H-FARM College in Italy is the first European higher education institution to introduce fully digital, wallet-based student ID cards. Together with the technology companies HID and Sharry, this is creating a pilot project that extends far beyond the education sector. The introduction of mobile identities exemplifies how physical access control, digital identity and service platforms are increasingly evolving into an integrated security and user ecosystem.

At the heart of the project is the replacement of traditional plastic ID cards with digital credentials in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. In future, students, teaching staff and employees will open doors, communal areas or printing stations using a smartphone or smartwatch – without physical cards and without a separate access app. The technical foundation is provided by HID’s identity infrastructure, whilst Sharry acts as middleware, establishing the connection between identity management, wallet technology and Genetec’s access control system.

Mobile identity is becoming the new infrastructure

The significance of this project lies not merely in the increased convenience. Rather, it reflects a fundamental shift in the understanding of access control. The traditional ID card is losing its function as an isolated security medium and is becoming part of a comprehensive digital user identity.

This also shifts the architecture of modern security solutions. Mobile credentials are no longer merely supplements to existing systems, but are increasingly becoming the primary access channel. This brings significant advantages, particularly in the university environment with thousands of changing users: digital ID cards can be rolled out, updated or revoked centrally without having to physically issue or replace cards.

Particularly noteworthy is the speed of user acceptance. According to H-FARM, around 70 per cent of users activated their virtual ID card within just three minutes of receiving the notification. This figure illustrates just how commonplace mobile identities have become, particularly for younger generations.

From campus to digital security platform

The project also highlights a broader trend within the security industry: Access control is increasingly evolving into a platform technology. Access to buildings is being linked with digital services, navigation, event management or payment functions.

At H-FARM, this is achieved via the existing campus app, which already bundles functions such as navigation, event information or meal orders. Through wallet integration, this application is now expanding into a central identity and interaction platform.

It is precisely here that the strategic relevance of such projects lies. In future, security systems will no longer be viewed in isolation, but as an integral part of digital user experiences. For operators, this means greater integration of IT, identity management, building technology and physical security.

Wallet technologies are transforming the access market

The introduction of digital wallet ID cards at universities is also likely to have an impact on the European market for access control. Until now, traditional RFID cards or proprietary access apps have often dominated this market. Wallet-based solutions, on the other hand, shift the focus towards standardised mobile ecosystems from major platform providers.

This creates a new competitive landscape for security companies. In future, the focus will be less on the physical card and more on the ability to securely orchestrate identities across different systems, devices and platforms.

At the same time, demands regarding data protection, cybersecurity and interoperability are rising. For the more closely identity, access and digital services are integrated, the more critical it becomes to secure the underlying infrastructure. Mobile credentials must therefore be implemented not only conveniently, but above all in a way that is tamper-proof, auditable and compliant with data protection regulations.

Universities as a testing ground for the security industry

It is hardly surprising that universities, of all places, are becoming pioneers of this development. University and campus environments have long been regarded as ideal testing grounds for digital identity concepts: high user numbers, dynamic role models and a strong digital affinity among users create optimal conditions for new technologies.

For the security industry, the H-FARM project could therefore serve as a signal. The combination of wallet technology, cloud infrastructure and integrated access control is likely to gain in importance in the future, not only at universities but also on corporate campuses, in co-working environments, hospitals or KRITIS infrastructures.

This suggests that the market may only be at the beginning of a major transformation: away from isolated security solutions – towards fully digital, mobile and identity-centred security platforms.