Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally.
At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioral insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimization, and smart building initiatives.
Risk, impact operations and experience
The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues
The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organizations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration.
These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed.
HID Global’s commercial focus
HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organizations digitize their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value.
“We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations.
The impact of digital transformation
Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials
Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey.
HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.
Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.”
The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles
Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability.
Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important
Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.
In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organizations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximizing the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution.
Digital credentials and mobile access
Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organizations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul.
A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates.
Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organizations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time.
Applying biometrics and mobile identities
Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction
Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organizations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.
In addition, 80% of organizations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.
Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity
At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander.
HID holds multiple globally recognized certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2, and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today.
“Ultimately, this means organizations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.”
Developing green and sustainable solutions
A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards
Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards.
Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.
Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimization by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification.
What is the latest in smart buildings?
Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on.
Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services
The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space.
Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetization, and monetization funds further improvements.
Achieving technology impact in the real world
One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed-use development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimization, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviors.
By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards. Buildings with recognized sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.