Access control is undergoing profound change, driven by technological innovations, new threat scenarios and increasing demands for efficiency, scalability and user-friendliness. The latest report, ‘Trends in Access Controllers’ from Mercury Security, a subsidiary of HID Global, provides in-depth insight into current developments and priorities in physical access control systems (PACS) based on a survey of over 450 security professionals in North America and Europe. Key finding: The role of the controller – the control unit that connects readers, sensors and identity data to the system’s access rules – is considered critical or very important to the overall design of a PACS by the vast majority of respondents (72%). The controller platform is thus evolving from a technical component to a strategic decision in security architecture.
With over 30 years of industry experience and more than five million devices installed worldwide, Mercury Security is bringing to market an open architecture designed for future-proofing, flexibility and scalability. Modern controllers no longer just process simple authentication data – such as from ID cards or biometric features – but also handle edge computing, process data locally, support cloud services and can be seamlessly integrated into complex system landscapes. This development is also reflected in the selection criteria of users: for 63% of those surveyed, reliability – i.e. high system availability and fail-safety – is the top priority, followed by the cost-benefit ratio (34%) and the available cybersecurity functions (33%).
Cyber security plays a prominent role here. A full 90% of the security managers surveyed emphasise the need for modern controllers to comply with current security standards such as GDPR, HIPAA and PCI DSS. More than 71% cite advanced protection mechanisms such as Secure Boot, OSDP, hardware-based cryptography and ARM TrustZone as relevant purchase criteria. These ‘security-first’ approaches are reflected in a controller architecture in which data protection and integrity are embedded at the hardware level. Tamper-proof systems, encrypted data transmission and secure communication interfaces ensure that attacks can be stopped at the periphery before they reach critical backend systems.
At the same time, companies expect more flexibility and mobility from their access infrastructure. The desire for mobile use is reflected in the fact that 57% of the organisations surveyed already use mobile access solutions or are planning to introduce them. Mobile credentials managed via smartphones not only increase user convenience, but can also be managed and updated more efficiently. At the same time, cloud-based solutions are gaining in importance: According to the study, 52% of controllers are already cloud-enabled, while half of the participants consider cloud connectivity to be a key future trend for purchasing decisions. The advantages are obvious: cloud systems enable centralised, cross-location management, improve scalability, facilitate remote maintenance and reduce the complexity of software updates.
Another key factor in the strategic planning of modern access solutions is long-term compatibility. 86% of respondents want controllers that are compatible with both existing and future hardware. Backward compatibility allows existing components such as card readers or sensors to continue to be used, while forward compatibility ensures that new technologies can be connected. This is particularly relevant in terms of investment security and predictable migration paths: companies can modernise their systems step by step without having to invest in comprehensive hardware upgrades.
Interoperability is also becoming increasingly important in this context. 76% of respondents consider it essential that controllers can be used in mixed system landscapes – for example, in conjunction with components from different manufacturers or in combination with video surveillance, building management systems or alarm systems. The use of open protocols such as OSDP and standardised interfaces makes it possible to integrate new technologies quickly and flexibly. At the same time, this openness reduces overall costs, as there is no need to maintain manufacturer-specific isolated solutions.
In addition to mobility and networking, new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing are also becoming more important. Already 44% of the companies surveyed use edge computing or are considering its use. Modern controllers are capable of making decisions locally – i.e. directly at the access point – which not only increases response speeds but also reduces dependence on central servers and increases reliability. At the same time, AI-supported functions are increasingly being used: 56% of companies see video surveillance as an important area of application, 54% in facial recognition and 44% in behaviour analysis for anomaly detection. The combination of these technologies enables preventive security measures, for example through the early detection of suspicious patterns in access behaviour.
Access data is also increasingly being made usable in other areas. Around 53% of respondents combine it with information on building usage – for example, to optimise room occupancy, energy consumption or cleaning intervals. 37% also consider integration with IoT components such as HVAC systems, lighting or occupancy sensors to be an important added value. This shows how access control is evolving from an isolated security tool to an integral part of intelligent building infrastructure.
Despite the wide range of technical possibilities and increased awareness of security requirements, however, there are still gaps in practice. Around a quarter of those surveyed stated that their current access solutions lack basic functions, whether in terms of user-friendliness, cloud capability or cybersecurity. This discrepancy between requirements and implementation represents an opportunity for system integrators, planners and manufacturers: Through targeted consulting, training and modular modernisation offerings, they can help make outdated systems fit for the future. Migration strategies should focus on combining existing and new hardware in hybrid architectures. Ensuring form, fit and function during ongoing operations facilitates the transition to new technologies – without high initial investments or business interruptions.
The Mercury Security study makes it clear that choosing a controller today goes far beyond technical specifications. It equally affects IT security architecture, operational efficiency, user experience, regulatory compliance and strategic business objectives. Manufacturers such as Mercury support this change with open platforms designed for modularity, interoperability and high security standards. This presents a clear call to action for companies: those who want to implement future-proof access solutions must actively shape technological trends such as cloud, mobile, edge computing, AI and data integration – while always maintaining a balance between innovation, security and investment protection.
