Access control systems, along with physical security strategies, are how organizations manage who enters their facilities, when, and under what conditions. Whether it's a corporate office, warehouse, school, or hospital, access control protocols are the essential ingredient for protecting people, assets, and data. In a time of heightened security risks, effective access credentials are no longer optional, they are a vital part of any organization's infrastructure.

Why Access Control Matters

Access control solutions prevent unauthorized entry by verifying identity before allowing access to a building, room, or secure area. By restricting access to only approved staff or students, organizations can significantly reduce risks related to theft, vandalism, and facility safety. The key method used with access control systems help enforce safety protocols while safeguarding both physical and digital assets.

Real-Time Monitoring & Audit Trails
Modern access control software provides detailed logs of every entry and exit, offering valuable visibility into activity across the facility. These audit trails support investigations, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and add layers of accountability—particularly important in industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Operational Efficiency & Scalability
Access permissions can be managed and updated remotely, allowing organizations to onboard new employees, restrict access to former staff, or modify credentials with ease. Integrated systems can be scaled to accommodate additional locations or access points without overhauling the entire infrastructure, making access control a cost-effective long-term solution.

Traditional Credential Methods

For decades, organizations have relied on physical credentials such as magnetic stripe cards, proximity (prox) cards, smart cards, and mechanical locks. Prox cards use RFID to communicate with readers and are simple to deploy, while smart cards offer enhanced security with encrypted memory and multi-functional capabilities.
 
Common Use Cases for Traditional Access Cards
Traditional access cards like proximity and smart cards are commonly used for access control in a variety of environments where convenience, moderate security, and administrative flexibility are important. Common use cases include:

• Office Buildings: Access cards manage passage through to main entrances, specific office suites, elevators, and parking lots, enabling employers to set different permissions for employees or visitors.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Only authorized staff are permitted into sensitive areas such as medication storage, patient wards, and data rooms, enhancing patient safety and privacy.
• Schools and Universities: Proximity cards provide controlled, auditable entry to classrooms, administrative offices, dormitories, and labs, improving campus security while simplifying management as student populations change.
• Retail and Hospitality: Restricted access to stockrooms, employee areas, and kitchens is enforced through the use of proximity cards by authorized personnel in stores, hotels, and restaurants.
• Industrial and Warehousing: Proximity cards mediate access to warehouses, manufacturing floors, equipment rooms, and loading docks, restricting entry to trained and credentialed staff.
• Government and Sensitive Locations: Proximity cards support tiered security for different departments or zones, with the ability to quickly activate or deactivate credentials for various personnel, including visitors and contractors.

What’s the Difference Between Proximity and Smart Cards?
Here are the basic differences between two popular access card options:

Proximity Cards
The microchip embedded within a proximity card has only one function: to provide the prox card reader with the card’s identification number and/or site facility code number so it can be verified with a remote computer. Many access control systems only read the identification numbers and do not require the available memory that is present in a smart card. Prox cards are mainly used for door access.

Smart Cards
A smart card can provide identification, authentication, and store information on the card because of the microchip and memory which is embedded within the smart card. Smart cards have three main functions: authentication, storing personal information, storing values.

The memory on a smart card can be programmed for time and attendance tracking in workplaces, uses as a cashless payment in cafeterias or parking lots, or as a pre-paid membership card.

While these traditional access control methods and card types are still used loyally today, new considerations have given way for innovative new solutions to enter the access control space.

• Lost or stolen cards may compromise security
• Issuing plastic credentials generates ongoing costs
• The use of plastic cards results in environmental waste when the cards are put out of circulation

Emerging and Growing Trends in Access Control Methods

Mobile Credentialing
A noteworthy shift in the access control landscape is the adoption of mobile credentials. This form of access allows users to unlock doors using their smartphone instead of a plastic card. The HID 2025 State of Security & Identity Industry Report—which gathered data from 1,800 security and IT professionals worldwide—highlights that over 80% of organizations are already using or plan to implement mobile access in the near future—with 60% citing mobile identity as an access control top trend. Though mobile credentialing is growing and digital solutions have gained popularity, physical credentials prove to still be necessary for many use cases.

