The need for IP-based access control is at an all-time high in today’s increasingly complex digital world. Whether you operate security for an enterprise, healthcare center, university or commercial real estate firm, nearly all institutions face new challenges when it comes to protecting their facilities and employees. In fact, over 88% of businesses experienced increases in physical threats in 2022 compared to 2021. As a result, organizations must be able to manage numerous security concerns that exist within both physical and digital spaces.  

IP-based access control systems, also referred to as cloud-based access control, help IT and security teams efficiently manage their security. These systems have made it possible to work on site and off using an internet-connected device. However, traditionally, access control security used inflexible hardware hosted on-site and overly complex software. Traditional on-premises access control systems require high upfront costs, extensive physical infrastructures and continual maintenance efforts.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of IP-based access control and learn how it works. 

What is IP-based Access Control? 

IP-based access control are security systems used to grant and deny access to a specific area in a building. These systems leverage the internet to prevent access, theft, door open events and other physical breaches. Additionally, these systems help IT and security teams monitor access events, provision user credentials, create printable badges and more. 

Moreover, IP technology can complement other widely used access control systems, such as Wiegand and OSDP solutions. For instance, integrating IP with Wiegand allows two-way communication, eliminating the need for dedicated hardwiring for power and data transmission. As a result, this combination extends the reach of Wiegand systems without additional cabling. This integration also broadens the range of acceptable credentials, including faster communication options like video or biometric credentials. 

Similarly, combining IP with OSDP systems simplifies scalability. No extra wiring or daisy chaining to reach distant access control points is required. This compatibility with IP technology ensures smoother expansion and enhanced performance for OSDP-based setups. 

What are the Benefits of IP Access Control Systems 

IP-based access control systems improve decision making, reduce vulnerabilities and seamlessly enhance the overall security of locations with multiple facilities. In addition to stronger security, here are some of the other benefits IT and security experience: 

• Easy-to-use interface: Administrators can define and integrate access control systems using a centralized access management interface. With a robust feature set it becomes easy to monitor live camera feeds from multiple remote locations. Custom roles and provisioning credentials can be defined to individual users from a user-friendly interface.  

• Real-time access tracking: Generate access logs and reports that capture relevant information about attempts and decisions. Real-time monitoring capabilities can manage door access requests and deny entry to specific areas. If a suspicious individual attempts to enter a restricted area or zone, the access control system will promptly alert security teams. 

• Centralized management: IP-based access control systems provide dashboards and interfaces that give administrators the ability to oversee several physical locations simultaneously. They can review permissions and view restrictions of users to grant or deny access. Let’s say an organization has a central home office in St. Louis, but also has a satellite office in Atlanta. If a former employee attempts to enter on-site, administrators can immediately deny access credentials to prevent unauthorized entrance to facilities. 

• Improved accuracy and reliability: IP-based access control systems have a higher degree of reliability compared to conventional on-premises systems. This is because of their flexibility, scalability and vast integration capabilities. On-premises systems are less effective with multiple disparate systems that can make it more challenging to maintain continued oversight. 

IP Door Access Control System Integrations 

IP-based access control systems provide numerous benefits in terms of scalability and flexibility compared to traditional on-premises access control systems. This contributes to easier management, adaptability, and enhanced security within businesses looking to grow and expand. 

• Integration: IP-based access control systems can be easily integrated with other security systems and tools to provide greater flexibility with video integrations and identity management systems like Okta and Azure. Integrate with various video management systems including Milestone, Arcules, Rhombus, AVA and Salient. 
   
• Scalability: IT and security teams can oversee entire enterprises from a single access control dashboard as their businesses grow and scale. Traditional on-premises systems, on the other hand, require disparate systems at each individual building, making effective oversight nearly impossible. 
   
• Remote monitoring: Manage and monitor access remotely, regardless of physical location using IP-based access control systems. IT and security teams can access systems from anywhere with network connectivity. Control access, review entry logs and respond to incidents without having to have on-site physical security oversight. 

• Third-party storage: IP-based access control systems store information with third parties helping to improve data privacy and security. Corporations and other institutions must be able to verify third-party storage information that adheres to proper compliance and reporting standards. Organizations must also ensure the implementation of appropriate measures to protect stored data from unauthorized access, data breaches or misuse. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and other cloud infrastructure services are all able to store vast amounts of data from various businesses on their servers. 

Organizations that are looking to expand or grow over time can use IP-based access control systems to increase flexibility by defining access control policies, allowing for dynamic updates and integration with other systems. 

Cost and Maintenance Efficiency with IP Door Access Control 

Cost efficiency is a key factor in effectively growing and scaling organizations. IP-based access control systems help organizations leverage existing network infrastructures while enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. 

• Minimized maintenance and operational costs: Using centralized management interfaces, IP-based access control systems reduce the need for on-site visits and physical maintenance. Administrators can monitor systems from anywhere by simply using network access, reducing the need for dedicated on-site personnel. 

