In access management, a natural place to begin is by introducing digital technologies to gradually replace mechanical lock-and-key security. Beyond just improving control, digital access serves as a key enabler of many other benefits that arise from the digitalisation process.

A starting point for integrated building management

According to the IFSEC Global eBook “Integrated Access Control 2022”, “access control systems are often viewed as the starting point for a building to shift from operating in siloes toward a more functional, connected, and ‘integrated’ building management system.”

Industry analysts at Omdia agree: “Access control equipment continues to play a crucial role in leading end users to consider a transition to interconnected smart building system architectures.”

Managing access digitally

“By creating new connections, breaking down siloes, and streamlining various manual processes, digital access unlocks more of an organisation’s potential,” explains David Moser, SVP and Head of Digital Access Solutions at Assa Abloy Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“With many businesses today exploring the benefits of digitalisation, it’s essential to remember that the building is the hub of operations. It can be the starting point of a business’s digitalisation journey.”

Smarter staff workflows

Monitoring and controlling who can access different areas at specific times ensures that staff and visitors move safely within the premises. Intelligent digital access management enables this flexibility, fostering smarter workflows for employees.

Maximizing productivity

Switching from mechanical to digital access helps organisations of all sizes collaborate more effectively and maximize the productivity of existing assets. Powerful, intuitive digital management allows security teams to respond faster and implement enhancements, such as multi-factor authentication, more easily.

In complex environments like large multi-residential housing developments, digital access streamlines operations and enhances resident satisfaction. For instance, mobile keys stored on smartphones provide a seamless experience for residents, enhancing the provider’s reputation.

The building’s digital future

Digital access also helps organisations benefit from innovations like energy-harvesting technology. It provides a flexible platform for integration with increasingly powerful and customisable smart building systems.

Data generated through digital access management can inform business decisions, delivering tangible ROI. If employees adopt hybrid work patterns, for example, only attending the office part-time, businesses can reduce rental space and energy consumption.

At the World Trade Center in Amsterdam, usage data from an Assa Abloy digital smart key system helps optimise door maintenance schedules, reducing the solution’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Contributing to sustainability

Durable digital devices require minimal maintenance and help businesses save energy and reduce carbon emissions as part of an overall sustainability strategy. They can even contribute credits toward green building certification schemes. Efficient remote management frees security staff from their desks, while secure mobile keys offer flexibility for building users and managers across multiple sites.

“At Assa Abloy, we work with customers worldwide to help them fully leverage the benefits of digitalising access. Our range of compatible, scalable solutions and decades of experience provide the peace of mind that comes with trusted security,” states David Moser.

“But digital access does more than just enhance security. It helps businesses tackle future challenges, from sustainability and innovation to implementing processes and workflows that are both reliable and convenient,” he concludes.