The best access control systems for 2021

Cloud computing allows commercial door access control systems (like Kisi) to use remote servers, which means lower maintenance costs, remote access management and automatic system updates, as opposed to the traditional method of keeping information on local servers that are expensive to maintain and update.

Granting and revoking access without the need to be physically on the premises brings a lot of flexibility and freedom to operators while still maintaining a strict security system. With a powerful online dashboard and mobile app, access control vendors with this feature eliminate the need for physical keys or fobs and enable 24/7 access management.

Particularly useful for mid to large-sized businesses' directory integrations (like Okta or Azure), this feature empowers IT operators to efficiently manage several groups of people and their varying access levels across multiple locations.

Open-source documentation increases the possibility for better custom integrations, giving managers and operators more options to integrate their existing office software with modern access control.

This feature allows people to use their smartphones to access the space, rather than a physical key or fob, which can be lost, stolen or forgotten. For the end-user, mobile access makes life easier, and for managers, it saves time and resources to provision access.

This innovation allows users to centrally manage their cloud services with one set of credentials and (when integrated with access control) provide seamless entry into new spaces. IT managers love this feature because it makes onboarding new users faster and simpler.

Integration with fire alarms or any specialized alert system maximizes the security of the property and ensures managers, operators and emergency personnel can shorten the response time to dangerous situations.

In emergency situations, the lockdown feature can save lives and contain dangerous situations while still prioritizing the safety of authorized users.

Useful for interdepartmental reports or audits, event export features help IT managers quickly produce the necessary logs and insights on every unlock event for an access point.

Another recent innovation in the industry, cloud camera integrations can improve accuracy and provide deeper insight into unlock events, including providing snapshots before and after an unlock or forced-entry.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of implementing technology, direct support is a huge asset in facilitating troubleshooting or managing emergency situations when it comes to your security system.