Access control has come an incredibly long way since paper sign-in sheets, and it’s continually developing in 2025. Technology is bringing advancements in the security and access control space every day – so much so that it can be difficult to keep up with all the latest advancements.
When it comes to on-site security, there are few things more important than access control. And it is your responsibility as a business owner to ensure you have the most effective (and current) solutions in place so that you, your employees and any public members can be safe and accounted for at all times.
These are some of our top predictions of new technologies you might be seeing in the access control industry this year.
Cloud-Based Systems
Cloud-based access control systems are revolutionising how we think about on-site security. Cloud solutions have had a huge impact on storing, managing and processing data so that you can upload your information to remote services and retrieve exactly the information you need whenever and wherever.
Since there’s no need for old-school, bulky, on-site servers, installing access control systems is easy. Once your system is all set up, you can access data and information from absolutely anywhere. Add credentials, update levels of access and more from any internet-enabled device. Cloud-based systems also make it easier for you to keep up to date with the latest security updates. Cloud-based systems update automatically, thus reducing the risk of cyber attacks or security risks. Automatic troubleshooting, data backups and software updates are just a few benefits of cloud-based systems.
Not only do cloud systems make it easier for you to securely store information that you can see from anywhere. They also make it easier for you to scale your system as your business grows.
Monitor your employees’ access, integrate with cameras and keep data protected with ease with the implementation of cloud-based authentication systems.
Mobile Credentials
Mobile credentials are a significant trend in the education sector for access control systems. Having mobile credentials rather than a physical card is much more convenient and it also lowers the cost of needing to produce physical cards for entering spaces.
Traditional keycards or fobs can be lost, stolen or copied, making them a significant security risk. Mobile credentials are stored on a user’s smartphone, which normally has more layers of security than physical cards or credentials. Having credentials easily accessible on individuals’ mobile phones is something that is already being implemented in Universities globally as they allow for safe and secure access whilst still being reliable, convenient and more cost-effective.
Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication systems are becoming more prevalent in 2025. This can include things like facial recognition, iris scanning or other forms of biometric authentication. Whilst it may seem like these access control systems are straight out of an early 2000s spy movie, they’re firmly becoming a reality in 2025.
Biometric authentication systems are much faster and far more accurate than old, outdated methods. Biometric authentication systems can also handle far larger numbers of people, so they’re great in large government buildings or multi-storey office spaces.
AI Automation
Artificial intelligence will be at the forefront of conversations surrounding technology in 2025, and access control will be no exception. AI and machine learning are revolutionising the access control pace as they’re great for analysing large amounts of data, recognising patterns, predicting possible threats and optimising your security policies.
AI is the ultimate solution for recognising threats like identifying multiple unauthorised access attempts and flagging them to the relevant security team. You can also pair CCTV with AI systems in order to correctly identify individuals gaining access even in poor lighting.
Whilst this technology is currently still very new, we can expect to see it advancing as the year goes on. As AI automation and machine learning advance, we will see further integration with access control systems, leading to more sophisticated and secure access control systems.
The Future Of Access Control
There have been a number of innovations in access control in previous years, and 2025 is shaping up to be another great year for advancements. Staying up to date with the latest trends and developments in the access control space is key to ensuring your security systems are always up to scratch.
Keep your finger on the pulse of current and future trends in order to update your systems and ensure your employees and your business are safe and securely protected from unauthorised access at all times.
