Access Control Trends for 2026

1. Touchless entry and access technology. – Top of the list for achieving safety and convenience in high traffic public and commercial spaces. Touchless entry eliminates the need for physical contact or credentials at the door. Increased growth over this year with improved physical signal and motion sensing, enhanced mobile experiences and biometric technologies.
2. Remote management and security. – Remote security’s primary benefit is that it allows organisations to maintain flexibility regardless of where their teams are located. With anywhere access, teams no longer have to worry about time wasted during critical security events. User permissions and door schedules can be adjusted at any time, with those changes taking effect immediately.
3. Unified security systems. – The move towards unification is driving access control hardware consolidation. Instead of separate readers, cameras and intercoms, the market is shifting towards all-in-one devices. Modern access control readers often include built in cameras, video intercom and two-way audio, streamlining installation and data.
4. AI-powered automation. – While AI-enabled security cameras may not necessarily replace human verification, they can be invaluable in helping security teams know where to focus their efforts and when to act. Data from integrated systems can be analysed and provide key insights into an organisations operations. This helps teams more quickly identify anomalies, triggering specific workflows or processes.
5. Cybersecurity and data privacy. – Organisations are increasingly aware that a breach in their access control network is just as dangerous, if not more so, then a physical security breach. A hacker who gains remote access could unlock every sensitive door in a facility simultaneously.  Implementation of secure credential provisioning to prevent cloning is paramount. Protecting access credentials from theft is a core pillar of workplace security.
6. Multi-factor authentication. – Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is becoming increasingly popular due to its increased security and reliability. MFA in physical access control requires multiple types of authentication prior to gaining entry. This makes it more difficult for unauthorised users to gain access to buildings or networks.
7. Cloud-based systems. – According to the report, cloud-based security and access control solutions are scalable since they allow organisations to control multiple sites from a central location. There are security risks involved so the thinking is that the future of access control lies in hybrid cloud systems.
8. Data-driven insights for workplace optimisation. – By analysing detailed occupancy patterns over time, organisations can gain a clear, objective picture of how their buildings are being used. Such data provides authoritative insights into which spaces are most used and peak usage times. With this information smarter decisions can be made. Transforming the physical security system into a strategic asset for driving operational efficiency.

link to full article in NZ Security Magazine