Trusted identities bridge gap between connected workers and smart buildings

Trusted identities can serve as the backbone for smart buildings and today’s connected workforce, according to a new study conducted by IFSEC Global.

The study focused on how the access control infrastructure combined with trusted identities can connect disparate systems for enhanced monitoring and a better user experience as people enter and move around buildings, access various systems and consume building services.

According to the report, 85 percent of respondents are aware that identities can be connected across multiple systems and devices, and more than 60 percent believe that having everything on one ID card or mobile device will provide operational efficiencies.

More than half have already connected their building systems to access control applications, and converging systems can even be a factor in deciding to upgrade the access control infrastructure.

Top applications include integrated logical access, AV conferencing, elevators, secure print, locks for interior draws and racks and HVAC control.

Key findings

• 63 percent define their building as “smart” to at least some degree, a 13 percent increase as compared to a 2016 IFSEC Global report on smart buildings.
• 60 percent of access control systems are already integrated with other buildings systems.
• Roughly the same percentage believe that system integration is hugely beneficial for user convenience while adding value to existing systems.
• 51 percent of respondents have already integrated time and attendance systems.
• 45 percent cite asset tracking as the most likely system to be integrated in the future.
• System integration can also be a trigger for access control upgrades – at least 40 percent cited converged physical and logical access as a decision factor.
• Other top upgrade triggers include enhanced security (65 percent), multi-factor authentication (46 percent), and multiple ID form factors, such as mobile devices and cards (41 percent).
• Two-thirds of respondents believe that IT and facilities/security management teams need to work together more closely when buying, installing and using new technologies.

Internet of Things

Another finding from the study is the growing awareness of the Internet of Things (IoT), with 86 percent of respondents either “very aware” or “modestly aware” of the IoT. For a more connected workplace, trusted IDs can help organizations take a first step towards integrating building systems by securing, customizing and enhancing IoT applications that help connect people, places and things.