The way we interact with buildings is changing rapidly. Across offices, hospitals, schools, and universities, access control has become a cornerstone of modern physical security. Smart physical security systems are driving this shift, offering solutions far beyond traditional keys and locks.
For security leaders, staying ahead of these advancements is essential. The Cook & Boardman Group, supported by its network of integrators and partners, combines cutting-edge technology with industry expertise to deliver innovative, future-ready solutions.
As we look ahead to 2025, here’s how smart access control is shaping the future and the trends to watch.
Why Smart Access Control is More Than a Trend
While trends often come and go, proven approaches establish lasting standards that set the bar for excellence. Smart access control has swiftly evolved from a cutting-edge innovation into a foundational element of modern building security.
In 2024, 48% of organizations identified contactless solutions as a leading trend, with 44% highlighting mobile access as a priority and 39% already utilizing mobile identities. This trend underscores a strong commitment to modernizing security infrastructure.
And we can see it taking shape in major industries:
Commercial Property Management
Cloud-based access control is transforming how property managers oversee multiple locations. By leveraging innovative technology, these systems enable better oversight and coordination across properties.
Simplifying visitor management.Automating tenant access.Creating safer, more efficient commercial environments.
Cook & Boardman Insight: To stay competitive, property managers should invest in scalable, secure, and easy-to-manage access control solutions. Prioritizing systems that integrate with existing tools like video surveillance and energy management creates a unified ecosystem that boosts security, efficiency, and cost savings.
Example of Smart Access Control in Property Management
Modern access control systems are changing the way facilities teams oversee operations, providing enhanced convenience and security for both tenants and staff. Operationally, this translates into:
- Tenants remotely granting temporary access to visitors or service providers.
- Facilities teams monitoring access activity in real-time.
- Resolving issues promptly and managing operations across multiple properties.
- Integrating access control with tools like smart intercoms for seamless entry.
The result is a safer facility and stronger security posture that empowers the entire organization.
Healthcare Facilities
In healthcare environments, where protecting sensitive areas is paramount, smart access control systems vastly improve security protocols. Just consider the unique security and safety demands hospitals face.
Sensitive zones like pharmacies, operating rooms, ICUs, and areas containing patient data require precise access management to ensure only authorized personnel can enter at the right times. This level of control not only safeguards resources but also helps facilities comply with strict regulations.
Additionally, 72% of healthcare workers report encountering violence, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures. For security teams, adopting smart access control is a practical, impactful way to improve both safety and operational efficiency.
Examples of smart access control in healthcare:
- Restricting access to pharmacies to ensure only authorized personnel can handle medications.
- Controlling access to operating rooms
- Managing access to patient data to comply with HIPAA regulations and protect patient privacy.
- Using mobile credentials to allow staff to access different areas of the hospital without carrying multiple keys or cards.
- Integrating with video surveillance to provide a comprehensive security solution that can monitor and record activity in sensitive areas.
Cook & Boardman Insight: Healthcare facilities should prioritize solutions that integrate mobile credentials with video surveillance, providing staff flexibility while enhancing monitoring in sensitive areas.
Educational Institutions
With over 97% of schools already using some form of access control, it’s no surprise that schools and universities are increasingly adopting smart solutions to safeguard students and staff while maintaining an open, welcoming environment.
Proactive campus security teams are leading the charge, implementing smart access control systems across the country. Examples include:
- Using mobile credentials to grant students access to buildings and dorms via smartphones.
- Deploying lockdown systems to secure classrooms and buildings during emergencies.
- Integrating access control with video surveillance to monitor activity and deter threats.
- Assigning role-based access levels for students, faculty, and staff.
These solutions not only enhance security but also create safer, more efficient campuses where students and educators can thrive.
Creating Safer, Smarter Spaces
By now, it’s clear to see that smart access control systems enhance how organizations approach physical security. The benefits of safety, operational efficiency, and adaptability are undeniable.
