What Makes Cloud Access Control Systems Ideal for Remote Management?

In the age of decentralized everything, doing security operations from anywhere is not convenience but a requirement. Legacy on-premise server-based access control systems don’t cut it in the new world. This is where the magic of Cloud Access Control Systems comes into place. By transferring the control center from a closet-based platform, this cloud-based controls system provides unmatched flexibility and customization. To enterprises with hundreds or thousands of branch locations, remote sites or hybrid work approaches, working towards a cloud service is a defining step: that degree of operational and security posture advance is difficult to be found elsewhere.

Why Are Cloud-Based Systems Different Than Traditional?

To understand where all of that industry buzz is coming from, we have to give you a quick primer on what exactly has changed. A typical access control system functions on a closed loop network. Users and permissions are stored in a local server located in the building. To create or edit a user, to go in and change permission levels, or to run a log of entry into that server, you have either to be physically at the server with those security files on it -- or be logged into the network from a workstation in direct communication with that server. This creates immediate logistical hurdles. Instead, a cloud-based system stores this information on remote, professionally maintained servers. You can then use a standard web browser or mobile app from anywhere in the world that has internet access to utilize all of your systems' features. It removes the single point of failure and the geo-anchor from an on-premise architecture.

What Are The Proposal Benefits for Despatch Control?

The benefits of using a Cloud Access Control System to remotely manage access are numerous. The biggest advantage is control and visibility in real time. A maintenance person during their vacation can grant temporary access to a vendor, lock down an individual door due to an incident, or check in on the real time log of who has accessed and exited each building from their smartphone. This near-instant response results in up to 6 times faster response than competing solutions, and speeds time-to-value for security operations. Another advantage is the ability to focus on user management. Rather than servicing each keycard with individual on-site programming, administrators can mass-enroll users, assign them to pre-defined access groups and time-based permissions in just a few clicks. If an employee quits, it’s possible to abruptly deactivate their virtual access card or key before they have opportunity to return one in person.

The scalability and integration is another great benefit. Adding a new door to a classic system or even entirely overlook the building, sometimes requires significant addition of new hardware and complex networking. Cloud-based access control systems are also usually more scalable; new doors can be added by simply plugging them into the internet/cloud platform. This infinite expandability also means that it integrates with other security and business systems. For example, a cloud-based system can be seamlessly integrated with video intercoms or an existing Doorking slide gate operator, managing perimeter access from inside and out through one interface.

Is Ease of System Maintenance and Updates Provided?

The cloud-based system’s maintenance model is a game-changer for organizations with small IT staffs. In a conventional scenario, the responsibilities of software updates, security patches and database backups are manual on-site tasks that demand specialist knowledge and may cause system downtime if mishandled. With a cloud-based system, the vendor is responsible for all back-end maintenance, upgrades and cybersecurity issues with the software platform. These are updated transparently and automatically, keeping the system continuously up to date with the latest features and safely from a security point of view without requiring any input from end-users. This not only cuts down the internal IT load but also ensures that the security system is running efficiently and safeguarded from new digital risks.

How Does Cloud Access Improve Physical Security?

More than just a convenience, these Cloud Access Control Systems significantly improve physical security. We have already talked about the real-time revoking of access, but the intelligence of the system doesn't stop there. Event-based notifications can be programmed, so if a door is forced open or an unauthorized entry is attempted after hours, a warning message appears. These alerts are sent directly to the manager’s mobile phone, meaning that they can find out immediately. The cloud’s built-in, full audit trail is also a critical asset when it comes time to review security incidents and run audits. All actions – whether it’s a user hitting submit or an administrator editing a setting – are logged with timestamps and user identification, creating an unalterable record of what has occurred on the system. It becomes hard to have this kind of visibility into who did what and when with a scattered, on-premise solution.

Will Cloud Systems Be Able to Connect to and Integrate with Existing Hardware?

One of the primary thoughts that people have when they consider implementing a new security product is what would happen to their investment in locks. The good news is many of today’s Cloud Access Control Systems are built and intended for retrofit. Frequently, installed door controllers that card readers and electronic locks to all existing doors may be retained and brought into the new cloud system. This is especially important when dealing with larger assets such as industrial gates. For instance, if your facility has a legacy Doorking slide gate operator, you may not have to replace the entire unit. That same old dependable gate operator can be integrated into your cloud-based system with the right interface module or controller. This enables remote gate operation, access credential management, and activity monitoring of the gate, adding the value of remote management to the perimeter without replacing an entire hardware investment.

Conclusion

The migration to cloud-based access control is a smart one, as businesses today are seeking flexible and agile operations. Cloud-Based Access Control Solutions enhance remote management and operational efficiency by allowing real-time management from any location in the world, reducing system downtime, and improving business continuity. The fact that it can frequently be used with existing equipment, such as sturdy pieces like a Doorking slide gate operator, makes the offer even more attractive. By separating security management from any physical location, these systems give enterprises the ability to secure their people and assets more intelligently, responsively, and efficiently than ever before.