With the modernization of infrastructure and growth in in the real estate sector, BFSI, industrial activities and citizen centric digitization, India is fast becoming a leading adopter of security and surveillance solutions. This has let to a huge competition in the market and there are a lot of unorganized players entered into the race. Here is what Prabhuraj Patil, Senior Director, Physical Access Control Solutions, Asean and India Subcontinent, HID  says about how to approach the entire solution.

What are the latest trends and developments in the Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS) industry? 

As the APAC region continues to experience rapid digital transformation, we are witnessing a significant shift towards mobile access and digital identification among enterprises. This trend underscores the increasing demand for secure, flexible, and convenient solutions that enhance both security and user experience.

HID is at the forefront of this evolution, providing innovative technologies that empower organizations to seamlessly integrate mobile and digital ID solutions into their operations. Our commitment to delivering cutting-edge security solutions ensures that enterprises in India and across the region can confidently embrace this digital future.

According to the 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report, which was produced by IFSEC Global in partnership with HID, the following are the five major trends in physical access control:

“PACS provide a more sophisticated, integrated, and dynamic approach to physical security compared to traditional systems.”

Prabhuraj Patil, Senior Director, Physical Access Control Solutions, Asean and India Subcontinent, HID.

Mobile access and digital ID set to become ubiquitous

While physical ID is still prevalent within the access control industry, there is no doubt that mobile access credentials and digital IDs are quickly gaining ground.

According to the report, nearly 2 in 5 organizations (39%) now actively use mobile identities with respondents naming touchless/contactless solutions (48%) and mobile access (44%) as the two largest trends shaping the wider access control industry.

Open standards driving smart buildings phenomenon

Open standards have become key drivers for more converged security solutions, where physical access control data is helping not just to decide who should be allowed into the building, but also how that building can best be used.

As the report shows, almost half of organizations (48%) already have access control/badge scanning systems in place to monitor building usage throughout the day, at least to some extent. Additionally, 43% of respondents cited smart buildings and flexible workspaces being among the top three trends shaping the wider access control industry. Integration with other business functions was also listed by one in three respondents (32%) as another top trend.

Sustainability becoming a greater influence on business decisions

Sustainability is playing a significant role in access control with nearly two thirds (63%) of respondents citing that those with responsibility for sustainability have either some influence or are fully consulted when it comes to upgrading physical access control systems.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) for analytics use cases

The use of AI capabilities in physical access control is becoming more common as AI technologies and expertise are developed. Asked if they are looking to incorporate AI/machine learning into their access control solutions, 38% of stated they were (although the same percentage said they were unsure of the benefits). Only 23% said they didn’t have any plans to incorporate AI technologies.

Growing role of biometrics – especially contactless solutions

The biometrics market is growing at a rapid pace. By 2031, the worldwide market for biometrics is expected to reach US$136.18 billion while the global facial recognition market alone is predicted to grow to US$16.74 billion by 2030, up from US$3.83 billion in 2020, which is a CAGR of 16% from 2021 to 2030.

How do PACS differ from traditional security systems? How do PACS enhance the security posture of an organization?

PACS provide a more sophisticated, integrated, and dynamic approach to physical security compared to traditional systems. They enhance an organization’s security posture by leveraging advanced technologies, real-time monitoring, comprehensive data analysis, and improved user management, resulting in a more secure and efficient access control system.

For instance, while traditional security systems rely on basic methods such as mechanical locks, CCTV cameras, keys, and rudimentary ID cards for physical access, PACS utilizes advanced technologies such as RFID cards, mobile access credentials, biometrics authentication and smart cards, which are integrated with other security and building management systems for a more cohesive security approach.

What are the major benefits of implementing PACS in an enterprise?

Implementing PACS offers numerous benefits that enhance security, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency. Here are some of the major benefits:

Enhanced Security

Multi-factor authentication (MFA): PACS often use multi-factor authentication, combining something the user knows (PIN), something the user has (access card), and something the user is (biometrics) to ensure high security levels.

Real-time monitoring: These systems provide real-time monitoring and alerts for unauthorized access attempts, allowing for immediate response and mitigating potential security threats.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Automated user management: PACS allow for automated and centralized user management, making it easy to add, modify, or revoke access permissions. This reduces administrative workload and the risk of errors.

Integration with other systems: Integration with other building management systems helps optimize operations and energy usage, contributing to overall efficiency.

Compliance and audit readiness

Regulatory compliance: PACS help organizations comply with industry standards and regulations by providing detailed audit trails and ensuring that access control policies are consistently enforced.

Audit trails: Detailed access logs and reports facilitate internal and external audits, helping organizations demonstrate compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements.

