Centralized vs. Decentralized Access Control: Why Cloud-Based Systems Are the Future.
As businesses expand and operate across multiple locations, managing access control can become a complex and daunting task. Ensuring consistent security protocols and efficient access management is essential for protecting assets, data, and personnel. This is where cloud-based, centralized access control systems, like Airfob, come into play, offering significant advantages over traditional decentralized systems.
Understanding access control.
Access control systems are the physical systems that regulate who can enter your sites, buildings, rooms, and cabinets, and when they can do so. These systems are often operated by RFID cards, mobile credentials, or biometric characteristics, providing varying levels of security for employees, contractors, and visitors.
Decentralized access control.
Decentralized access control involves multiple autonomous systems managing access at different locations. Each site operates its own access control policies, often leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. Common scenarios include:
- Independent locations: Each site has its own security managers and budgets.
- Legacy systems: Newly acquired companies retain their old access control systems.
Challenges of decentralized access control:
- Cost and efficiency: Adjusting access rights and managing multiple systems is time-consuming and expensive.
- Risk management: Ensuring all systems meet corporate standards and comply with local regulations is complex.
- Inconvenience: Employees and visitors face different access procedures at different sites, affecting mobility and brand continuity.
Centralized access control.
Centralized access control unifies all locations under one system, managed centrally. This model supports a single global security policy and streamlines management across all sites, even those spread across continents. Benefits of centralized access control:- Increased mobility: Users can access multiple locations with one card or mobile credential.
- Improved efficiency: Centralized management reduces the time and resources needed for system administration.
- Cost savings: A single system reduces setup and maintenance costs, leveraging economies of scale.
- Future-proofing: Easier to keep systems updated and adaptable to new needs and risks.
Why choose Airfob for centralized access control?
Airfob, a cloud-native access control solution, offers the most advanced form of Access Control as a Aervice (ACaaS). Unlike traditional systems, Airfob eliminates the need for intermediary door controllers and complex wiring, making it the ideal choice for modern, scalable access management.
Key features of Airfob:
- Unified access management: Centralized dashboard for managing access across all locations.
- Real-time updates: Policies can be updated instantly to adapt to changing business needs or security requirements.
- Seamless device management: Manage and configure devices through a web portal or app, specifying unlock methods and access settings for each door.
- Granular control: Define access based on work schedules, holidays, and specific floor levels, ensuring precise and adaptable security measures.
Integrations with everyday systems:
Airfob Engine supports integration with a variety of systems and applications, enhancing its utility and efficiency:
- Visitors: Issue secure access credentials to guests, streamlining check-ins and enhancing security.
- Membership platforms: Simplify member access with mobile credentials, eliminating physical cards.
- Time & Attendance (T&A) systems: Automate attendance tracking with mobile check-ins.
- Digital ID solutions: Integrate with digital ID platforms for unified identity and access management.
- CCTV systems: Sync access events with video footage for comprehensive security monitoring.
- Alarm systems: Trigger alarms for unauthorized access attempts, enhancing security response.
Why Airfob is the world’s most scalable access control solution.
As organizations navigate technological advancements and evolving security threats, the ability to scale efficiently is crucial. Airfob offers:
- Ongoing feature updates: Regular software updates ensure your system stays ahead of the curve with new functionalities.
- Extensive system integration: APIs and SDKs enable seamless integration with third-party applications, creating a connected ecosystem.
- Flexible pricing: Subscription-based pricing aligns with organizational needs, eliminating large upfront costs.
- Scalable hardware solutions: From compact readers to enterprise-grade terminals, Airfob’s hardware meets diverse security requirements.
In today’s fast-paced world, centralized, cloud-based access control systems like Airfob provide unmatched efficiency, security, and scalability. By integrating with everyday systems and offering flexible, real-time management, Airfob sets a new standard in access control, ensuring your organization is well-equipped to handle current and future challenges.
Discover the future of access control with Airfob and transform your security strategy today.
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