Why Do Modern Businesses Need Physical Access Control Systems?

Have you ever wondered how businesses keep their offices, warehouses, and sensitive areas secure? With crime rates rising in many cities, businesses are constantly looking for ways to protect their property and employees. That’s where physical access control systems (PACS) come in. These systems are helping businesses reduce risks and keep unauthorized people out.

In fact, according to the National Center for the Prevention of Crime, theft and burglary alone cost U.S. businesses over $50 billion every year. But here’s the good news: businesses that use PACS have seen a significant drop in these incidents. A study by the Security Industry Association found that companies using modern access control systems have reduced theft by up to 40%. In this blog post we’ll understand why these systems are becoming essential for modern businesses.

A Physical Access Control System, or PACS, is a security system used to control who can enter certain areas of a building. Think of it as a digital gatekeeper. It ensures that only the right people like employees, visitors, or authorized personnel can enter restricted areas, keeping unwanted individuals out.

These systems are commonly used in businesses, schools, hospitals, government offices, and even residential buildings. They help protect sensitive areas like data centers, offices, storage rooms, and other high-security locations.

A typical PACS is made up of several key parts that work together to manage access:

These are the devices you see at doors where people swipe or tap their ID cards or badges. The card readers read the information on the card and check if the person is authorized to enter. Think of it like the bouncer at a club checking your ID before letting you in.

The locks are connected to the system and can automatically open or stay locked based on whether the person has permission to enter. These locks are usually electronic and can be controlled remotely.

Authentication is how the system makes sure the person trying to get in is allowed. There are different ways to authenticate a person:

• PIN codes: Like typing in a secret password.
• Biometric Scanners: These use things like fingerprints, face recognition, or retina scans to confirm identity.
• Smart Cards: These are cards with embedded NFC chips that communicate with the reader when swiped or tapped.

In today’s world, security is a big concern for businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s protecting employees, data, or physical property, businesses are facing more and more threats that can disrupt their operations and harm their reputation.

Here are a few common security threats that businesses face:

With so much important information being stored digitally, data breaches have become a growing concern. Hackers or unauthorized individuals can gain access to sensitive data like customer information, financial records, or trade secrets, which can lead to serious financial losses and damage to the business’s reputation.

Whether it’s office equipment, inventory, or confidential documents, theft can happen anywhere. Even if the business has security cameras, if the wrong person can get into a restricted area, they can steal valuable items.

Not everyone needs access to every part of a building. For example, a warehouse may have valuable inventory or sensitive company information that only certain employees should access. But if anyone can walk into restricted areas, there’s a higher risk of fraud, theft, or even workplace accidents.

Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) are the perfect solution to these security threats.

Here’s how they help:

PACS make sure that only authorized individuals can enter sensitive areas. Whether it’s through a card swipe, a biometric scan, or a PIN code, PACS verify that the person trying to access the area is allowed to do so. This reduces the risk of unauthorized people wandering into restricted spaces.

PACS not only control access but also log who enters and exits the building and at what times. This means you have a clear record of everyone’s movements, which can be helpful in case of an incident, like theft or a security breach.

By restricting access to certain areas, PACS help ensure that sensitive data is only available to those who need it. This helps prevent data breaches or leaks by making sure only the right employees can access secure information.

By controlling who can enter storage areas, offices, or other high-value locations, PACS reduce the risk of theft. If someone tries to access an area without authorization, the system will either deny access or alert security personnel right away.

When it comes to physical access control, there are a few different types of systems businesses can use. These systems vary in how they work, how they’re managed, and the level of security they provide.

Let’s break down the main types:

Older or traditional systems usually rely on physical keys, magnetic stripe cards, or simple keypads to control access. While they were effective in the past, these systems have some limitations:

• They often require manual management.
• Making changes to user access (like adding or removing someone) can take time.
• They may not offer the same level of security as modern systems.

Cloud-based access control systems are the future. These systems are connected to the internet, meaning you can manage access from anywhere right from your phone or computer. Here are the advantages:

• Remote Management: You can update permissions or lock/unlock doors from anywhere.
• Scalability: As your business grows, adding new access points is easier.
• Advanced Features: Cloud systems often come with features like real-time alerts, reports, and integration with other security systems.
• Higher Security: With encrypted data and more robust authentication methods, cloud-based systems are more secure than legacy systems.

