According to a recent survey of security professionals1, 96% of respondents2 indicated that credential interoperability is an important aspect of an access control solution.
When asked about the new access control trends and technology, 65% of respondents3 indicated that customers are fast or extremely fast to adopt new trends and technology. However, 46% of respondents4 surveyed cited existing technology, as well as cost and budget as barriers. Yet, many solution providers continue to deploy proprietary technology.
But is this the right long-term strategy for growth? This article highlights how security systems integrators can elevate business by offering open and interoperable solutions to their customers.
Open Tech Enables Best-In-Class User Experience
Solutions designed with open technology enable flexibility to meet not only today’s needs, but future needs as well. Investing in an access control solution is a large commitment for your clients. Often it requires the buy-in of multiple decision makers who are concerned that the investment will be outdated in two to three years.
As a security systems integrator, the best way to position your clients for success is to offer a differentiated solution, one that is developed with open technology. This approach can enable the client to migrate to newer technology without the need, in many cases, to rip and replace existing hardware.
Empowering End Users with Credentials Technology
Interoperability and non-proprietary encryption keys are two strategic considerations in evaluating the right credential, card reader, intelligent lock and third-party hardware as part of your access control offering. Proprietary encryption keys are owned by the manufacturer and will not be shared with the end user, limiting flexibility and locking them in.
While non-proprietary encryption keys can be owned by the end user; possession of the key can be requested from the manufacturer at any time. Contrasting the two, where proprietary keys are limiting, non-proprietary keys can make it easier to deploy the most cost-effective solution across multiple manufacturers.
Without the flexibility granted by these two vital features in access control solutions and credentials, end users may find themselves locked into systems that can be difficult and costly to break away from. They may also be stuck with only one brand or type of product that is unable to be used with diverse technology and hardware environments.
Proprietary encryption keys limit interoperability and confine users to the manufacturer’s hardware or ecosystem.
If the technology no longer serves the need of the end user, they may be left without access to encryption keys or the ability to upgrade. With the increase in manufacturers and ever-evolving technology, these considerations can help futureproof your access control offering and drive a more customer-centric relationship with clients.
The Path to Mobile Credentials
Interoperability is of greater importance as clients prepare for a move to mobile credentials, whether today or five years from now. Part of the appeal of mobile credentials is the convenience of the credential holder’s experience. This is why, for a mobile credential to be successful, the ability to use them everywhere a physical card would be used is imperative.
As businesses and institutions prepare to go mobile, they will need to audit the types of applications a physical card is used for today and build an ecosystem of interoperable devices and systems to support that seamless experience.
The Power of Choice Can Be A Differentiator
As a security systems integrator, you can elevate your business by giving your customers the power of choice. From physical credentials to mobile credentials, it’s smart to provide a range of options that help make access control more convenient for users.
The goal is to create an ecosystem with compatible solutions that all work together and provide customers with a seamless experience. Take the customer centric approach by offering open technology and custom encryption keys as a differentiator.
This sets your business up for long-term growth by allowing a broader range of compatible devices to work seamlessly with the client’s existing credential technology. This strategy can result in a greater return on credential investment for your client, and more end points for your business to manage and service.
- Allegion Survey of Security Professionals, January 2025. N=130; Respondents included Security Consultants (67), Integrators (53) and PACS Providers (10)
- All things considered, how important is credential interoperability in the access control solutions that you recommend or provide to your customers / clients?
- Which of the following best describes the extent to which your clients / customers are adopting these access control trends and new technologies?
- What are the primary barriers that prevent your clients / customers from adopting these new access control trends / technologies? Select all that apply.
Brian Telljohann is the director of product management for electronic solutions at Allegion.
