08 Jul Five trends transforming access control in 2025
The access control landscape is constantly changing, driven by technological advances, evolving security requirements and increasing expectations from users.
From design-conscious entrance control gate customisation and integrations with the latest technology, to contactless authentication and gates made with sustainability in mind, we’ve compiled five key trends to help you keep up to date with state-of-the-art access control.
These trends are reshaping how organisations approach security and are worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a new installation or considering an upgrade to your building’s existing security.
Design-conscious customisation
Gone are the days when security meant compromising on style. Today’s speedstiles seamlessly integrate into architectural designs and complement a building’s visual identity, rather than being an obvious security barrier.
Custom finishes, corporate branding and tailored dimensions allow your entrance control gates to become an extension of your brand and bring your architect’s vision to life.
All the sensory details matter and play a role in creating optimal design. Wing lights can match your building’s lighting scheme, audio signals can be tuned to complement rather than clash with ambient sounds and barrier heights can be optimised to find the sweet spot between security standards and visual impact.
Our EasyGate range of speedgates supports this trend with extensive stylistic customisation options. Many models allow the use of deluxe cladding materials like elegant marble, warm timber and contemporary Corian, plus we can source any material required to match your floor, ensuring your speedstiles complement their surroundings perfectly.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression on visitors to your location. So why not deploy a bespoke design approach that transforms necessary security into a stylish welcome which reflects your professionalism and attention to detail?
Seamless technology integration
Modern speedstiles are embedded elements of smart buildings, not simply standalone security devices. Sophisticated installations allow entrance control systems to communicate with lift systems, security networks and building management platforms.
Integrating destination lift control systems prioritises people’s time by intelligently allocating the closest available elevator, speeding up access to their destinations and eliminating unauthorised entry.
Modern authentication technology like RFID readers, QR code readers and biometric readers can be integrated into speedstiles to offer user-friendly contactless access, which is essential after the advent of Covid-19.
When entrance control systems are integrated with building management platforms they can interact with fire alarms, security alarms, lighting systems, communication networks and CCTV.
Our EasyGate range is designed to integrate with a host of third-party systems and become a key team player in the interconnected environment of your smart building.
Contactless authentication
The shift toward contactless authentication has evolved beyond pandemic-driven hygiene concerns to become the expected standard of convenience for modern facilities.
Biometric solutions have evolved from fingerprint scanners to sophisticated palm recognition and facial identification systems. These technologies allow authorised users to gain access with a wave of their hand – no cards to forget, no codes to remember and no physical contact required.
EasyGate accommodates the latest authentication technologies, from traditional RFID and proximity cards to QR codes, mobile credentials and advanced biometrics.
Installing a gate that has the flexibility to support various authentication methods simultaneously allows you to transition gradually towards your preferred method while accommodating different user preferences and security requirements.
User experience focus
While security is the prime concern when it comes to access control, convenience comes in a close second – daily users of controlled spaces value seamless verification and entry processes.
Visual guidance systems have become sophisticated, with colour-coded access lights providing confirmation that access is granted. Options include wing lights on barriers, passage lights on top of pedestals and lane lights. Edge lights on the side of pedestals can also be used to represent brand colours or enhance the aesthetic experience.
From another sensory angle, audio signals can work in tandem with visual signals to guide guests through, ideally at just the right volume not to overpower the soundscape of the entrance or exit area.
The user experience extends beyond the physical interaction to encompass the entire entry journey. From approach and authentication to passage and onward movement, every element should feel natural and welcoming while maintaining security integrity.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
The business case for sustainable entrance control includes reduced operational costs, compliance with environmental regulations, and alignment with corporate sustainability goals. Many organisations now include environmental impact assessments in their procurement processes, making efficiency and sustainability competitive advantages rather than optional features.
Magnetic direct drive motor technology used in Entrance Control’s products avoids energy-intensive power systems while providing maintenance-free operation that maximises the lifecycles of our products.
Sustainability considerations extend beyond operational efficiency to encompass manufacturing processes, supply-chain management, and end-of-life recyclability. At Entrance Control, our products are made in a factory that draws half of its power from solar panels mounted on its roof, using materials that are up to 99 per cent recyclable.
The future of access control lies in solutions that seamlessly blend security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal while supporting integration with smart building systems and sustainability objectives.