Special Feature: Smart Buildings & Access Control Ross Wilks, Head of Marketing, ACRE International Cloud-based access control is the Cloud-based access control offers many advantages, not least now that the market for smart buildings is starting to gain momentum. Ross Wilks, Head of Marketing at Acre International, sees in the cloud that access control providers can offer end users so much more than just security. The identity of people and things is the key in both smart buildings and smart cities, which must be characterised by efficiency, sustainability and safety. That whole thinking is in line with what cloud-based access control offers, according to Acre’s marketing manager Ross Wilks, who gives his views on the advantages that cloud-based access control offers compared to traditional on-premise access control systems. Cloud-based access control can be a valuable tool or service for any organisation looking to track and manage their access control system, on-site or remotely. When coupled with a surveillance system covering access points, a quality access control system ensures that only authoto manage and operate systems through the cloud, users can do so virtually anywhere using an Internet connection and a mobile or web browser or app rather than an on-site location. In a post-Covid-19 landscape, this can be a valuable capability to possess. “The mobility and flexibility that the cloud provides allow organisations to manage their system remotely, adding an extra layer of flexibility for day-to-day operations. Take staffing changes, for example. Suppose an employee with access to sensitive areas makes a sudden exit from a company. In that case, that security team needs the ability to revoke their access to the site at a moment’s notice. With a cloudbased system, this is no longer a Ross Wilks, Head of Marketing, Acre International. With a cloud-based system, companies can save time and money by avoiding tedious installations by linking their devices to the cloud. ” rised personnel access the sensitive parts of any secure building. But what separates traditional access control systems from cloud-based access control systems? “The big difference is that while conventional access control systems are typically managed and operated on-site, cloud-based access control systems can be managed and operated virtually anywhere via the cloud. However, numerous benefits present themselves to both end-users and integrators,” states Ross Wilks. Mobility and Flexibility One of the main advantages, according to Ross Wilks, is that cloud-based access control systems provide mobility. With the capacity problem,” says Ross Wilks. Ross Wilks also emphasises the power to grant and revoke access from individuals – be it in the office or at home - makes the process more manageable for the security team and ensures that sensitive materials are secured promptly after the loss of a team member. “In addition, updating and maintaining the access control system is made easier on the cloud by providing staff members access to it remotely, allowing them the option to create modifications at any point in time. With traditional access control systems, organisations often experience problems with active key cards that weren’t adequately deactivated, creating potential risks and possible security breaches.” Ease of use In general, cloud-based applications are often considered userfriendly and straightforward to comprehend, claims Ross Wilks. “With the mobility provided by the cloud and flexibility with multiple platforms and devices, security team members with access to the system will likely find the cloud-based applications preferable over the on-site alternative, given the options for customisation and simplicity for each available device,” he says. “With a solely on-premise access control system, training can take longer, and more responsibility is placed on the heads of the security team. While most security teams are able to appropriately use on-prem systems, the cloud creates a streamlined and simple solution that protects the infrastructure and cuts down on human error.” Lower Costs Ross Wilks also highlights that cloud-based systems offer companies the option of a lower total cost of ownership, mentioning that the cloud can save organisations money by negating the cost of data storage on-site, the cost of powering extra hardware, and unnecessary on-site servers. He also points out the business models have important differences. Traditional on-premise systems require an upfront investment meanwhile a cloud-based solution is an operating expense, which offers many advantages and ultimately depends on the package selected, according to Ross Wilks. “By moving access control to the cloud, none of these costs that come with operating on-prem are present, and all of these costs are covered in one fee from your cloud provider. When on-site access control data storage and maintenance costs stack up, it may be time to consider switching to an off-site alternative.” Data Redundancy In the world of access control, retaining data is essential. It helps security teams track who is allowed access to certain areas of a site, and it ensures that individuals are who they say they are. It also ensures that data is protected in the case of an emergency. For instance, power failures, workplace accidents, hardware and software malfunctions, and various other factors can cause valuable company data to become compromised. However, this is only a problem if the company’s security data is stored on-premises, claims Ross Wilks. “Additionally, users can rest assured knowing that their data is cyber-secure and their system is compliant with the latest regulatory, security, and privacy regulations. When an organisation’s access control data is stored in the cloud, we can rest easy knowing that the likelihood of catastrophic data loss is dramatically reduced due to the redundancy that the cloud offers with off-premises data storage,” he says. Security News Every Day – www. securityworldmarket.com 24 • de tek to r inte rnat io nal