Imagine a world where juggling key fobs, cards, or temporary passes is a relic of the past. Modern access control systems (ACS) make this real, letting you enter your building, office, or parking lot without extra hassle.
We understand the frustration of outdated access methods all too well. A few years ago, WebbyLab faced the same challenges — inconvenient user management and a lack of user-friendly access options. That’s why we developed our own access control management system, Propuskator.
ACS & remote controller
Through this experience, we figured out what features define top access control systems. Remote control through the cloud and access permission via physical tags, license plates, biometric data, and QR codes are just two of them. Read on, as this post will cover ten next-gen functionalities.
Key highlights:
The Propuskator ACS mobile app by WebbyLab
Implementing two-factor auth features is the latest trend in automated access control systems (as well as wearable IoT devices). Yet, having multiple user authentication methods is crucial these days. They will provide advanced security, greater flexibility, and convenience for users.
Here are some modern authentication options you can choose from:
Note that physical identifiers like key fobs and cards are becoming outdated. They are nice to have as a backup, but the best user authentication methods involve wireless technologies.
The more authentication options there are, the more efficient and modern the automatic access control system is. This way, it’ll cover the needs of any user and deliver top-notch security.
Adding tags to Propuskator
The modern access control system features must include cloud-based management. It allows you to supervise physical spaces remotely through a web browser or mobile app.
Kostiantyn Oliynyk
Head of IoT at WebbylabHelped dozens of startups create effective IOT products.
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Peering into the future, cloud-based access control management systems will extensively leverage AI and IoT technologies, along with predictive analytics.
WebbyLab has already deployed cloud management features in our IoT-enabled Propuskator project so users can control access to their facilities through a mobile app. Our ACS also supports video surveillance, customizable access control functionality, various system integrations, and installation on local and cloud private servers, making it an all-in-one solution for companies looking to protect their properties.
Using Propuskator cloud apps in an access control and management project
Mobile access control solutions let users access a physical space with their mobile devices instead of key fobs or access cards. Such access systems leverage Internet, Bluetooth, or NFC technologies to verify users’ identities to subsequently open doors, gates, or other barriers.
The benefits of implementing mobile access as one of the access control systems features are:
Mobile access control in Propuskator
An access control system must manage numerous objects like:
It must also handle even more identification devices:
Tag readers and exit buttons
One of the best decisions when designing controllers was our choice of control interfaces and communication with readers. A dry-contact relay enables the control of almost anything, and the universal Wiegand protocol allows for the connection of 99 percent of modern readers that support this protocol, giving integrators enormous freedom of action.
Yehor Fedorov, IoT Project Team Lead at WebbyLab
Thus, a universal controller is one of the most critical features of access control systems. It should successfully handle various IoT devices and solve compatibility and access issues. A universal controller is also helpful in many connection scenarios and software configurations.
Read also: Smart Grain Elevator Solutions: How to Automate Grain Elevator?
To perform well, such a controller must meet the following specifications:
WebbyLab’s custom-developed controller for the Propuskator project complies with all the characteristics mentioned above.
Connecting managed devices to the Propuskator controller
Incorporating AI into ACSs is a highly effective feature of next-generation access control. It uses advanced algorithms to identify potential security threats and anomalies. AI-powered access helps analyze data from various sources, like biometric sensors, video surveillance integrations, or access logs.
AI in access control systems comes with:
Implementing custom AI-powered solutions in access control systems can be expensive. However, organizations can access AI features through Siri, Alexa, and GPS navigation devices.
System integrations combine various technologies, APIs, and systems in your access management software. Those may include IoT home automation solutions, intrusion detection, or fire alarms to create a more comprehensive and effective security solution.
Speaking of the APIs, the more open the platform, the better. The application programming interface should receive data and fill the system with it quickly and effortlessly.
Another mandatory integration for the ACS is customer relationship management (CRM) systems. They are often necessary to obtain user data for creating client invoices or calculating employee salaries.
The benefits of having various system integrations include:
Before integrating several systems into your access control solution, consider potential limitations, such as complexity and maintenance requirements.
A visitor management system is another IoT access control system feature that manages the flow of people going into and out of a building or premises. It tracks and verifies the identity of visitors and monitors their movements on-site.
The system for visitor management provides:
This functionality might not be easy to set up. But with proper experts, you can use it to the fullest potential.
Viewing access logs in Propuskator
Customizable access control features tailor ACS to the specific requirements of the facility. They allow the controller to alter access levels, permissions, and form user groups so people can access the right areas at the right times.
A good example of this is guest access. The residents of the building can grant permission to their guests through temporary QR codes, mobile apps, etc.
There are numerous benefits of access control system with customized features, such as:
Yet, customizability sometimes comes with complexity. Users may encounter high setup costs and time-consuming system maintenance. So, consider these limitations before implementing custom functionalities.
Creating custom access control rules in Propuskator
One of the other must-have features of access control systems is multi-site access. It helps to manage access to multiple areas from a single platform.
The primary benefits of multi-site access control solutions include:
Our ACS enables supervising various locations through several workspaces. See what it looks like:
Managing access to multiple sites through several accounts in Propuskator ACS by WebbyLab
Building security usually uses a video intercom to verify someone’s identity before letting them into the secured area. However, video surveillance allows for a more comprehensive approach to safety.
Video surveillance will be helpful for users who open the door to their guests as well as for ACS administrators who monitor the situation at the facility. Other features include automatic footage or picture saving to resolve conflict situations or breaches.
You can expect several benefits from these access control features, including:
Video surveillance in Propuskator ACS
These are the most critical features of access control systems. Yet, you may want to include some extra ones to enhance a security solution even more. For example, consider private server support or see if the ACS offers maximum autonomy for the user.