• Compatible with existing IP infrastructures: Since IP access control utilizes existing network infrastructures by working with non-proprietary hardware systems. Using non-proprietary hardware prevents teams from having to use a single software provider. If providers ever need to be changed, they can do so without physically replacing their hardware. Upfront costs are minimized as systems can be integrated with security or management systems such as video surveillance systems. 

• Integration with existing systems: IP-based access control can be integrated with other security and management systems, including video surveillance systems. Using a single unified platform, organizations can automate manual processes and slash administrative costs. OfferUP was able to integrate access control systems with Okta to automate provisioning processes when employees changed roles. 

Cost efficiency is always a key driver in operational profitability and long-term growth. Organizations can save significant costs through resource optimization, a reduction of manual efforts, and overall enhanced productivity with IP-based access control systems. 

Convenience and User-Friendliness 

In a world of complex digital environments, organizations must do everything in their power to make security systems simple and user friendly. IP-based access control systems help achieve this through seamless integration within existing security infrastructures. 

• Automation and self-service capabilities: IP-based systems offer automation capabilities that help organizations streamline access provisioning and management processes. Self-service and automated user controls ensure only the right people have access to your buildings and facilities.  

• Support for various authentication methods: IP-based access control provides flexibility to allow organizations to effectively authenticate user privileges and access rights. Whether it be biometrics, smart cards, or some other form of identification, IP-based access control provides organizations with the flexibility needed to enhance and improve their physical security infrastructures. The Genea platform helps system administrators assign and customize access privileges that can be incorporated into mobile credentials or by adding employee badges into Apple Wallet. 

• Efficient response time: Organizations can detect and respond to access events and security incidents rapidly, helping to reduce the potential impact of physical threats with the help of interactive floor plans or audible alarms. Administrators can review audit trails continually at multiple locations, allowing alert on-site security teams to respond swiftly and efficiently to potential breaches. 

Companies must do their best to simplify complex physical security systems by creating unified IP-based solutions that make remote management seamless and effective. Using an easy-to-use interface, access management can become more convenient and accessible for administrators and physical security teams. 

Compliance and Reporting 

Industry compliance and reporting requirements are of the utmost importance in today’s day and age. IP-based access control systems can help organizations adhere to compliance and regulatory standards by providing the tools and capabilities to remain committed to data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. 

• Generating detailed access logs and reports: Detailed logs and access events are maintained by IP-based access control systems. Information such as IP addresses, timestamps, and access decisions provide audit trails and evidence for compliance reporting. System administrators can identify individuals at multiple locations that are not adhering to regulatory requirements, making it easier to stay within strict guidelines. 

• Compliance with regulatory standards: Many organizations must adhere to strict regulations such SOC, PCI, HIIPA and ISO compliance standards. IP-based access can enforce access control policies, maintain audit trails, and demonstrate compliance at multiple locations across the globe. 

• Enhanced accountability: By maintaining audit trails and monitoring logs, IP-based access control systems can enhance accountability and traceability. Organizations can respond to and track individual user activities across multiple sites to facilitate a sense of continued transparency and compliance. 

Adherence to compliance and reporting are of the utmost importance for organizations. IP-based access control helps achieve these goals in a reasonable and transparent manner, even if the organization has multiple locations worldwide. 

Remote Access and Monitoring 

IP-based access control systems are able to use remote access management and monitoring capabilities as a method of improving operational efficiency. IP-based systems provide the flexibility to manage, configure and troubleshoot monitoring access control from anywhere in the world. 

• Grant and revoke access remotely: IP-based access control systems allow administrators remote access to define and control policies. Administrators can manage privileges without being in proximity at a physical location. As companies scale and grow, they can still maintain a secure environment without having security monitoring teams on-site. 

• Real-time monitoring and alerts: Providing logs and audit trails in real-time improves security and incident response. Organizations can enhance their overall security posture through instant visibility and real-time monitoring of events. Administrators don’t have to be on premises to achieve a secure environment. Instead, they can utilize a single simple system of records that can be maintained across multiple facilities. 

• Support for mobile devices: Organizations can use IP-based control systems to ensure mobile devices can be securely and efficiently used for access control purposes. Whether it be fingerprint sensors or facial recognition, users can authenticate themselves through mobile applications as a way of providing an additional layer of security and compliance. 

Through the support of mobile applications, IP-based access control systems provide organizations with convenience and improved user experience while maintaining robust security measures. 

Is IP Access Control Right for Me? 

Switching from on-premises access control systems to IP-based access control provides companies with the ability to oversee and monitor their physical security infrastructures using an agile and flexible framework. 

Organizations should consider transitioning from on-premises to IP-based access control to enhance security while improving scalability across large enterprise frameworks. The switch from on-premises control systems to IP-based access control offers companies the ability to manage and oversee physical security multiple locations without having to rely on on-premises based solutions. 

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If your organization is looking to move to the cloud and implement IP-based access control in lieu of on-premises based systems, schedule a demo with Genea and see how our solutions can help protect the safety of your people and physical assets.