In the age of smart buildings, access control solutions are already popular among end-users as they look at the movement in and out of buildings and the use of their space. According to a Memoori report, the occupancy analytics market is estimated to reach US$5.73 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 21.5 percent. Yet post-pandemic, the occupancy and access control will only see their growth accelerate, as users rely on analytics for capacity monitoring and social distancing purposes. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies will provide opportunities for access control data to become ‘smarter’ and support people flow and space utilization needs of building owners.

There is no second doubt when we say that the pandemic has changed the perception towards access control systems. Sasi Kumar, Operations Manager, Concordia, pointed out that most clients today are moving towards a cloud-based operational environment. “Cloud solutions have been around for over two decades and despite the data that demonstrates its cost benefits and security and competitive advantages, businesses were reluctant to explore it aggressively until recent days,” he added.

According to a recent study issued by International Data Group, 69% of businesses are already using cloud technology while 18% are in the planning and implementation stages. “Having such cloud-based Access Control systems enabled large organizations to manage multiple sites remotely with unlimited scalability along with operational improvement and higher security,” said Kumar.

Talking to Sheeladitya Karmakar, Senior Offering Manager, Honeywell Building Technologies, it was seen that there has been an increased demand for touchless access readers. “People are also moving towards solutions that offer multi-factor authentication including the ability to integrate new compliance procedures into access control, such as input from pre-screening for elevated temperatures or an employee self-health certification,” explained Karmakar.

Trends

Karmakar observed that there is a growing interest in frictionless and mobile-based access control. Where possible, building operators are looking to lessen contact with frequently touched surfaces like readers, doors and other access points to potentially help reduce the spread of bacteria or other contaminants and provide an improved occupant experience. “Additionally, mobile access allows building managers to configure and restrict access based on an individual occupant and access point basis. For example, if part of a building has been exposed to potential contaminants and access needs to be restricted, mobile applications allow building managers to quickly change credential access. Mobile technology can also allow facility managers to remotely monitor for intrusions and loitering, which is important when many properties are still sitting mostly empty,” he added.

Complying with the new-normal

Now more than ever, our customers are seeing the importance of leveraging their building systems to their full potential. So, while many are using their access control systems from a security perspective, the system can also be leveraged to support contact tracing and other safety efforts. No one in today’s world is unaffected by the pandemic. And this is a hot topic of discussion today as companies welcome their employees back to the office. Most places utilize a card reader or a pin code that requires access through touch. So how does one combat that?

Kumar says that new solutions like Bluetooth, QR codes, Automatic Doors, etc. warrant a scenario that eliminates touch. “And this is a trend that is here to stay,” said Kumar.

Kumar also notes that the new norm has also set the pace for changes in the world of access control to eliminate touch with the inclusion of the following features:

• Mobile Access Control – Near Field Connection(NFC) Smartphone Features
• Biometrics Access Control – Contactless IR Sensor, Non-contact fingerprint scanner, and Facial Recognition
• Presence Control Feature - whilst this is a basic access control system feature, (Who’s in/Who’s Out) this has been enhanced to include real-time-location monitoring with the aid of tags. (Use for Contact tracing)

These systems are even pre-programmable nowadays to manage new activities such as:

• Access for facility planned disinfection and cleaning services
• New regulations for deliveries and maintenance
• Limited access to employees on certain days
• Remote unlocking for certain areas for couriers
• Door schedule changes

Landlords opening-up

It was interesting to note that post the onset of the pandemic, nearly 50% of Concordia’s clients have already moved to a ‘touchless’ system. Here the mechanisms of the system are determined by the company’s budget. Not simply from the perspective of installation, but also the integration of the system within the building/tower/community. For example, some companies with biometric fingerprint reading have made a return to secure Key cards, while others moved to facial recognition/non-contact fingerprint scanners.

When it comes to talking about access control systems with the landlords or building owners, Karmakar said that the key is to have a bigger picture conversation about the goals they want to achieve. “So, while it’s possible to implement a touchless entry point quickly, we want to make sure the solution is efficient, can be retrofitted (using standard open industry protocols), and considers the long-term implications of the product use,” explained Karmakar.

 “It is important to note that systems can be designed today to be compatible with changes that the dynamic environment brings. There has been a shift with an increased focus on safety, convenience, and security. Even though the pandemic phase will pass, the low touch or no touch is here to stay, not just from a safety standpoint but also for its convenience,” concludes Kumar.