Top 4 Transition Strategies for Upgrading to Modern Access
Evolving legacy readers and credentials can feel overwhelming, but ensuring your access system is modern, secure, and future-ready is vital to truly protecting your people and assets. It’s easy to assume that your legacy technology is “good enough,” but it may not meet today’s security standards. With a strategic approach, you can upgrade seamlessly—whether it’s a complete system overhaul or phased improvements—ensuring your organization stays ahead with reliable, modern solutions.
What is a Transition Strategy?
A transition strategy is a strategic approach to upgrading your access control system. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, a transition strategy adapts to your unique situation—whether you're ready to upgrade everything at once or prefer to transition in stages. By using a strategy, you can minimize disruption, manage budgets more efficiently, and ensure your security systems stay up-to-date with modern technology.
Here are the most common transition strategies we see when businesses are upgrading. These four strategies are a great starting point - but your strategy will be tailored to your business's unique needs. We can craft the perfect plan for you in your free transition strategy consultation.
#1 Rip and Replace All at Once
Scenario: You’re overhauling an existing system, upgrading both readers and credentials simultaneously. You are getting rid of all legacy tech and replacing it with modern, secure tech all at once.
Recommendation:
- Install secure readers that have the ability to read multi-technology credentials (smart 13.56KHz, Bluetooth Low Energy, and NFC). Utilizing a reader with multiple credential technologies allows you to standardize on secure smart card physical credentials and gives you the flexibility to migrate to NFC or BLE mobile credentials in the future (or right away.)
- Utilize OSDP communication from your reader to the control panel. If you’re removing old devices with Wiegand wiring, ensure that the new reader can communicate OSDP over that wire to the control panel and that the control panel is OSDP enabled as well. OSDP is a standard protocol that allows for encrypted communications between reader and controller. In addition to being more secure, OSDP simplifies updates by allowing for bi-directional communication and remote updates to the system.
With the Accelerate Program, this full-scale evolution becomes more cost-effective, helping you upgrade to modern technology without breaking the bank.
#2 Credentials First, Then Readers
Scenario: Budget constraints or existing systems might require upgrading credentials first, followed by readers later.
Recommendation: Start by transitioning to dual-tech credentials that are compatible with your current proximity readers. Once all credentials are updated, begin installing secure 6WS readers.
Things to consider: the time it takes to issue new badges across your employee population, the location of those employees & the potential disruption this may cause. While this may be a cost effective way to move forward, keep in mind that proximity based badges can still be cloned and read on those proximity devices, posing a potential threat.
#3 Readers First, Then Credentials
Scenario: When it makes sense to upgrade readers first, leaving credential upgrades for later.
Recommendation: Install tri-technology -7WS readers that can still read legacy proximity credentials. Disable CSNs if your legacy credentials are dual-tech. Once all readers are transitioned, upgrade to high-frequency credentials and disable low-frequency reads.
#4 Readers and Credentials Simultaneously, Slowly
Scenario: You’re ready to transition both readers and credentials at the same time, but don’t have the budget to replace your entire system at once. This transition takes place over months or years.
Recommendation: Use tri-tech 7WS readers along with dual-tech credentials for a seamless transition. Disable CSNs on legacy systems to prevent reading incorrect IDs. Once fully transitioned, disable proximity on the readers to maximize security. With the Accelerate Program, this dual upgrade becomes more affordable, easing the financial burden of evolving both readers and credentials together.
With Wavelynx’s transition strategies, upgrading your access control system is smoother, more efficient, and tailored to your specific needs. Our Accelerate Program makes it easier and more cost-effective, giving you one free reader for every 20 wallet credentials purchased, ensuring a budget-friendly path to modern access control technology.
Interested in chatting about transition to modern access control? Schedule your free transition strategy consultation with Wavelynx.
.png)
