The Top 10 Must-Have Benefits of Cloud-Based Access Control
Access control is an intricate part of your business, the heart of all operations. If you're looking at cloud-based solutions versus traditional access control solutions your emphasis may just be on securing your property. Soon enough, the concept of access control will take on more dimensions and bigger scope. It’s not just about securing the building.
Cloud-based access control technology goes beyond physical building security, beyond what traditional systems can do, by simplifying access management through a better user experience, heightening security with continuous updates and improvements, and naturally integrating into your existing workflows and apps you already use. And it’s going to be less effort and cost you way less.
Today, we're going to discuss the top 10 benefits of cloud-based access control you should consider implementing if you manage your building's access.
What Are Cloud-Based Access Control Systems?
Cloud-based door access control is the process through which access to a restricted building is granted or revoked remotely via a cloud-based system, replacing the need to manage access with physical credentials like a key card on a local computer. This means it doesn't require additional hardware that demands dedicated cabling or line of sight to work properly. Instead, you're getting software that is accessible on any internet-ready device, regardless of where you are located.
Cloud-based controller solutions use the power of cloud hosting to selectively restrict access or operations. This means that you can control who has access to your building, and when they have access, without the need to be in the same building or even the same geographic location. Access is usually granted through the use of a mobile or desktop application like the Nexkey Portal.
There are a few credential options with cloud-based systems depending on the manufacturer, key cards, fobs, keypads, and the smartphone. One of the benefits of using a cloud based access control system is that it removes the need to have a physical credential in hand to control who gets access and when.
The use of digital encrypted credentials means that your employee data is safe and secure. Cloud-based access control systems have backup and disaster-recovery capabilities so that your data is always safe and easily accessible.
More and more businesses are beginning to realize that leveraging the cloud is the most efficient way to solve emerging challenges. Also, with the cloud's ability to scale, businesses can be sure that they're getting a solution that can grow with their company.
There are countless benefits of cloud access control systems, and we've narrowed the list down to the top 10 benefits of cloud-based access control that every business should capitalize on.
10 Benefits of Cloud-Based Access Control
Cloud-based access control systems provide the following key benefits that your business should take advantage of:
1. Simplified Management
With cloud-based door access control, managing hundreds or thousands of keys can be instantaneous from any internet-ready device, or automated through a third party integration. With simplified management, you now have the added ability to manage remotely with complete flexibility.
Rather than having to make changes during office hours, you can now make changes on the fly. Whether you're at home or out of the country, you can manage your access control settings. For example, if an employee is terminated, access can be immediately terminated without having to be onsite or have the physical credential on hand.
More modern cloud based systems use the smartphone as the credential of choice to simply access management even further because you don’t need to manage physical credentials like a key card or fob, worry about getting them back or becoming a security risk if they are lost and stolen.
2. Improved Security
Security is a top priority for any business and with cloud-based access control systems, that security is elevated. The solution's digital credentials are encrypted with state-of-the-art cryptographic algorithms, which ensure that your data is protected. Most modern access control systems using cloud use the same technology as your bank account to protect against hacking.
The solution doesn't require a dedicated server onsite, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure. Even if there were to be a hardware failure, the system would still function properly, with all of your data intact.
In addition to that, with mobile functions, you can send mass notifications to all credential holders. For instance, with a few clicks, you can send out an emergency alert or even grant or revoke access to all employees and visitors to help keep them safe and secure.
Lastly with cloud based mobile access control, since you and your team carry your smartphones everywhere, you no longer have to worry about losing your keys or keycard. Thus, the risk of unauthorized access is reduced which is a common issue when operating in coworking spaces.
3. Easier to Scale
Cloud-based access control lets you scale your business easily every time you expand to a new location or your facilities and staff grow in size. The system can allow for potentially global growth and process large numbers of users while providing a simplified experience for your employees, without having to install a big, heavy, and expensive box in every building like you do with traditional access control.
Cloud-based systems also make it a lot easier to mass onboard people. It enables you to add hundreds of people and manage thousands of access credentials easily all from one platform. That becomes especially important as your business adds new buildings and locations. If a new team is onboarded or someone leaves, you can instantly turn access on and off remotely. And if you decide to move or expand to a new location, you can simply add more devices to the same centralized cloud-based access control system. You can avoid needing to rebuild your security infrastructure over and over again.
4. Safe and Convenient Data Storage
Cloud-based access control is quick and easy to set up as it is both reflexive and modernized. Setting up takes little time, so you can streamline your business's access control policies with ease.
