Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

  • By Jeff Buzan
  • Sep 12, 2025

Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time.

This shift towards more responsive environments has put pressure on traditional access control systems, designed for simpler, more static environments. As a result, the need for interoperability – the ability for systems to exchange and use credential data – has never been greater.

Interoperability allows access control systems - starting with mobile and physical credentials and extending to visitor management, wireless locks, elevators, and building management systems - to work together seamlessly. When these systems work together buildings can have security that is dynamic and now adds value to a facility instead of being a hindrance to occupants.

Unlocking Flexibility and Efficiency
Interoperable systems reduce reliance on single vendors, allowing building owners and operators to select technologies based on cost, performance or operational needs. This flexibility can lower capital expenditures by enabling upgrades of individual components without replacing entire infrastructures. The approach also helps extend the life of existing investments and simplifies the adoption of innovative technologies.

In addition to cost benefits, interoperability can also improve access control system resilience. Traditional access control systems may use a single encryption key, running the risk of a breach. If that single key is compromised, the entire network is exposed. Interoperable systems reduce this risk by supporting multiple devices with distinct encryption keys, limiting the impact of a breach and simplifying incident response.

Overcoming Legacy Systems and Industry Barriers
Despite the clear benefits in cost and risk management, and the need for more dynamic environments, interoperability has yet to become the industry standard.

Adoption is often hindered by three main barriers: legacy system dependency, fragmented industry standards and vendor lock-in.

Legacy system dependency. Many businesses today still rely on legacy systems that are costly and challenging to upgrade. Beyond the financial and logistical burdens, these outdated systems also pose serious security risks.

For example, some run on unsupported hardware and software that no longer receive security patches, leaving known vulnerabilities exposed. Others use outdated encryption that is easily cracked by modern tools or default usernames and passwords that are rarely changed, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches.

Adding new features often requires replacing core hardware, such as card readers and credentials, making improvements financially and logistically challenging. In some cases, businesses inherit incompatible legacy systems through mergers or acquisitions, resulting in different buildings using different technologies.

This lack of consistency complicates standardization efforts and can drive maintenance costs up by as much as 15% annually.

Fragmented industry standards. The access control industry lacks widely adopted standards, making interoperability a challenge. Inconsistent protocols for identity management, encryption and credential formats often prevent systems from communicating effectively.

In turn, businesses rely on limited integrations or workarounds that hinder scalability and long-term system cohesion.

Vendor lock-in. Some manufacturers maintain closed ecosystems to protect recurring revenue, limiting customer flexibility. However, this often leaves them relying on outdated solutions, as proprietary systems restrict the ability to mix and match components.

These closed architectures are hard to integrate with modern cybersecurity tools, making it harder to identify and address vulnerabilities. Even so-called “custom” solutions may restrict access to encryption keys and data ownership, slowing innovation and leaving end-users with limited control.

In response, initiatives like the LEAF Community are gaining momentum by championing secure and interoperable access control solutions that empower organizations with greater flexibility, choice and control. As demand grows for future-ready systems, communities like LEAF are helping set universal standards that support transparency, long-term value, and a world where credentials and devices work seamlessly together.

Phased migration strategies can help organizations overcome some of these challenges, starting with high-impact areas like renovations or new construction. Partnering with vendors who offer complete ownership and control over encryption keys and data structures allows for a more flexible transition. By taking a strategic and collaborative approach, organizations can gradually transition to fully interoperable systems that enhance security, flexibility and long-term value.

Building Smarter and More Connected Spaces
Interoperability is key to creating smarter, more secure buildings that adapt to the evolving needs of users and organizations. By allowing different systems and technologies to work together smoothly, interoperability improves security, flexibility and efficiency.

Manufacturers, integrators and building owners alike all play important roles by creating interoperable solutions, ensuring easy integration, and making smart choices for long-term control. Organizations embracing interoperability today will be best positioned for the future, creating spaces that are safer, smarter and more connected.

This article originally appeared in the September / October 2025 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.