Cloud Access Control Systems: 10 Reasons to Upgrade to Brivo

For decades, commercial security systems remained unchanged. Businesses relied on dedicated servers, complex wiring, and metal keys. However, the modern workplace has evolved, and your security infrastructure needs to catch up.

Today, facility managers are moving away from rigid, on-site hardware in favor of agile cloud access control systems. But with so many options on the market, why is Brivo consistently rated as the superior choice?

If you are currently evaluating your options, you might already know 5 things to consider before getting an access control system, but understanding the shift to the cloud is critical. Here are 10 reasons why upgrading to Brivo access control is essential for your business continuity.

The debate over cloud vs on-premise access control is effectively over. Legacy on-premise systems rely on a local server sitting in your IT closet. If that server fails, your building is vulnerable. Brivo eliminates this risk by hosting your data on secure, redundant cloud servers. This removes the single point of failure and significantly reduces your IT maintenance burden.

Brivo operates on a model known as Access Control as a Service. Instead of a massive upfront capital expenditure for servers and software licenses that essentially depreciate instantly, you pay a predictable subscription fee. This shifts security from a chaotic CapEx cost to a manageable OpEx model, which is preferred by most modern CFOs.

In the era of hybrid work, you cannot afford to drive to the office just to let a contractor in. Brivo solves this with remote door unlocking capabilities. Whether you are at home or traveling, you can unlock any door instantly via the mobile app. This level of convenience is often the primary reason managers switch to the cloud.

Scaling a traditional system is a nightmare. Adding a new location usually means building new server infrastructure from scratch. With Brivo, the door access control hardware is plug-and-play. You can manage one door or a thousand doors across global locations from a single web dashboard.

Before expanding your hardware, it is wise to consult IT support experts to ensure your network is ready for these connected devices.

Your security shouldn’t exist in a silo. The best access control systems are built on open APIs. Brivo integrates seamlessly with other tools you use, such as HR platforms (for automated onboarding) and video security.

For example, integrating cloud video surveillance allows you to visually verify who is entering your doors, creating a unified security ecosystem.

When you compare the costs, cloud access control systems often win on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). By eliminating local servers, reducing energy consumption, and removing the need for expensive manual software updates, the long-term savings are significant.

If you are budgeting for a total security overhaul, you should also compare this with the cost to install commercial video surveillance to get a full picture of your investment.

Cyber threats are evolving. Legacy systems often run on outdated firmware because manual patching is difficult. Brivo pushes automatic security updates over the air, ensuring your system is always defended against the latest threats without any downtime.

When you look at the features—reliability, API integrations, and mobile experience—it becomes clear why many consider Brivo the best cloud based access control solution on the market. It is not just about locking doors; it is about creating a safer, smarter, and more efficient environment for your team.

Conclusion

The shift from legacy hardware to the cloud is inevitable. By adopting Brivo access control, you future-proof your business against security risks and operational inefficiencies.

If you are ready to modernize your facility, upgrading to a cloud-based system is the most impactful step you can take today.