Access control systems play a crucial role in securing today’s organizations, and choosing the right system is essential. In the market, you’ll find two distinct categories: proprietary and open or non-proprietary access control systems.
Understanding the difference between these options is vital for making an informed decision that aligns with your organization’s needs and goals.
What is a proprietary access control system?
Proprietary access control systems are hardware solutions that are exclusively compatible with the provider’s software. While some may argue that dealing with a single provider is convenient, the risks associated with proprietary systems are significant. Legacy proprietary systems are vulnerable to cyber and physical threats, putting both the access control system and the entire organization at risk.
What is a non-proprietary access control system?
On the other hand, non-proprietary access control systems offer an open architecture platform. This means you have the flexibility to run software and hardware from different providers, providing scalability and cybersecurity benefits. With a non-proprietary system, you can reuse existing hardware and wiring and easily expand or downsize your physical security architecture as your needs evolve.
The term “non-proprietary” can refer to different aspects of an access control system. Firstly, it means that you can procure and service the system from various sources, such as integrators. Unlike integrator-exclusive brands, non-proprietary solutions are available through multiple integrators, allowing you to avoid being locked into a single supplier.
Integrators play a vital role in providing multiple open architecture solutions. This empowers end users to select the hardware and software that best suit their specific needs. The advantage of this approach is that it eliminates the need to replace the entire infrastructure when switching software or access control hardware vendors.
Secondly, non-proprietary solutions offer the freedom to choose software and hardware components from different manufacturers. In the past, manufacturers typically enforced compatibility between their software and hardware. However, the industry is shifting, and software manufacturers are increasingly working with multiple access control manufacturers, giving users more options and flexibility.
Lastly, non-proprietary systems have the capability to integrate with third-party devices, including intrusion detection systems, asset tracking software, and human resources platforms. This integration allows for a comprehensive and interconnected security ecosystem.
Choosing between proprietary and non-proprietary
In today’s interconnected world, flexibility and adaptability are essential for access control systems. By choosing a non-proprietary access control solution, you can future-proof your organization, accommodate growth, and seamlessly integrate new applications into your infrastructure. Embracing an open architecture approach ensures that your access control system can evolve with your needs and keep up with industry trends, ultimately enhancing your overall security posture for the long term.