

The growing popularity of cloud technology has piqued the interest of stakeholders, leading to inquiries about the functioning and potential implications for their businesses.

Within the realm of an organisation’s physical security, the cloud provides an opportunity to deploy an access control solution without significant investments in IT infrastructure.

Instead, the security application is hosted in an off-premises data centre, with management and control delegated to the integrator’s accountability. 

Small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) stand to gain immensely from the use of cloud-based access control.

Such businesses often lack the resources required to house a comprehensive security solution, such as a robust IT department to oversee an on-premises solution.

However, the advantages of cloud services extend beyond SMBs, thanks to the significant benefits they offer, including time savings, enhanced flexibility, remote monitoring, automatic updates and increased situational awareness across facilities or multiple locations. 

Convenience of remote management 

Cloud-based systems excel in providing remote management.

These systems are configured and monitored through cloud-accessed dashboards, which are accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world, requiring only an internet-enabled device.

Administrators gain the ability to control access in real time, even when they are not onsite.

Whether it’s authorising access for new employees, modifying access levels or responding to security incidents, these tasks can be performed remotely.

Real time notifications about any access related activities provides an additional layer of security and control.  

Scalability for enterprises 

These systems are also highly adaptive and scalable.

Organisations can seamlessly add new individuals, incorporate additional locations and integrate more doors into the network within a matter of minutes.

It simplifies the process of scaling operations, whether for a growing business or an enterprise planning to extend its geographic footprint.

This flexibility is further amplified by the ability to centralise IT and security management for multi-site enterprises, resulting in a significant reduction in IT burdens and costs. 

Enhanced ROI 

Cloud solutions offer more for less investment.

By reducing hardware requirements, they become cost-effective for both SMBs and large enterprises.

Open platform systems allow easy integration with third party systems and platforms, supporting automated processes across the business and providing more flexibility to meet evolving needs. 

Futureproof technology 

We all have an eye on the future.

The cloud is the key to ‘future-proofing’ an organisation’s security system.

It scales and updates as the business grows, ensuring the technology never becomes outdated.

One of the major problems businesses face is the constant need for internal IT staff training to update antiquated systems.

A cloud-managed service provider eliminates this issue by automatically installing upgrades, ensuring that networks and applications never fall behind or become obsolete. 

The growth of cloud-based security solutions is undeniable as an increasing number of organisations realise the capabilities inherent in the cloud.

The combination of power, flexibility and advanced functionality is reshaping the security landscape.  

As the technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate a steady rise in its adoption, propelling organisations into a future where security management is not only efficient and adaptable, but also anticipates and scales with the organisation’s growth.

This ongoing shift to cloud-based solutions signals a bright horizon for security, effectively marking a new era of empowered, dynamic and robust protective measures. 

By Ross Wilks, acre security