With a hybrid work setup poised to become the new normal, identity solutions firm HID Global sees an uptick in mobile-ready solutions. A study conducted by IFSEC Global in partnership with HID Global, it saw that 42% of respondents worldwide indicate plans to upgrade to mobile-ready systems.

The report surveyed over 1,000 respondents from across North America (56%), EMEA (29%), and the Asia Pacific (15%) to detail trends in the procurement, installation, specification, and operation of physical access control solutions.

COVID-19 is one of the key drivers in this shift. The report found about 32% of respondents cited they would upgrade systems to introduce touchless solutions in response to the pandemic, with contactless biometrics also being considered among them.

HID Global unveils ‘retransfer’ printer for personalizing ID cards
How inkjet technology is extending card personalization to smaller organizations

Also, 60% of the respondents consider convenience and ease of use as reasons for the decision to upgrade to a new access control system. This means that in addition to securing premises, a new system must provide a smooth and straightforward process for both users (employees, residents, or visitors) and administrators (security, facilities, and IT teams).

Interoperability

Future-proof support is also a growing concern as users are pushing for long-term convenience while achieving cost savings. In fact, almost half of the respondents (49%) selected the ability to support new tech in the future as one of the top three features in a new access control solution, and 33% included integration with existing security platforms as being important.

“As a result, consultants and integrators are moving away from proprietary models and embracing open standards-based technology, where software upgrades can be securely managed through the cloud,” HID Global said. “One in five respondents added that interoperability and open standards will be one of the top trends set to shape the industry in the near future.”

With more and more companies are accelerating their sustainability efforts, 28% of respondents have consulted their sustainability departments about their buying decisions. Access control readers that have Environmental Product Declarations and intelligent power management, for example, support green building ratings such as LEED.

Also, deploying mobile access and virtual credentials removes the need for plastic cards and so spares the carbon footprint associated with their lifecycle. When integrated with a building management platform, it is possible to maintain continuous adjustment of building resources based on occupancy.