See why access control in the cloud means more manageability and functionality for businesses and more opportunity for you.
Businesses’ and enterprises’ focus on security extends beyond cybersecurity. Physical security is also a top priority as companies strategise on ways to protect data, facilities, and employees. Access control solutions allow your clients to restrict who enters through gates, doors, and other ingresses. However, legacy solutions are limited in their functionality, scalability, and the data they collect. Expanding your portfolio to include cloud-based Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) solutions can provide your clients with more functionality – and provide you with a means to grow your business. Consider these reasons, some for your clients and some for you, to offer ACaaS.
ACaaS Benefits for your Clients
Upgrading from an on-premises system to ACaaS offers your clients several advantages, including:
- Remote Management
It’s common for people to work from home at least a few days per week. Clients with this workforce model need flexibility in their access control systems. ACaaS allows your clients to update their systems remotely so that managers working from home or travelling can update their systems from anywhere they can access the internet. Clients with multiple locations can monitor their offices, facilities, and branches from one place. They no longer need an employee with administrative privileges at each location or travel to issue credentials or modify user profiles.
- Scalability
Your clients need access control systems they can manipulate at the speed of business. For example, when they add new employees or contractors, they need to be able to scale their access control system if they add a new door or an entirely new building. A cloud-based ACaaS system allows quick and easy changes.
- Mobile Access Control
Some ACaaS systems grant access to employees via an app downloaded on their mobile devices. The app then communicates with the door controller. These systems can significantly benefit your clients by reducing their need to invest in hardware and giving them increased flexibility.
- Easy Updates
By moving access control to the cloud, your clients can increase the security of their systems by ensuring that all security updates are completed simultaneously. In addition, all locations can be updated immediately when a patch or upgrade is issued.
- Support for Businesses without Internal IT
Small businesses often lack the staff to manage physical access control systems. Cloud-based systems give them the advantage of 24/7 support that they wouldn’t have – or often, be able to afford – with an on-premises system.
- Integrability with Other Systems
Upgrading to cloud-based access control can also allow your clients to integrate alarm systems, video surveillance and intruder detection into one service, giving them tighter control and fewer systems to manage themselves.
- Budget-Friendliness
As with other “as a Service” offerings, Access Control as a Service replaces a CAPEX with an OPEX. This often puts new technology within reach of businesses with tight budgets. Furthermore, when the vendor issues a new release or enhances a feature, it’s included in the monthly cost, allowing your clients to use the most updated version of their solution.
ACaaS Benefits for Technology Solutions Providers
- A Stronger Managed Services Bundle
ACaaS is a valuable addition to a managed services offering. If you already provide solutions like remote monitoring and management (RMM), Video Surveillance as a Service, and backup and disaster recovery (BDR), adding ACaaS to your portfolio can make you a one-stop shop for your clients.
- Stickier Relationships
The more your customer relies on you, the less likely they will abandon you for another provider. You strengthen your relationship when your customer depends on you for multiple services.
- More MRR
Selling a potential customer a legacy access control system will earn you one-time revenue. But selling that same customer ACaaS will help you build your monthly recurring revenue stream.
Don’t Wait
Cloud-based access control systems offer your clients a wide range of benefits. Moreover, selling Access Control as a Service will strengthen your relationship with those clients, making you an invaluable asset to their business while simultaneously growing your own.
If you work with businesses with legacy access control systems or those looking for comprehensive solutions to secure new locations or facilities, offering ACaaS is a logical move.