Open access control systems are
based on standardised protocols
and interfaces that can easily
integrate with other systems, such
as surveillance, alarms, lighting,
and energy management. In smart
buildings and cities, this is espe-
cially important since technology
must work seamlessly together to
optimise operations and security,
according to Robert Jansson, who
has been an influential voice for
years, advocating for the industry
to move away from proprietary
systems. The development of
increasingly smarter buildings
and cities clearly highlights the
importance of open technology
platforms.
"By using open systems, prop-
erties can unify their technologies
and create a cohesive ecosystem,
facilitating efficient management
of all connected components,"
he says.
Scalability over time
Another advantage, according
to Robert Jansson, is that open
access control systems offer flex-
ibility and scalability, allowing
systems to evolve over time with-
out being locked into a specific
vendor's products.
"Technology is constantly
evolving, so it's crucial to future-
proof systems. If a new system or
function is introduced, it should
be easily integrated without
requiring large and costly replace-
ments of existing infrastructure."
Open systems for security
However, Robert Jansson empha-
sises that the strongest argument
for using open systems is security.
"Security is a cornerstone of
both smart buildings and cities.
With the growing threat of cyber
security, the industry must deliver
open solutions," he asserts.
NIS2 favours open systems
The NIS2 Directive, now being
implemented in the legislation
of EU countries, is another fac-
tor that will force suppliers to
provide open systems, according
to Robert Jansson.
"Open systems are the only
way to keep access control sys-
tems secure over time. You simply
cannot maintain security with a
proprietary system. The pace of
development is just too fast," he
explains.
"That's why many access sys-
tems currently connected to criti-
cal infrastructure will be replaced,
creating opportunities for suppli-
ers whose offerings are based on
open technology," he adds.
The cyber security
threat is a factor
Robert Jansson points to both
existing and upcoming legislation
that imposes stricter requirements
on systems that handle sensitive
information (GDPR) or are con-
nected to critical infrastructure
(NIS2).
"These requirements affect
companies, authorities, schools,
and universities."
Jansson believes that those re-
sponsible for security must recog-
nise that cyber security threats are
constantly present and that access
systems need to be secured.
Even though open systems are a prerequisite for
the development of smart buildings and cities, the
access control industry is still dominated by pro-
prietary technology.
Robert Jansson, Sales Director at Stid, which
develops open card reader technology, explains
why open technology is so important and why Stid
shares its technology with other access control
companies.
"It's important to future-proof access control systems"
Nexus+Stid is a unique solution where mobile virtual smart cards, already used for
digital authentication, are also granted physical access.
Stid Mobile ID is an example of Stid Security's open access solutions for access control.
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Special Feature: Access Control & Smart Buildings
Robert Jansson, Stid, on the need for open systems:
Security is a cornerstone of both smart
buildings and cities. With the growing
threat of cyber security, the industry must
deliver open solutions."