Also, when it comes to employee data, you certainly don't want to lose any of that information. Cloud-based access control systems will always ensure that your information is safely stored in the remote server in the cloud. Your data will never be compromised since it's all securely encrypted and saved in a safe and reliable environment.
Rest assured that your valuable data will weather any power outages or hardware failure as well since it's not stored on a physical server. Because the data is stored in a safe environment, it's easy for you to gain access to the information.
5. Time and Cost-Efficient
One of the great benefits of using a cloud-based access control system is that you're always getting the latest and greatest features in real-time. Updates are provided automatically through regular software updates. This means that you're always getting the latest security features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. Installing updates or upgrading your system happens automatically without you having to think about it. With a cloud-based access control system, you'll need fewer pieces of equipment installed at your facility. This means that you'll have less hardware to maintain and that you'll need less staff to manage the system.
Moreover, cloud-based access control is a first-rate alternative to the traditional access control system since it’s significantly more affordable. Not only does it spare you from having to pay for your own server, but office managers and owners can easily manage employee access by themselves without having to shell out for a dedicated IT team. Many tasks related to cloud-based access control are either faster or automated entirely, which also saves you time.
6. Get Support Remotely
Compared to its traditional counterpart, overall a cloud-based access control system offers better support. With traditional access control systems, you're limited to in-person support and it can be time-consuming and costly.
However, with cloud-based access control systems, you'll pay affordable monthly fees to keep your system updated and running efficiently and securely. You also benefit from constant support and live monitoring to promptly tackle any issues that may surface.
With cloud-based access control, you'll enjoy complete peace of mind knowing that your system is always safe and secure. Best of all, you'll have a dedicated access control expert to help you with any issues or questions that you may have.
7. Better Integrations
Unlike traditional hardware-based access control systems, cloud-based access control can integrate with any third-party system or software. This ensures that you'll get the best out of your access control system and that you'll get the most value for your money.
The latest cloud-based access control systems are developed on an open platform that can easily integrate with third-party software or apps whether on mobile or computer.
By integrating into existing workflows or applications your business already uses, you can delegate and automate tasks. If someone adds a meeting to a conference room’s calendar, they can automatically get access for the timeframe they booked.
A lot of businesses use an HRM to manage people, when an employee is hired and entered into the system they can immediately get access to their workplace. The automation that is possible is really endless. And it is only possible with cloud based access control systems with open APIs or native integrations.
8. Automated Workflows
An automated workflow allows you to set up your system with simple pre-defined rules to help eliminate human error. It also helps you to reduce manual and time-consuming tasks and optimize your business operations.
You receive improved administrative control over your system's cloud network and operating system. By having a clear and concise overview of your entire system, you'll be able to quickly identify and fix any potential issues.
9. Automatic Updates and Upgrades
Having a security system for your commercial building should be one of your top priorities. Fortunately, with cloud-based access control systems, you can count on regular automatic updates without manual interaction or additional costs.
With the flexibility of mobile apps, cloud-based access control makes it easier to manage and scale your business's physical security. Mobile apps are constantly updated to ensure that security and safety are maintained with up-to-date policies and mobile credentials.
With the latest versions of the software, you can gain the latest security features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements while reducing your system's vulnerability.
Also, if there's any change in your personnel's access to your business, this change is reflected automatically. This ensures that you're always up-to-date with the latest access rights.
10. Centralized Data Management
Another great benefit of a cloud-based access control system is centralized data management. Your information is stored in a secure location and you can easily access it from anywhere, from any device.
With a cloud-based access control system, you can quickly and securely share data across your organization. This ensures that each department remains engaged and that information is shared easily.
One of the biggest problems with traditional access control systems is that they can be complicated to use and manage.
Since cloud-based access control systems are on the cloud, they're incredibly easy to use and manage. All you have to do is sign up for an account. Once you're in, you can easily manage your system from anywhere with internet access. This makes it easy to add and delete users, update access credentials, view reports on entry times, and more. Businesses can export a real-time audit trail making compliance an automated process.
Cloud-based Access Control Systems are the Future
Cloud-based access control systems are the future of security. They're easy to use, manage, and update. Not to mention, they offer a wide range of benefits that you can't find in traditional access control systems.
If you're looking for a secure and convenient way to manage your business, then cloud-based access control is the solution for you. At Nexkey, we provide the best cloud-based access control system on the market. We offer years of experience in providing businesses with top-of-the-line security solutions.