Mechanical security systems or keyless systems - what is the trend for industrial companies?

The market for access control systems is becoming increasingly open to new technologies. Traditional access methods are increasingly being replaced by electronic and wireless solutions. One reason for this is that such concepts offer their users and administrators significantly more flexibility, process security and ease of use than would be achievable with purely mechanical security systems. In addition to cloud-based management systems and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the use of mobile solutions, in which smartphones are used for proof of authorization, for example, is becoming increasingly important. In addition to the comparatively attractive costs and the sustainability of such a cardless solution, security factors are particularly important for the industry. For example, the smartphone, which requires an additional authentication method for unlocking, creates an additional layer of security.

With eCliq, Assa Abloy offers an electronic locking system with cloud-based management. What advantages does this solution offer?

We are seeing a growing demand for integrated electronic locking solutions. A system such as eCliq bridges the gap between the two worlds of mechanical locking systems (physical security) and access control (digital security). The high level of protection that eCliq offers against manipulation and intelligent attacks also makes this solution attractive for the growing number of industries and companies that are now classified as critical infrastructures. Individual and group-specific access authorizations for a locking system can be managed via an online platform using the Cliq Web Manager. The advantage of such a cloud solution is that even properties with many keys and widely dispersed locations can be managed securely with little effort.

In times of co-working areas, changing project teams and global network partners, the demands on security systems are changing. What options are now available?

The trend is clearly towards modular digital systems in which locking media are used that correspond to the need-to-know principle known from IT security: Access rights are restricted to doors or areas that a person must be able to use in order to perform their tasks. Depending on the access authorization, doors, lockers, server rooms, filing cabinets and much more can be opened in this way using an electronic locking medium. The Scala-Cliq integration provides a solution that can be used to manage an electronic locking system with access control in a single user interface.

This article appeared in issue 10/23