In what ways can PACS improve operational efficiency for businesses? Can you discuss any cost-saving benefits that enterprises might experience by using PACS?

PACS enable automated management of user credentials, which reduces the need for manual processes. Administrators can easily add, modify, or revoke access permissions remotely, which is especially useful for large organizations or those with multiple locations​.

Users can also manage their own credentials, such as updating passwords or reissuing access cards, through self-service portals. This reduces the administrative burden on IT and security teams.

In addition, integration with IT systems allows for seamless synchronization of access rights with user accounts, ensuring that access permissions are always up-to-date and aligned with user roles and responsibilities​.

How scalable are PACS solutions for growing enterprises?

PACS are highly scalable, making them suitable for growing enterprises. Cloud-based PACS offer significant scalability, allowing businesses to easily add new users, devices, and locations without the need for extensive on-premises infrastructure. This flexibility supports businesses as they grow and expand into new areas​.

Advanced PACS provide real-time data and analytics, which can scale with the enterprise. As the number of access points and users increases, the system can continue to provide valuable insights into access patterns and potential security threats. Centralized dashboards and reporting tools allow administrators to monitor and manage all access control activities across multiple sites from a single interface, enhancing scalability and operational efficiency​.  

What role does HID play in shaping the future of physical access control technologies?

HID plays a significant role in shaping the future of physical access control technologies through our innovative solutions, industry leadership, and strategic initiatives. Here are some key contributions and roles HID is playing:

Innovation in access control technologies

Mobile access: HID is at the forefront of mobile access technology, offering solutions that allow users to unlock doors and access secure areas using their smartphones. This technology supports the growing trend towards mobile-first strategies in enterprises.

Biometric solutions: HID provides advanced biometric authentication systems, including fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning technologies. These solutions enhance security by providing reliable and convenient authentication methods.

Cloud-based solutions

HID Origo™: HID’s cloud-based platform, HID Origo™, provides a scalable, secure, and flexible foundation for integrating various access control and identity management solutions. This platform supports the deployment of connected and smart buildings by enabling centralized management and remote access capabilities.

Integration with IoT: HID is integrating its access control systems with the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing for more intelligent and responsive building management systems. This integration supports the development of smart buildings that optimize security and operational efficiency.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility

HID is committed to sustainability by developing eco-friendly products and solutions. For example, we focus on reducing the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes and promoting the use of digital and mobile credentials to minimize the use of physical materials.

In addition, HID actively participates in and supports green building certifications and sustainability initiatives, which are becoming increasingly important in modern access control systems.

Industry leadership and Standardization

HID plays an active and crucial role in setting industry standards for access control and identity management. The company collaborates with various industry bodies to develop and promote standards that ensure interoperability, security, and best practices.

We also regularly publish research, white papers, and reports that influence the direction of the industry. These publications provide insights into emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in physical access control.

How do you envision the integration of emerging technologies like AI and IoT in the future of physical access control solutions? Please share any recent or upcoming product innovations from HID that you’re particularly excited about? 

HID is a global leader in offering enterprises the integration of employee badges into digital wallets, allowing for convenient, seamless access to the workplace.

The integration of the HID Mobile Access solution with digital wallets simplifies access control to buildings and improves the user experience. Employees are not required to present physical cards but can instead identify themselves to their employers with their smartphone or smartwatch.

Employees only need to activate the badge in their digital wallet and can then gain access to not just their workplace, but also to enabled corporate applications. Besides access control, there are several other applications for the digital employee ID card, including laptops and workstations, secure printing, special access to restricted areas, charging stations and even parking.

Recent customer case studies include:

• Nan Fung Group Introduces HID-enabled Employee Badge in Apple Wallet for Employees and Tenants of its Flagship Building AIRSIDE
• ISPT Enhances Workplace Efficiency and Security via Employee Badges in a Digital Wallet
• Civil Aviation Training Center Thailand Future-Proofs Security With HID® Access Control Solutions

What are the biggest challenges currently faced by the PACS industry, and how is HID addressing them?

The PACS industry faces several significant challenges, including cybersecurity threats, evolving regulatory requirements, technological integration, user experience demands, and the need for scalability. 

We address these issues and trends through incorporating advanced cybersecurity measures in our solutions, ensuring our solutions meet regulatory requirements, and coming up with modular and scalable solutions to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures so as to enable enterprises upgrade and expand their systems without extensive overhauls.

According to HID, what are the top 3 or 5 industry verticals for whom PACS is the most viable option?

The top industry verticals for PACS for HID in India include data centers, commercial and real estate (CRE); as well as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI).