Enterprise access control systems have undergone rapid transformation since 2019, driven by advancements in technology and evolving cybersecurity threats. Organizations now demand solutions that combine security, scalability, and user convenience to protect sensitive data and physical assets effectively. This article provides a detailed review of the top seven breakthrough access control solutions that have revolutionized enterprise security in recent years.
The conceptual shift toward zero trust security models has pushed vendors to innovate beyond traditional badge readers and passwords. Contemporary solutions integrate biometric authentication, AI-driven analytics, and cloud management capabilities to deliver enhanced security protocols. These technologies help enterprises thwart unauthorized access attempts while simplifying administrative overhead.
This review evaluates each solution’s key features, technological innovation, scalability, and user experience to provide rankings that reflect their impact and suitability for modern enterprises. Wherever possible, references to expert reviews, vendor documentation, and customer feedback will be cited to support the insights presented here.
Kisi has gained prominence for pioneering cloud-managed mobile access control systems that eliminate the need for traditional keys or cards. Using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies, employees can unlock doors via smartphones, enabling flexible and granular access management. Since 2019, Kisi has expanded its integrations with various enterprise IT ecosystems, including G Suite and Okta, enhancing centralized identity management.
The platform’s dashboard provides real-time analytics and remote control features, allowing administrators to grant or revoke access instantly and monitor entry activity from any location. Kisi’s cloud infrastructure reduces installation complexity and supports scalability for large multi-location enterprises.
According to a 2022 review by Security Today, Kisi offers an intuitive user interface and strong security features while maintaining competitive pricing compared to traditional systems. However, it requires reliable internet connection, which might be a limitation in certain environments.
Genetec’s Security Center is a comprehensive security suite that integrates access control, video surveillance, and license plate recognition into a single platform. Since 2019, Genetec has enhanced its Security Center with advanced AI capabilities for video analytics and automated threat detection.
The platform supports open architecture, allowing enterprises to use various hardware devices and scales efficiently from small businesses to global corporations. Its unified approach enables security teams to conduct incident investigations faster due to synchronized access logs and video footage.
Industry experts like CSO Online highlight Genetec’s flexibility and robust reporting features. However, the solution demands significant initial setup and may require specialized training for optimal use, which may not suit all organizations.
HID Global remains a leader in secure identity solutions by extending access control into the IoT realm. Post-2019, HID introduced multi-factor authentication systems that combine traditional credentials with biometrics and mobile push notifications, enhancing enterprise security resilience.
The company's solutions leverage cloud services and mobile device management integrations to reduce administration complexity and enhance end-user convenience. Additionally, HID focuses on improving user privacy through encrypted communication protocols and tamper-resistant hardware.
Gartner reports commend HID Global for its continuous innovation and wide industry certification, making it suitable for sectors such as healthcare, government, and finance where regulatory compliance is critical.
Openpath revolutionized enterprise access control with its introduction of touchless and proximity-based smartphone access technology. Their system leverages encrypted Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to enable hands-free unlocking, a feature that gained significant importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The platform offers cloud-based management with comprehensive audit trails and integrates well with other enterprise software solutions like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. Enterprises benefit from easy deployment without the need for wiring extensive physical infrastructure.
TechRadar’s 2021 review praised Openpath for its focus on user experience and modern design but noted that its reliance on mobile devices could pose challenges in low connectivity areas or among users without compatible smartphones.
LenelS2’s OnGuard platform continues to innovate with AI-driven analytics and scalable architecture catering to large, complex enterprises. Post-2019 developments have added facial recognition technology and behavioral biometrics to improve threat detection accuracy and reduce false alarms.
The platform consolidates access control, video surveillance, and alarm monitoring, allowing security personnel to swiftly respond to incidents. OnGuard supports integration with a variety of hardware, providing flexibility in system design tailored to organizational needs.
Security Magazine highlights OnGuard's advanced AI features and customizable workflows as advantages, though the system's complexity requires robust IT support and investment in employee training.
Brivo has established itself with a cloud-native access control platform enhanced by AI functionalities like facial recognition and anomaly detection. Since 2019, Brivo’s AI-powered alerts assist security teams by highlighting unusual activity quickly, which improves response times.
The vendor emphasizes seamless mobile app experience for users and administrators, supporting remote access management and system monitoring. This makes Brivo especially popular among small to medium-sized enterprises seeking scalable solutions without heavy infrastructure.
According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, Brivo is recognized for its innovation in cloud security, though some users report occasional latency issues in regions with poor connectivity.
SALTO Systems focuses on wireless smart lock technology combined with cloud-based management to deliver flexible enterprise access control. Their patented WireFree technology allows battery-powered locks to communicate wirelessly, reducing installation efforts and costs.
SALTO integrates well with existing security infrastructure and supports a variety of credential types, including mobile keys, RFID cards, and PIN codes. Recent innovations include advanced encryption and cybersecurity protections compliant with GDPR and other regulations.
SecurityInfoWatch highlights SALTO’s ease of installation and energy-efficient solutions. However, some enterprises may find the system less suitable for extremely high-security environments requiring biometric verification or multi-factor authentication.
While the above seven represent the most impactful solutions since 2019, several emerging technologies are beginning to influence enterprise access control. Blockchain-based access control platforms promise decentralized authentication with enhanced tamper resistance, revolutionizing trust models.
Edge computing integration allows access control systems to process data locally, minimizing latency and improving response times in high-security or disconnected environments. Additionally, AI-powered behavioral biometrics continue to evolve, providing non-intrusive and continuous authentication methods.
These innovations signify the next wave of breakthroughs in enterprise security, complementing existing solutions and addressing complex security challenges shaped by evolving workplace dynamics and cyber threats.
Since 2019, enterprise access control has witnessed groundbreaking transformations fueled by cloud computing, AI, biometrics, and IoT technologies. The top seven solutions reviewed here—Kisi, Genetec Security Center, HID Global, Openpath, LenelS2 OnGuard, Brivo, and SALTO Systems—demonstrate diverse approaches to creating safer and more flexible access environments.
Enterprises looking to upgrade their security infrastructure must evaluate their specific needs, such as scalability, integration capabilities, user experience, and regulatory compliance before selecting a solution. Given the rapid pace of innovation, staying informed about emerging technologies and adopting flexible architectures will be key to future-proofing access control systems.
For more detailed technical specifications and user reviews, prospective buyers should consult vendor resources and independent security evaluations such as Gartner, Frost & Sullivan, Security Today, and CSO Online.