The Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) market is growing. MarketsandMarkets predicts the access control market will grow from $8.6 billion in 2021 to $13.1 billion by 2026, a CAGR of 8.7 percent. MarketsandMarkets stated that businesses with multiple locations looking for a way to centralize access control operations are a driving force behind the growth.
Additionally, the cloud services market is growing at a 19.9 percent CAGR, and managed services are growing at a 13.4 percent CAGR.
Increased demand for access control and cloud and managed services are setting the stage for more Access Control as a Service implementations. These offerings move access control management from on-premises systems to the cloud, allowing companies to scale and control access remotely.
Top service-based platforms are designed to be similar to on-site deployments. For example, ACaaS uses existing access control panels, readers and credentials but shifts management to a cloud-based platform.
This design allows for less overall adjustment to a training regimen for deploying and managing these systems for the integrator and end-user teams.
Additionally, managed services providers (MSPs) can remotely monitor for changes in functionality for the access control devices on the network to ensure they’re all up and running. As a result, installation is also easier, troubleshooting is more straightforward, and response times are faster – and for the integrator or MSP, remote monitoring saves the time and money associated with a truck roll to an offsite location.
How ACaaS Works for the End User
In addition to centralizing access control for organizations with multiple facilities, ACaaS also provides businesses with the following:
- Cost Savings: The SaaS model allows less reliance on internal IT departments for deploying and managing an access control system. There are also upfront cost savings in deploying a service-based model rather than making a CAPEX for an entire system.
- Network Security: Cloud-based access control is often more secure than security a business puts in place for an on-premises system. Cloud hosting providers use state-of-the-art security, often far beyond what a company can afford to deploy on its own.
- Remote Management: SaaS services can be managed by an end user’s team from anywhere and at any time. Through the platform, they can manage permissions to delegate business control from simple cardholder management to full administrative powers.
- Trading a CAPEX for an OPEX: SaaS allows end users to scale their systems as they add cardholders and locations and avoid significant capital investment in on-premises equipment, upfront software licensing or server and workstation costs.
Keys to Success
One essential factor in ACaaS success is communication with your customer’s IT department. However, their expertise may not include access control, so it’s crucial to take a consultative approach and educate your clients throughout the process.
If you are shifting to ACaaS from on-premises systems, it’s also vital for your business to address changes in invoicing, sales commissions and pricing structures. Again, the right ACaaS vendor partner can help you transition to the new model and successfully launch this part of your business.
Never a Better Time Than Now
Businesses’ demand for cloud and managed services are creating opportunities for you to provide Access Control as a Service solutions. Seize this chance to help secure your clients’ facilities, streamline access control management, and grow your business in the process.
