Access control is one of the top priorities for any security company. There are three primary ways of going about securing businesses against unwanted physical access. This article will discuss on-premises access control, access control as a service (ACaaS), and hybrid access control to help business owners decide which is the best fit for their companies.

When to Choose On-Premises Access Control

On-premises access control is one of the oldest forms of securing a business using technology. This solution involves installing and managing all IT systems, including access control infrastructure, on-site. It gives businesses maximum control over their data and allows them to manage specific needs.

On-premises access control is most appropriate for businesses operating within strictly regulated industries like government, public safety, energy, or critical infrastructure. These industries are subject to very rigorous data safety regulations, and on-premises access control offers maximum security.

In addition to maximizing security and minimizing risk, on-premises solutions are highly customizable. It’s relatively easy to implement different hardware configurations and software integrations, alter user interface preferences, and fine-tune systems to accommodate distinct requirements and regulations.

When to Choose ACaaS

Access control as a service, also referred to as cloud-based access control solutions, stands at the opposite end of the spectrum from on-premises solutions. With this kind of system, both the access control software and the data it accrues are hosted off-site on remote cloud servers. The advantages of this approach are that it enables systems administrators to oversee installations from anywhere and eliminates the need for physical infrastructure.

ACaaS makes it easy to manage different sites using a centralized solution, which helps to ensure both consistency and efficiency. Administrative tasks like adding and removing users, updating permissions, and monitoring activity all become simpler, creating greater visibility over the network of different locations.

Cloud-based access control systems aren’t just appropriate for businesses with multiple sites. Even if there’s just one location to control, the combination of low maintenance, automatic updates, and low upfront costs make ACaaS appealing for businesses in less-regulated industries.

When to Use Hybrid-Cloud Deployment

In many cases, a hybrid-cloud deployment offers the perfect middle ground between an expensive and complicated to maintain on-premises system and a fully cloud-based solution. Hybrid-cloud deployment combines the benefits of both environments.

Organizations that choose this structure will be able to retain their most sensitive data on-site to maximize control and minimize risk. However, they’ll also be able to leverage the accessibility and scalability of ACaaS in other ways by managing some aspects of system maintenance off-site.

As the organization grows, resources can be dynamically adjusted to maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements while simultaneously optimizing cost efficiency. Hybrid-cloud solutions can thus be considered appropriate alternatives for almost any organization, even if the company is operating within a highly regulated industry.

The Bottom Line on Choosing an Access Control Strategy

There is no one solution that’s perfect for every company. Some organizations need the maximum security of an on-premises system. Others can afford to prioritize cost-cutting measures associated with ACaaS. For most businesses, the optimal solution lies somewhere in the middle ground of hybrid-cloud environments.