In the world of access control, end users are expressing a strong preference for mobile credentials over traditional proxy methods. The convenience and cutting-edge features offered by mobile access have propelled it to the forefront of user preferences, reshaping the way individuals interact with and perceive access control systems. While proxy may still be prominent in the industry, we take a look at both through the insights of our consumer community.

Mobile Credentials

The adoption of mobile credentials, where smartphones become the primary key, is becoming more and more common. End users enthusiastically embrace the seamless experience of using their smartphones for access, bypassing the need for physical cards or fobs. A few benefits are listed below.

• Ultimate Convenience: Leveraging the ubiquity of smartphones, access control becomes as simple as a swift tap or swipe.

• Heightened Security: Advanced biometric features, like fingerprint or facial recognition, elevate the security standard associated with mobile credentials.

• Remote Accessibility: The ability to manage access remotely adds a layer of flexibility, allowing users to grant or revoke access from any location.

Proxy Credentials

While proxy credentials, embodied by RFID cards or fobs, have long been a stalwart in access control, they are gradually fading into the background. The physical tokens, once the go-to solution, are finding themselves overshadowed by the superior advantages offered by their mobile counterparts.

Diminishing Appeal of Proxy Credentials:

• Cost vs. Innovation: The cost-effectiveness of proxy credentials is overshadowed by the innovative features and unparalleled convenience of mobile access.

• Distribution Hassles: The simplicity of distributing mobile credentials contrasts sharply with the logistical challenges posed by physical tokens.

• Limited Versatility: Proxy credentials, once versatile, are increasingly seen as limited in comparison to the dynamic capabilities of mobile access.

What are Consumers Saying?

We surveyed our community of consumers, which comprises over 2500 end users in the security industry, posing the following set of questions regarding their preference of Mobile vs. Proxy.

1. What specific features of mobile credentials contribute to the heightened preference among end users in comparison to traditional proxy methods?

2. How does the convenience offered by mobile credentials, such as the ability to use smartphones as virtual keys, impact end users' choices in access control?

3. In what ways do advanced biometric features, like fingerprint or facial recognition, associated with mobile credentials influence the perceived security levels and user preference?

4. Can the remote management capabilities of mobile credentials, allowing users to grant or revoke access from anywhere, be identified as a significant factor in their preference over proxy methods?

5. To what extent do cost considerations play a role in end users favoring mobile credentials over traditional proxy solutions in access control?

Feature Highlights

An end user within the 3PL industry recently shifted their department entirely to a mobile-based system. In expressing their perspective, they highlighted, "The advanced capabilities of mobile credentials, such as leveraging smartphones as virtual keys, deliver a more efficient and user-friendly access control experience for all. Since the shift to mobile access, our team is thrilled to utilize their smartphones for building entry, eliminating the need of cards.”

Convenience

It was evident in our community that the convenience offered by using smartphones as virtual keys significantly impacts end users' choices in access control. The ubiquitous nature of smartphones allows users to access secured spaces with a simple tap or swipe, eliminating the need for physical cards or fobs.

Biometrics

Advanced biometric features like fingerprint or facial recognition associated with mobile credentials enhance the perceived security levels, influencing end users' preference for this method. The integration of biometrics adds an extra layer of security compared to traditional proxy methods. Although the combination of proxy cards and biometrics can still be employed for authorized access, the predominant sentiment from our community indicates an embrace of a digital experience for both employees and staff.

Remote Management

The remote management capabilities of mobile credentials, enabling users to grant or revoke access from anywhere, contribute significantly to our consumers preference. By boosting flexibility and security, this feature streamlines the onboarding and offboarding processes of employees. While significantly reducing the associated time requirements for end users managing access to different spaces.

Cost

Per our community, while the initial investment in mobile access systems might be perceived as higher, the long-term benefits and added features often justify the cost for end users. According to a Security Director in the Healthcare sector, “the critical factor in adopting new technology to enhance daily operations is building a solid business case. The pivotal step is securing a seat at the decision-making table and encouraging the executive team to actively participate in the pilot process.”

Conclusion

Transitioning from legacy systems to mobile-centric access control solutions requires a strategic approach to address integration concerns and security considerations. However, end users recognizing the unmistakable preference for mobile credentials are taking decisive steps to align their systems with this evolving trend. What are your thoughts?