Biometric access control uses unique physical characteristics to verify someone’s identity. Here are a few examples:

• Fingerprint Scanners: One of the most common biometric methods. It scans a person’s fingerprint to grant access. Since every fingerprint is unique, it’s a reliable form of identification.
• Face Recognition: This system scans and identifies a person’s face using special cameras. It’s fast and doesn’t require physical contact, which is great for hygiene and convenience.
• Retina Scans: Less common but highly secure. It scans the pattern of blood vessels in the back of the eye. This is very accurate and hard to replicate.

Smart cards and key fobs are physical devices used to authenticate users. They store access information that can be read by card readers or fob scanners.

These cards contain a chip that stores encrypted data. When you swipe or tap the card near a reader, the system verifies your access.

Similar to smart cards, key fobs are small devices you carry with you. You can tap or wave them in front of a reader to gain access.

With the rise of smartphones, many businesses are now using mobile-based access control. This system uses your smartphone as your “key.”

• How It Works: Instead of carrying a card or fob, you simply use a smartphone app or Bluetooth to unlock doors.
• Convenience: No need to remember a card or fob. You just unlock the door using your phone.
• Security: Many mobile access systems use encrypted signals to prevent unauthorized access. Plus, most smartphones have extra security features, like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning.

As businesses continue to prioritize security in 2025, the demand for advanced and efficient physical access control systems (PACS) is on the rise. From traditional lock-and-key solutions to modern cloud-based systems, the landscape of access control is evolving. Here are the top 5 physical access control systems that businesses are adopting to stay ahead of security threats:

Overview:

HID Global’s Signo Access Control system is one of the leading choices for businesses in 2025. This system combines the power of cloud technology with user-friendly features. It’s designed to provide reliable and scalable security for both small and large enterprises.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based management for remote access and real-time updates.
• Flexible credentials (smart cards, mobile phones, biometrics).
• Advanced encryption for secure communication between devices.

Why It’s Popular:

HID Signo is easy to integrate, highly secure, and flexible, making it perfect for businesses looking for a long-term, scalable access control solution.

Overview:

Kisi has quickly become one of the most innovative cloud-based access control systems available. With a focus on simplicity and security, Kisi offers businesses the ability to manage access remotely through its easy-to-use platform.

Key Features:

• Remote management from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Mobile access through smartphones using Bluetooth and NFC.
• Integration with other security systems and apps.

Why It’s Popular:

Kisi’s mobile-first approach is great for modern businesses that want to offer employees and visitors seamless access while maintaining high levels of security. The cloud-based management allows for real-time updates and ease of control.

Overview:

Paxton10 is one of the most powerful and user-friendly physical access control systems of 2025. It is a complete solution that integrates video surveillance, intercoms, and access control in a single platform, offering businesses a robust security system.

Key Features:

• Video surveillance integration alongside access control.
• User-friendly interface for easy management.
• Scalable system for growing businesses.

Why It’s Popular:

Paxton10 offers a seamless integration of video and access control, which enhances security by providing both access logs and real-time surveillance. This makes it perfect for businesses that need both security monitoring and access control in one system.

Overview:

BioStar 2 by Suprema is a top choice for businesses looking for advanced biometric access control. It focuses on providing highly secure, touchless solutions using fingerprint and facial recognition technology.

Key Features:

• Biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition).
• Cloud-based management for easy configuration and monitoring.
• Advanced reporting and analytics for security management.

Why It’s Popular:

BioStar 2 is an excellent choice for businesses that need high security and want to implement biometric authentication for a frictionless experience. It’s a great solution for industries like healthcare, finance, and government where security is a top priority.

Overview:

Brivo Access is a cloud-based physical access control system known for its simplicity and ease of use. It offers businesses a flexible, scalable solution that can be managed from anywhere.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based management for easy remote access.
• Mobile credentials through a smartphone app.
• Real-time notifications for security events.

Why It’s Popular:

Brivo Access is perfect for businesses that want to manage their access control remotely and easily. Its simplicity, combined with powerful features like mobile credentials and real-time alerts, makes it a favorite for businesses of all sizes.

If you want the best physical access control system in Canada, Spotter Security is here to help. Spotter Security is a security systems service provider with over 20 years of experience in the security industry, helping businesses from various industries protect their sites.
We specialize in security camera systems, access control and alarm system installation, remote camera monitoring, maintenance and management to keep you secure and protected.