Connected Access Control: The Key to Managing Hybrid Workplaces

In the past few years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, how businesses run has changed. Many companies have embraced hybrid workplaces, where employees spend time working from home and the office. This change has offered flexibility and convenience to employees but has also introduced new challenges, especially around security and managing who can access different workspaces.

One important aspect of running a successful hybrid workplace is controlling access to office spaces in a way that ensures security and efficiency. Connected/digital access controlhelps provide a solution to this. By leveraging advanced technology, businesses can maintain control over their facilities, even as employees come and go at varying times and locations.

Benefits of Connected Access Control in Hybrid Workplaces

1. Enhanced Security

Security is a top priority for any business, especially in a hybrid workplace where the flow of people is constantly changing. connected access control enhances security by offering more than just a basic key or card swipe. With advanced systems like biometric identification or mobile-based access, companies can ensure that only authorized personnel enter specific areas.

For example, in a hybrid workplace, sensitive areas such as server rooms or executive offices can be restricted with biometric systems. This adds an extra layer of security beyond traditional keycards, as it ensures that access is tied to an individual’s fingerprint, face, or mobile device, making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to gain entry.

2. Operational Efficiency

Managing physical keys or traditional access cards can be a burden for companies that don’t have the right systems in place, especially when dealing with a workforce that splits its time between home and the office. Reissuing lost cards or coordinating key returns after employee transitions can be time-consuming. Digital access control streamlines this process by allowing companies to issue, revoke, or modify access permissions remotely and instantly.

For instance, if an employee needs to work at a different office location for a day, their access can be updated in real time through a cloud-based system. They don’t need to visit HR or security for a new keycard, saving both time and administrative resources. This operational efficiency is vital in hybrid work settings where flexibility and quick adjustments are the norm.

3. Flexibility for Employees

One of the main benefits of a hybrid workplace is flexibility, and connected access control supports this flexibility by allowing employees to easily access multiple locations. For example, an employee might work in the main office on Mondays, visit a coworking space on Wednesdays, and drop by a client’s site on Fridays. With traditional access systems, they would need different keycards or keys for each location, which can be cumbersome.

Connected systems, on the other hand, can be managed through a single mobile app or platform. Employees can simply use their smartphones to enter and exit different locations, reducing the need to juggle multiple keys or cards. This ease of access helps maintain the flexibility that hybrid workplaces aim to offer.

Implementing Advanced Access Control Solutions

Implementing digital access control in a hybrid workplace doesn’t have to be daunting. Several advanced technologies are available that can be integrated into existing infrastructure with relative ease. Below are the most popular options.

1. Biometric Systems

Biometric systems grant access using unique physical traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. These systems are secure, as they tie access directly to an individual. In hybrid workplaces, biometric systems can secure sensitive areas while allowing employees to move freely within less restricted spaces.

2. Mobile Access

Mobile-based access control is popular due to its convenience. Employees can use their smartphones to unlock doors, eliminating the need for physical cards or keys. This is useful in hybrid workplaces, where employees may need to access multiple weekly locations.

3. Cloud-Based Management

Cloud-based systems offer real-time control over access permissions, allowing businesses to manage entry remotely. This flexibility is needed in hybrid workplaces, where employees may work from different locations or schedules. Cloud-based management also makes it easier to revoke or update access permissions quickly.

Conclusion

As hybrid workplaces grow, securing access is a top priority for businesses. Connected access control is a practical solution that enhances security, boosts operational efficiency, and supports the flexibility that hybrid work environments require. By implementing advanced access control systems, businesses can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring their facilities and employees remain safe and productive.