Access control systems are no longer just about key fobs and cards. Modern solutions provide the next level of security, convenience, and efficiency. Let’s explore the top five advantages of access control systems in greater detail:
The ACS’s remote management functionality lets you track all changes, updates, and settings in real time and get notifications and alerts about various events from the admin panel. With its help, you can also edit configurations remotely and monitor access logs to know who and when entered specific areas.
Other access control system benefits include multiple entry methods. You can leverage NFC, Bluetooth, mobile apps, phone calls, messenger bots, voice control, third-party services, car license plates, QR codes, and biometric data. You may even want to give up old-school access methods like physical cards and tags.
In ACS, you define precisely who can access specific areas and when. You can also set personalized access schedules, permissions, and access methods to make sure only authorized users enter restricted areas.
You cut service costs significantly thanks to control panels, remote monitoring, desktop readers for tag registration, and other advanced ACS features. Ultimately, you reduce human error as access solutions are stably available and work consistently.
System administrators and end users can communicate through the ACS without meeting in person. On top of that, it enables registering new tags, adding guests, and accessing the desired locations.
Despite the numerous advantages, ACSs come with certain limitations. Let’s look at the main access control system challenges:
Making your system stably available offline is a challenging venture. Yet, it’s possible to set up such an ACS and grant access even when your solution isn’t connected to the Internet.
As your company and its security requirements grow, scaling your system becomes more complex. You’ll need to consider compatibility aspects and access control system technology when introducing new access points.
Some systems require Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, and wired connections. In turn, others need only a few specific options. It’s necessary to understand your operating environment precisely and cover different use cases before implementing the ACS.
Read also: Challenges of SCADA and IoT Systems
Integrating your ACS with security equipment like video surveillance and intrusion detection or third-party tools like CRM systems is often complicated. Therefore, such solutions require additional expertise to ensure seamless data exchange and avoid compatibility issues.
Accurate billing and access control rely on managing the number of users. Ensuring separate accounts for each user rather than shared ones is also essential for proper management.
If you’re thinking, “What is the best access control system?” and are unsure which suits your needs, we’ve got your back.
WebbyLab chose three modern solutions that have been developed and maintained in step with the times since 2010, unlike many proprietary systems. The selected ACSs provide plenty of features for users, administrators, and businesses and offer stable and reliable hardware solutions. Here are the options:
Backed by a trusted security brand, ADT’s access control system is ideal for all types of businesses looking for an integrated solution. It features remote access control through a mobile app and 24/7 monitoring. Its stand-out functionality is video surveillance integration.
One of the top access control systems, Kisi, is a cloud-based solution with user-friendly mobile app access for maximum convenience. It scales well for businesses of all sizes and features real-time monitoring and integration with over 20 security systems. Kisi’s use cases extend to industrial, healthcare, commercial, and numerous other sectors.
Salto is a suite of smart access solutions for residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and numerous other industries. Designed to be keyless, the system programming offers various access methods (mobile, RFID bracelets, and contactless cards, among others) and remote management capabilities.
As developers of an access control system, Propuskator, WebbyLab knows all details about implementing such solutions and enhancing them with cutting-edge features.
During development, we took inspiration from the top ACSs we just mentioned. Our team also gathered experience from integrators of similar systems and competitors to achieve the best price-quality ratio.
As a result of our efforts, we created an ACS that offers:
Propuskator can also connect to surveillance cameras or intercom solutions for greater security. In case you want to learn more about how we work with modern access control systems and the features we can introduce, check out our project’s detailed documentation.
Numerous next-gen features of access control systems are here to help you protect your physical sites. The best functionalities are cloud-based management, mobile access control, AI integration, and the others we’ve just covered.
Want to improve your security with a top-notch access control system? Rely on WebbyLab’s team. We can deliver a custom ACS following your requirements or enhance your existing solution. Contact us anytime to discuss your project in detail.
Alexey Krol
Chief Business Development OfficerConsulted 30+ IoT startups to speed up time to market.
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Written by:
Head of IoT at Webbylab
With a robust academic background in Telecommunication Systems Engineering, I apply my knowledge to lead innovations in the IoT domain. Starting as the first team member in the newly formed IoT department at WebbyLab, I've spearheaded its growth, fostering the expansion into embedded and hardware development alongside our core software projects. My dedication lies in pushing the boundaries of IoT technology, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that profoundly impacts our clients' operational success.
It’s crucial to have modern access control system functionalities to ensure top-notch security for your facility. These features can provide comprehensive protection, improve the user experience, and contribute to the success and reputation of your organization.
Modern access control systems are more technologically advanced, offering features like biometric authentication, cloud-based access management, and mobile access control. They are also more integrated with other security systems.
A white-label solution is a decent option if you plan to develop an access control system for further distribution. In this way, you’ll be able to sell your ACS with the possibility of branding, starting from mobile and web application styles and ending with branded controllers and readers.
Some specific technologies include biometric identification, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scanning. The systems also leverage wireless techs like Bluetooth and NFC. Finally, ACSs sometimes use AI and IoT to deliver advanced security.
The price of the access control system examples depends on the number of access points, available features and integrations, and installation complexity. Therefore, it’s challenging to give a precise estimate. Contact us and share the details of your project with our experts so they can assess its cost.
Of course. The best access control systems integrate with other security systems. Most popular integrations may include video surveillance, intrusion detection, fire alarms, and smart home solutions.
Yes, real-time monitoring is a core benefit of modern access control systems. You can typically track who entered/exited, when, and with what credentials.
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