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By Rob Lydic, President of Wavelynx
As we look ahead to 2025, the access control industry is poised for significant transformation. Emerging technologies and shifting organizational needs will drive changes in how digital and physical security are managed, pushing the industry toward greater collaboration, standardization, and seamless integration.
In turn, security leaders must proactively adapt to these developments to ensure robust protection and operational efficiency. Let’s explore how these trends are unfolding and what lies ahead.
Convergence of IT and Security: The CIO-CSO Partnership
The traditional divide between CIOs and CSOs is disappearing as IT and security functions increasingly converge. Historically, these areas operated in silos, each focusing on distinct priorities. However, the growing interconnectivity of access control systems and identity management demands a more unified approach.
Physical access control solutions and mobile wallet credentials require seamless integration of both physical and digital security. Security and IT teams can no longer work independently—cross-departmental collaboration is essential. This shift will drive the development of policies and systems that address security holistically, covering both cyber and physical threats. An employee’s digital identity is no longer just a username and password—it encompasses biometric data, behavioral analytics, and role-based access privileges. These digital identities must work seamlessly with physical security systems, such as card readers, biometric scanners, and mobile credentials, to provide a unified and secure access experience.
For organizations, this collaboration will mitigate risks associated with cyber threats and physical security breaches. As access technologies become more complex, CIOs and CSOs must jointly develop comprehensive security frameworks. This alignment will standardize access control systems, promote industry best practices, and reduce reliance on proprietary solutions, leading to more adaptable and scalable security infrastructures.
The Push for Industry-Wide Interoperability
A major challenge in today’s access control landscape is the lack of standardization. Many organizations rely on outdated, proprietary systems that create operational silos, limit compatibility, and introduce security vulnerabilities. However, by 2025, the demand for interoperable, standardized solutions is expected to accelerate.
Security leaders are recognizing the hidden costs of proprietary systems, such as integration difficulties and security gaps. Standardization will streamline operations, simplify management, and ensure future readiness. It will also enable security integrators to deploy solutions that function seamlessly across different platforms and environments.
For end-users, the shift toward interoperable solutions standards means greater flexibility and long-term scalability. Organizations will no longer be locked into rigid, vendor-specific systems, allowing them to adopt emerging technologies without extensive overhauls.
Software-Driven Access Control: The Future of Integration
In 2025, the access control industry will increasingly shift toward seamless, software-driven integration. Automation and efficiency are becoming top priorities, and software will play a pivotal role in managing security systems.
Organizations are demanding intuitive software solutions that unify security products, replacing fragmented, hardware-dependent systems with scalable, software-based alternatives. Access control will extend beyond physical barriers like locks and keycards to encompass integrated, AI-powered systems capable of dynamic access management.
This transition will enhance user experience, streamline access management, and improve operational efficiency. Real-time monitoring, automated access adjustments based on role and risk assessment, and AI-driven security enhancements will reduce manual intervention, allowing security teams to focus on strategic priorities.
As software becomes the backbone of access control, investment in development and integration expertise will be critical. Security teams must collaborate with IT to ensure system security and compatibility with broader IT infrastructure, including identity management and cybersecurity frameworks.
Looking Beyond 2025: Access Control into the Mainstream
The access control industry is transforming, driven by increased CIO-CSO collaboration, a push for standardization, and the rise of software-driven automation.
To stay ahead, organizations must embrace these advancements and develop strategies that foster integrated, efficient, and intelligent access management. The future of access control will be defined by greater automation, enhanced security, and cost-effective solutions that drive business resilience and protection.
Security leaders who adapt to these trends will be well-positioned to navigate the evolving threat landscape while optimizing security operations for the digital age.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rob Lydic is the President of Wavelynx, a leading provider of secure, and interoperable access control solutions. As a seasoned executive and thought leader in the security and access control industry, he has over 25 years of experience driving innovation and growth. His strengths are demonstrated in building partner ecosystems, launching groundbreaking technologies, and scaling businesses. Rob’s career highlights include leading global sales efforts and pioneering the development of the open LEAF ecosystem for secure credentials and devices. Passionate about fostering collaboration and advancing security technology, he continues to be a key influencer in the industry