Yet, for physical security teams, gaining leadership buy-in for these advancements can still be a challenge. A critical question every organization should ask when evaluating their security posture is:
Does our current system provide the flexibility, scalability, and real-time insights needed to address evolving threats and operational demands?
Regardless of the answer, one thing is certain: the future of access control is smart, adaptive, and interconnected. With trends pointing toward continued innovation, access control will remain a cornerstone of modern security strategies in 2025 and beyond.
Access Control 2025: The Three Big Trends Transforming Physical Security
Security demands are changing, and access control systems are advancing to keep pace with modern facility needs. From leveraging cloud technology to embracing mobile credentials, these trends are shaping the way organizations protect their spaces and streamline operations.
Here’s what to expect in 2025:
Cloud-based solutions will continue elevating access management
It can not be overstated just how fast cloud-based solutions are reshaping access management. With more and more businesses using or considering smart access control, these systems are rapidly becoming the standard for modern security operations.
In 2025, expect to see more:
Integration with AI and IoT to provide predictive analytics and automate routine security tasks.Adoption in multi-site enterprises, enabling real-time oversight from a single platform.Seamless updates and enhancements rolled out remotely to stay ahead of emerging security challenges.
These solutions not only simplify access control but also improve collaboration among teams, allowing businesses to respond faster to security incidents and adapt to growing demands with ease.
But it's not just about simplifying access. It's about empowering teams to work together seamlessly, respond faster to security incidents, and adapt to whatever challenges come their way.
Mobile credentials will redefine convenience and security
The rise of mobile credentials is changing the way people engage with access control systems, with 77% of usage increasing nearly tenfold in the past two years and 80% of American universities already adopting or planning to implement them. l, this technology is quickly becoming the new standard.
In 2025, expect even greater innovation, including:
- Elimination of physical cards, significantly lowering the risk of lost or stolen credentials.
- Broader use of NFC and Bluetooth technologies for seamless, contactless access.
- Environmentally friendly practices, as reliance on plastic cards continues to decline.
This shift goes beyond convenience. Mobile-enabled access simplifies credential management, allowing administrators to instantly update permissions from anywhere. It empowers teams with greater control and flexibility, setting the stage for a smarter, more secure future.
Real-time monitoring will continue driving proactive security operations
Modern access control systems have evolved from reactive tools into proactive security solutions. Real-time monitoring empowers organizations to detect and respond to threats as they happen, providing critical insights to prevent unauthorized access and address vulnerabilities before they escalate.
In 2025, expect to see more:
- Instant alerts for unauthorized access attempts or system anomalies, enabling rapid response.
- Advanced tracking and analysis of usage patterns, enhancing decision-making and security strategies.
- Immediate lockdown capabilities, ensuring swift action during emergencies.
By leveraging real-time monitoring, businesses can maintain a proactive security posture that mitigates risks, enhances operational efficiency, and instills confidence among employees and stakeholders. This approach transforms security from a reactive measure to a strategic advantage.
Take the Next Step Toward Smarter Access Control
Smart access control systems are setting a new standard for security, efficiency, and adaptability. As we approach 2025, advancements like cloud-based solutions, mobile credentials, and real-time monitoring are helping organizations stay ahead of evolving challenges and prepare for the demands of the future.
Cook & Boardman leads this transformation with integrated access and security solutions tailored for commercial properties, healthcare, and education. Our offerings include commercial doors, frames, hardware, electronic access control equipment, and specialty products designed to meet the unique needs of each facility.
Partnering with Cook & Boardman means adopting technologies that not only enhance security today but also position your organization for success in 2025 and beyond. These solutions enable smarter, safer, and more efficient environments to be built to adapt to future demands.
Cook & Boardman Insight: Keeping your access control database updated can be complex and time-consuming. Many organizations trust The Cook and Boardman Group's Managed Services team to remotely manage their systems on secure, dedicated AWS servers. This reduces your workload, minimizes liability, and ensures top-tier uptime.
