Top trends shaping access controller technology, according to Mercury Security's latest report
The 2025 Trends in Access Controllers Report, published by Mercury Security, provides insights into the key trends shaping the design and selection of physical access controllers. The survey, based on responses from over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe, offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of access control systems.
## Key Trends
### Security-first thinking
Security remains a top priority, with 90% of respondents emphasizing the importance of aligning with cybersecurity standards. Advanced protection features, such as secure boot, Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), and cryptography, are top decision drivers for more than 71% of respondents [1][5].
### Mobile and cloud integration
The report underscores the growing importance of mobile and cloud integration in access control systems. Compatibility with various credentials, including mobile credentials, is sought by 55% of respondents. Over half (52%) consider cloud enablement critical for scalability, real-time monitoring, and remote management [1][5].
### Reliability is non-negotiable
Reliability and uptime are paramount for controller selection, with 63% ranking them as the most important criteria, surpassing cost or specific features [1].
The report also highlights the emergence of AI and edge computing in controller performance. Additionally, 72% of respondents consider the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design.
## The Role of HID and Mercury Security
The report underscores the crucial role of HID, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand, in this evolving landscape. HID powers the trusted identities of people, places, and things, enabling safe transactions, productive work, and free travel. With millions of people around the world using HID products and services for everyday life, and billions of things connected through HID technology, the brand is at the forefront of identity solutions.
Mercury Security, founded in 1992, is a leader in access control innovation with over 30 years of expertise. Committed to open architecture, Mercury Security offers a future-proof platform ensuring seamless interoperability between leading software and technical solutions.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID has over 4,500 employees worldwide, operating international offices that support more than 100 countries. The company works with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses, and innovative companies.
In conclusion, the 2025 Trends in Access Controllers Report provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of access control systems. The report underscores the importance of security, mobility, and reliability in the design and selection of physical access controllers, reflecting a shift towards more secure, adaptable, and integrated access control systems that prioritize both physical security and cybersecurity.
- In light of the 2025 Trends in Access Controllers Report, the need for access control systems to align with data-and-cloud-computing standards and incorporate advanced technology, such as cloud enablement and mobile integration, has become crucial for over 52% and 55% of respondents, respectively.
- The report also reveals that while security remains the top priority (90% of respondents), technology plays a significant role in controller performance, with 72% of respondents regarding the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, underscoring the growing importance of cybersecurity.
