Unlocking New Doors: Mobile Access Expands

The Rise of Mobile Access Control: Convenience, Security, and the Future of Keyless Entry

In today’s fast-paced world, digitalization is increasingly synonymous with mobile. We sat down with David Moser, SVP & Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, to explore the present and future advantages of mobile access.

What’s Fueling the Mobile Access Revolution?

The “mobile-first” approach is rapidly becoming the standard across various sectors and regions. Consider Western Europe, where approximately 459 million smartphones are actively in use. Currently, only a small percentage of these devices are utilized for digital access. However, this is changing rapidly. One forecast predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 22% for mobile credentials over the next seven years. This swift expansion seems logical. From an access management perspective, using a smartphone as a key enhances both security and convenience for building occupants and managers. At ASSA ABLOY, we quickly recognized the potential benefits of mobile access for all stakeholders.

Unlocking the Benefits: Users, Administrators, and Business Owners

From a business perspective, digitalization optimizes the utilization of existing resources. Embracing a mobile-centric approach enhances user convenience and building security. Mobile keys empower employees to be more efficient, work smarter, and collaborate more effectively. With mobile access, staff and visitors no longer need to carry physical keys, fobs, badges, or cards. It’s simply more convenient. From a facility management standpoint, mobile access facilitates secure entry and movement throughout the premises, streamlining daily administrative tasks. Mobile credentials are also easier for security managers to modify or revoke compared to traditional keys. Remote access management via smartphone and a secure cloud system also saves time and reduces hassle for facilities staff, promoting flexibility, well-being, and organizational productivity.

Safeguarding Security and Privacy in Mobile Access Control

The security of mobile credentials is a paramount advantage. Modern smartphones incorporate built-in biometric authentication through fingerprint or facial recognition. According to Apple, the probability of a random individual unlocking your device with Face ID is less than one in a million. Mobile credentials can be updated remotely without requiring the credential holder to visit a reader or updater. When a security administrator revokes a mobile key, it instantly disappears from the user’s phone. Human behavior also plays a role in enhancing security. How quickly would an employee realize their plastic access card was missing? People tend to be more vigilant with their smartphones. Furthermore, facility staff often encounter issues with users lending or sharing credentials, but individuals are less likely to share their phones, even briefly. Of course, manufacturers must also adopt a comprehensive approach to security when transitioning to mobile and digital solutions. At ASSA ABLOY, our ecosystem extends beyond product manufacturing and testing to encompass the supply chain for components, secure coding practices, and, where applicable, the cloud management environment, including the encrypted connection between the mobile client and the cloud server.

Vertical Markets Poised to Benefit from Mobile Access

Multi-residential housing is just one of the many sectors experiencing rapid growth due to the advantages of mobile access. One of our clients, Becorp, planned a new build-to-rent project in Barcelona and sought a digital alternative to traditional keys. Becorp recognized that a keyless solution would save property management time, which is often consumed by handling numerous physical keys. The burden on staff is particularly significant during tenant move-in and move-out periods, a common occurrence in build-to-rent complexes. They selected SMARTair, our ready-to-use wireless digital access solution, to equip apartment doors and common areas. Residents use secure mobile keys within their own secure SMARTair Openow app. This saves time and hassle for everyone, ultimately reducing costs for Becorp.

This is just one example from a single industry. We have assisted organizations of all sizes and types in leveraging the benefits of mobile access, including offices, educational institutions, commercial sites, and public buildings. Nearly everyone carries a mobile phone.

The Future of Mobile Access Control

Offering choice will become increasingly crucial. There is no “one-size-fits-all” mobile solution. Customer organizations are complex, with varying goals, objectives, and local regulatory landscapes. Of course, convenience, security, usability, and efficiency remain common goals. ASSA ABLOY provides customers with mobile access solutions for both iOS and Android, within complete digital access systems and through devices that seamlessly integrate into existing security management solutions, extending their digital access management capabilities. With these solutions, mobile access should be fully customizable, with APIs and SDKs for smartphone app development. Mobile technology will become an integral part of many businesses, not just a security add-on.

Introducing ASSA ABLOY’s Mobile Access Solutions

In addition to SMARTair, which I mentioned earlier, we offer CLIQ Connect, a mobile extension to ASSA ABLOY’s CLIQ and eCLIQ programmable key access solution. Keyholders no longer need to update access rights physically in person. Their system administrator can simply open the CLIQ Web Manager from anywhere and update it. The keyholder establishes an encrypted connection between their programmable BLE key and the app to instantly update permissions from the cloud. This solution is particularly well-suited for businesses with remote sites, mobile workforces, and employees and contractors who are constantly on the move, saving them time and expenses associated with traveling to update or retrieve keys.

Mobile access is also integrated into ASSA ABLOY digital access devices designed for seamless integration with existing systems. Battery-powered Aperio locks are compatible with both Bluetooth and NFC mobile wireless protocols. Aperio also supports employee badges in Apple Wallet, enabling quick, convenient entry to doors, cabinets, lockers, server racks, and other equipment fitted with Aperio wireless devices. ABLOY CUMULUS is another keyless access solution designed for integration. With ABLOY CUMULUS, the user’s personalized, encrypted mobile credential is sent directly to their smartphone. Furthermore, our revolutionary CUMULUS Controller enables mobile unlocking via Bluetooth for any electric or electronic lock, regardless of brand. The possibilities with mobile are truly exciting.

To learn more about Mobile Access Solutions from ASSA ABLOY, visit https://www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/solutions/topics/access-control

For more information, please contact:
Thomas Schulz
Director & Head of Marketing DAS EMEIA
B2B PR & Media Relations EMEIA
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA
Phone: +49 (0) 30 8106 2970
E-mail: [email protected]