The security landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by new technologies that bring new threats. Despite the buzz around smart, connected systems, 72% of professionals say IT and security data remain siloed, increasing risk and limiting agility – especially as both physical and cyber security domains converge. In a hybrid world, with increased compliance pressures and rapid digital transformation, security strategies must adapt — and quickly.

‍

As physical and digital security systems converge, interoperability, system integration, and user experience (UX) are becoming critical to building smarter, safer and more connected workplaces. These trends are, helping IT leaders, facility managers and security professionals break down long-standing silos, enabling a unified approach to access control that improves efficiency, enhances safety and supports a seamless occupant experience.

‍

Why Interoperable Access Systems Are a Smart Move

Building owners are increasingly seeking interoperable, vendor-neutral platforms to build security systems that can scale and adapt to future needs. Closed, proprietary ecosystems limit flexibility and hinder innovation, while flexible systems allow businesses to choose the best-in-class technologies from a variety of vendors – without being locked in with a single vendor.

‍

As cyber and physical systems converge, interoperability is crucial across access points like doors, elevators, lockers, printers, and IT networks. It enables businesses to scale securely and integrate digital and physical security plans. 

‍

Interoperable systems offer measurable benefits such as:

• Greater flexibility: Enabling seamless integration of technologies across vendors, and allowing tailored security ecosystems and rapid deployment.
• Future-ready scalability: Supporting evolving security needs by allowing systems to expand or adapt without costly replacements or overhauls.
• Lower maintenance costs: Allowing integration with existing infrastructure, avoiding forced vendor upgrades, and providing flexibility to choose components that best align with evolving needs.

‍

Making Buildings Smarter By Connecting Access Control to Everything Else

Historically, HVAC, elevator, lighting, and security systems have operated in silos, limiting data flow and reducing the potential to optimize performance and enhance the occupant experience. Today, access control has evolved beyond simply granting or denying access – it has become a valuable source of data that can inform smart building operations.

‍

To create smarter, more efficient spaces, organizations should implement interconnected systems that manage access, energy, environment, and tenant activity through a single interoperable platform. This integrated approach delivers key benefits such as:

• Space utilization insights: Access to data on occupancy patterns, peak usage times, and traffic flow helps facilities teams optimize how spaces are used.
• Energy and cost savings: Automation features like adjusting lighting or HVAC when rooms are unoccupied reduce energy waste and operating costs.
• Centralized operations: A unified view of building systems streamlines management and enhances responsiveness.

‍

‍

As buildings become more data-driven, mobile wallet credentials are playing a key role in driving smarter, more efficient operations. By replacing physical access cards with digital credentials, organizations can drastically reduce provisioning time,  issuing or revoking access in seconds rather than days. This shift not only cuts administrative overhead, but also enhances security and supports the flexibility of today’s hybrid workforce. When integrated into an interoperable platform, mobile wallet credentials help create a seamless, connected experience, from accessing parking garages to elevators to office doors, all with a single device.  

‍

Why UX Matter More Than Ever

Security platforms have traditionally emphasized functionality, which can lead to interfaces that are less intuitive and workflows that are more complex. However, with today's experience-driven workplace, the role of UX in security is becoming increasingly important. 

‍

Today, employees and administrators expect seamless, user-friendly interfaces that simplify processes without compromising security. This shift is evident in several key areas:

• Quicker onboarding & deployment: Reducing onboarding times and simplifying processes with a single credential for the entire organization, applicable across all devices.
• Simple, intuitive interfaces: Providing cloud-based platforms with simplified dashboards, visualized workflows, and mobile-first design to replace legacy systems.
• Behavioral impact: Encouraging safe user behaviors through consistent, smooth interaction that reduces workarounds and human errors.

‍

APIs have long been essential, but their role in unifying access control with enterprise systems is growing rapidly. Access control is increasingly being connected to HR platforms (like Workday), facility apps, and business software (like Salesforce), streamlining processes and improving the user experience. As systems become more complex, intuitive design and effective UX are essential to promote secure behaviors without adding friction. 

‍

Future-Ready Security Is Interconnected and Human-Focused

The future of security is rooted in integration. As physical and cyber threats become more intertwined, the systems designed to manage them must follow suit. This convergence is shifting the role of security professionals from traditional gatekeeper to strategic enablers of operational insight and efficiency. 

‍

To stay ahead, leaders must break down silos between  physical and digital domains, treating access and data as interconnected elements of a unified security strategy. By adopting interoperable technologies, integrating access control  into broader building systems, and prioritizing user experience, organizations can transform security from a cost center into a driver of value.

‍

By 2025 and beyond, the most resilient organizations will be those that embrace security not as a connected, user-centered ecosystem—one that not only protects but also powers smarter, more adaptive workplaces.

‍