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Before the introduction of electronic locking systems, mechanical locks were the norm. These systems were robust, but also susceptible to manipulation and theft. In the meantime, the triumph of electronic locks has become unstoppable, especially in commercial buildings. In the 1960s and 1970s, the first electronic locks were developed, which were based on simple switching circuits and often worked with codes or keypads. In the 1980s, magnetic cards and later RFID technology became popular. These systems enabled easier management of access rights and the ability to keep access logs. However, the breakthrough came with the integration of network technology, as IP technology enabled remote monitoring and management of electronic locking systems via the internet and cloud-based solutions.
Flexible and secure
Another step towards greater flexibility and even more user-friendliness is mobile access control, which is becoming increasingly important. Mobile access control refers to the use of mobile devices to manage access rights and enable access to rooms or buildings. As a digital key, a smartphone enables employees and visitors to access buildings, replacing mechanical keys or chip cards. Through integration into electronic access control systems, the user can unlock doors, manage authorisations and monitor access remotely. The advantages of mobile access control are explained below:
- Ease of use: With a smartphone, which most people carry with them anyway, access is as simple as unlocking the screen. Carrying keys or losing keys and chip cards is therefore a thing of the past.
- Flexibility: Access authorisations can be granted or withdrawn at any time and from anywhere. This is ideal for external employees and temporary visitors and eliminates the stress of handing over keys.
- Security and transparency: Mobile access provides an accurate record and overview of who has access and when. Mobile access control systems often include features such as two-factor authentication, biometric verification and encryption, providing another layer of authentication and can increase overall security compared to traditional key-based systems.
- Cost savings: Physical keys or ID cards are no longer required. This not only saves the cost of creating them, but also the administration and replacement costs if they are lost.
- Integration with other systems: Mobile access control can be integrated with other building management systems, video cameras, alarm systems and visitor management systems, creating a more comprehensive security solution.
Despite the importance of digitalisation for more convenient and flexible access solutions in residential and commercial buildings, the mechanical design of locking systems must not be neglected. It is important to realise that every digital locking function must be supported by intelligently designed, secure mechanical elements, as it is not the electronics that hold the door bolt in position, but the mechanical components.
The technology behind mobile access control
The smartphone communicates directly with access control readers via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Near Field Communication (NFC). BLE is a wireless protocol for low-power devices that allows users to open doors from up to ten metres away without direct contact. It minimises the drain on the smartphone battery and ensures security through encrypted data transmission and additional security layers.
Near Field Communication (NFC) uses short-range radio waves to facilitate data exchange between devices that are in close proximity, usually within a few centimetres. The benefits of NFC include the fast and intuitive authentication process and increased security, as the need for direct contact between devices minimises the risk of unauthorised access.
Cloud-based access enables the centralised management of access rights. On the one hand, this means centralisation, which makes it possible to efficiently manage access rights for numerous locations, which is particularly ideal for companies with multiple locations. On the other hand, cloud systems can be seamlessly integrated into other software solutions, such as workforce scheduling or IoT devices. It is also possible to make updates in real time so that access rights can be adjusted immediately.
Which components are required?
A mobile access control system for buildings is made up of several components that together enable a secure and flexible operating system. Here are the most important components:
Hardware components:
- Electronic door locks or smart locks: These replace or supplement mechanical locks.
- Bluetooth or NFC readers: They receive the signal from the smartphone for authentication.
- Control units (controllers/gateways): They connect the access readers to the central system and enable communication with the cloud or a local database.
- Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches): They serve as digital key carriers in interaction with a corresponding app.
Software components:
- Access management software (cloud or on-premises solution): It manages user rights, logs and configurations and, if desired, records access attempts and events to ensure security and transparency.
- Mobile app: Enables users to gain access via smartphone and can often also send virtual keys.
- Integration with identity management: Links access rights with existing user accounts (e.g. Active Directory, SSO).
Industry innovations
To install a modern mobile access solution that meets the user’s and facility manager’s expectations, it is crucial to work together with solution providers in the industry, who recognise the potential of the technology for building operators and are leaders in this field. Here is a list of companies that fulfil these requirements, without any claim to completeness.
dormakaba is seeing a growing demand for mobile access solutions that allow the door lock to be opened using a smartphone. The focus is on the efficient and consistent use of strong authentication methods to ensure security throughout the entire building infrastructure. The smartphone can take on more than just a key function and can also be used to control access to PC systems and apps, for example.
For Sanjit Bardhan, Vice President & Head of Mobile, at HID PACS, a leading provider of identity solutions and mobile access control systems, the most important argument in favour of mobile access control is that HID Mobile Access gives you the best convenience and operational efficiency without compromising on security. In addition, thanks to end-to-end digital management via the cloud, badges can be issued, revoked or reissued instantly. The entire process is faster and simpler and operational logistics are reduced.
Salto develops modern solutions for access and identity management and places particular emphasis on a secure, intelligent and seamless user experience. For Borja Ganzarain, Brand Communications & Content Marketing Manager at Salto, it is therefore particularly important that mobile access is available for all user types in every building application. For residents, visitors and employees, this is done via a mobile app that gives all users more control over their doors and rooms, including advanced encryption and full compatibility with users' smartphones (iOS and Android devices) and even with Apple Wallet.
For Joachim Mahlstedt, Commercial Director DAS at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, the benefits are obvious. The same advantages have already led to banking transactions, travel bookings, food deliveries and many other areas being switched to mobile devices. From a corporate perspective, the ability for facility managers to use their own smart device to issue, change or revoke an employee's mobile key also brings additional flexibility. This frees security staff from their desks and administrative PCs.
Clément Menviel, Group Communications Director at STid, also points out that managing physical access cards can be a real problem. Virtual badges significantly reduce the time spent on access management. They can be created, distributed and revoked instantly, at any time and from anywhere in the world. In addition, the cost of a virtual badge is two to five times less than that of a physical badge: there are no consumables, printing and personalisation costs, recycling costs or costs associated with loss or damage.
SimonsVoss is part of Allegion. The company has revolutionised traditional mechanical locking systems with digital technology and integrated many additional functions. The company brings small to medium-sized companies up to date with the latest technology by replacing keys in the MobileKey system with a digital transponder, a pin code keypad or a smartphone. Electronic door cylinders are used instead of mechanical ones. Another option offered by SimonsVoss to switch to mobile access control is to use the smartphone to open all doors. The locking authorisations can be stored in the AX2Go app. This means that all AX locking components in SimonsVoss locking systems can be opened easily and securely using a smartphone.
brivo, a pioneer of cloud-based access control systems, also integrates mobile solutions. The platform enables doors to be controlled and access rights to be managed via mobile devices. With an employee badge on their iPhone or Apple Watch, users can forget their physical badge at home and still go into the office. In Express mode, the device does not even need to be activated or unlocked to use the badge in Apple Wallet. The employee badge continues to work even if the iPhone needs to be charged. The power reserve provides up to five hours of access.
