For decades, plastic cards and fobs were the norm. Today, our mobile devices have become our wallets, our keys, and our primary tools for work. This shift is driving the growth of mobile access control as businesses look for more flexible ways to manage their sites.
Industry adoption of mobile access control is rising rapidly. Recent reports show 13% of organizations now use fully mobile solutions. The result? Modern security management is creating better staff experiences and standards of protection. Gallagher Security provides integrated solutions that help you move into this mobile-first world.
Key Takeaways:
- Industry adoption is shifting fast, with 13% of organizations using fully mobile solutions today.
- Traditional cards are easily cloned or lost, whereas mobile credentials use FIDO-certified encryption and biometric checks ensure only the right person enters.
- Gallagher’s Command Centre allows guards to manage alarms while on patrol, and the Mobile Evacuation feature can account for every person on site within minutes.
What is Mobile Access Control?
Mobile access control uses a smartphone or a wearable device as a digital credential. Instead of tapping a physical card, you use the technology already in your pocket to gain entry. These devices interact with readers using Bluetooth Low Energy or Near Field Communication
This isn't a standalone system that requires you to rip out your existing setup. Usually, you deploy digital access alongside your current infrastructure. This allows you to support both physical cards and mobile credentials at the same time. Gallagher's Mobile Connect App is a great example of this. It lets administrators issue and manage credentials digitally, saving time and reducing the need for physical hardware.
Key Benefits of Mobile Access Control
Moving to a mobile-led strategy offers real advantages for both the business and the user. It simplifies the daily routine and removes many of the friction points found in older systems.
A Better User Experience
People rarely forget their phones, but they often forget their access cards. Using a smartphone for entry makes the journey into the office much smoother. Users don't need to carry multiple fobs or hunt through a bag for a badge. They just use their phone.
This convenience also leads to major efficiency gains. You no longer have to spend hours printing, issuing, or replacing lost plastic cards. Plus, most people are already comfortable using apps and digital wallets. This familiarity makes the onboarding process intuitive for new staff.
How Mobile Access Control Can Improve Security
It's a mistake to think that physical cards are always safer. Standard cards are easy to lose, share, or even clone. Mobile credentials can reduce some risks associated with traditional cards because people tend to notice a missing phone immediately.
Secured mobile devices offer layers of protection that a plastic card cannot provide. Gallagher Mobile Connect uses FIDO open standards, which is a globally recognized method of trusted authentication. When correctly configured, you can use optional multi-factor authentication or biometric verification like Face ID, a fingerprint, or a PIN. This ensures that the person holding the device is actually the person authorized to enter.
Real-time management also makes a huge difference. If a staff member leaves or a device is lost, you can revoke access instantly through your management platform. While some pros worry about phone battery failure, the ability to disable a credential remotely provides a level of control that physical keys simply can't match.
The Role of Mobile Access Control in Modern Security Management
Mobile solutions work best when they're part of an integrated platform. When you link mobile credentials to Gallagher Command Centre, you get a clear view of access events as they happen. This gives you better visibility across your entire operation.
Administrators can use the Command Centre Mobile App to manage security issues from anywhere on site. Whether your staff are on guard or on patrol, the app allows them to spend more time away from their desk while still maintaining complete awareness. You can search cardholder details, manage alarms, and even capture cardholder photos directly from the mobile app.
This tech also improves safety during emergencies. The Mobile Evacuation feature allows operators to move cardholders into access zones and view counts in monitored areas. This helps generate accurate evacuation reports and ensures everyone is accounted for during a muster.
Why Digital Access Control is Here to Stay
We're seeing a clear trend toward the future of security management. Digital access control is no longer a choice for most businesses. It's a necessity driven by both user demand and strict compliance needs like the NIS2 Directive.
Technology Trends Driving Adoption
The growth of digital wallets has changed user expectations. We now expect to use our phones for payments and travel, so using them for office access feels natural. Plus, many businesses now use enterprise mobile device management to secure company phones. This makes it easier to roll out mobile security solutions across a large workforce.
These trends are showing up in every sector. We see it in corporate offices, universities, and healthcare facilities. New tools like AccessNow and Command Centre Web allow you to enroll and manage cardholders from any device with an internet connection, whether it's a PC, tablet, or phone. This makes security management truly location-independent.
How Gallagher Supports Mobile-first Security Strategies
Gallagher provides the tools you need to build a mobile-first strategy. The Mobile Connect app and our digital credentials integrate with Command Centre and existing readers. This means you can upgrade your security without a total system overhaul.
Our solutions are designed to evolve. We provide ongoing updates to ensure our technology keeps pace with changes in mobile hardware and software. We act as a partner to help you plan a mobile strategy that fits your needs. We help you move at your own pace while ensuring your architecture remains robust.
Getting Started with Mobile Access Control
Yes, reader upgrades require an initial investment. But the long-term ROI is clear through reduced card reissues and streamlined admin. Here is how to begin your transition.
- Audit Hardware. Check if your current readers support Bluetooth or NFC.
- Review Policies. Ensure mobile and network policies support digital credentials.
- Map Identity Flow. Plan how existing management systems will issue mobile keys.
- Target High-Value Zones. Identify specific buildings or user groups where mobile access provides the most immediate benefit.
- Phase the Rollout. Start with a pilot group to refine your processes before a site-wide launch.
Next Steps Toward Modern Security Management
Mobile access control is the future of security management. It helps you improve the user experience while supporting stronger security controls. When implemented thoughtfully, it aligns your security with your broader digital strategy.
It's time to move beyond the limitations of plastic cards. A mobile-first approach gives you the flexibility to adapt as your business grows. It provides the data and control you need to manage your site effectively in an increasingly digital world.
Contact Gallagher or a Gallagher channel partner today to explore a mobile access strategy for your organization.