Mobile Credential Benefits

• Convenience: Since users nearly always have their mobile device on them, they are less likely to forget or lose a smartphone than a physical badge. In addition, searching and retrieving a physical card while toting other bags or accessories only heightens frustration.
• Security: Most mobile credentials are encrypted, and can even require biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, adding a second layer of identity verification making it more difficult to duplicate.
• Flexibility: Credentials can be issued, updated, or revoked remotely and on-demand—ideal for hybrid work environments or multi-site operations—streamlining onboarding and reducing administrative headaches.
• Touchless Access: Reduces surface contact and improves hygiene—an important consideration post-pandemic.
• Sustainability: HID’s report reveals that mobile credentials are also seen as a driver of sustainability, reducing the need for plastic badge production and disposal. The report notes that 75% of security leaders now factor sustainability into solution selection.

Mobile Credential Considerations

While mobile credentialing is a favorable access method, organizations implementing this solution should prepare for important considerations:

• Device dependency and backup processes: as a contingency plan for staff and visitors unable to use a mobile credential via smartphone, a visitor kiosk or temporary badges should be readily available.
• Privacy and data protection: If biometric scanning is tied in, consider associated privacy concerns requiring user data to be properly encrypted and managed under proper regulations.
• Interoperability and integration: Make sure to choose platforms that integrate with existing access control infrastructure.
• User training and support: Adoption is smoother when users understand how to use mobile credentials and troubleshoot basic issues.

Eco Friendly Physical Cards
Since sustainability is influencing business decisions more than ever, eco-friendly access cards are emerging as a valuable way to reduce waste without compromising security. There are now sustainable card options that are fully compostable and made from recycled PVC, solutions made from sustainably sourced bamboo, and cards made from PVC blends with lower carbon footprints. For example, EcoPass proximity and smart cards reduce single-use plastics by 85% and they are 100% recyclable at the end of their life.

Eco-Friendly Access Card Benefits

• Support Sustainability Goals: Eco cards help reduce plastic use and carbon emissions associated with traditional badge production. Whether part of an ESG initiative or green building certification (like LEED), sustainable ID materials contribute to broader environmental efforts.
• Maintain Performance Expectations: Retain the same size, function and readability and traditional proximity cards.
• A Cost-Effective Transition: Many eco cards are designed to work with current proximity and smart card readers and systems, eliminating the need for new hardware and infrastructure.
• Create a Positive Image: Visibly using green solutions communicates a commitment to sustainability—an increasingly valuable criteria for employees, customers, and stakeholders.
  Eco-Friendly Access Card Considerations
• Security Requirements: When choosing any new access control solution, it should always be vetted to ensure it meets read range, durability, and encryption requirements.
• Compatibility: While most eco-friendly cards tend to be compatible with existing systems, confirmation of usability is always recommended.
• Choose a Reputable Partner: Buyers should ensure that the supplier offers clear specifications about their eco-friendly access cards, confirming recycled content and material sourcing.

Though mobile credentialing is growing and digital solutions have gained popularity, physical credentials will still be necessary for many use cases. By transitioning to greener physical cards like EcoPass or HID Seos Bamboo, organizations can maintain secure access while taking tangible steps toward environmental responsibility.

Product Comparison: Access Control Methods

Proximity Cards

Security Level: Moderate
Convenience: High
Cost: Low/Medium
Auditability: Trackable if digital
Manageability: Moderate
Scalability: High
Key Limitations: Vulnerable to cloning if weak encryption

Smart Cards

Security Level: High
Convenience: Moderate/High
Cost: Medium
Auditability: Detailed and Secure
Manageability: Moderate (needs readers)
Scalability: High
Key Limitations: Higher initial cost, reader dependency

Magnetic Stripe Cards

Security Level: Low
Convenience: High
Cost: Very Low
Auditability: Minimal
Manageability: Easy but insecure
Scalability: High
Key Limitations: Easy to duplicate, wears out quickly

Wireless Wi-Fi Locks

Security Level: Varies (moderate to high)
Convenience: Very High
Cost: Medium/High
Auditability: Event logs often robust
Manageability: Remote/centralized
Scalability: Excellent
Key Limitations: May be hackable, power/network dependency

Mobile Credentials

Security Level: High
Convenience: Very High
Cost: Medium
Auditability: Fully auditable
Manageability: Centralized, flexible
Scalability: Excellent
Key Limitations: Requires smartphones; privacy/user buy-in

Conclusion

Access control keys are a vital component of any modern security plan, offering a powerful combination of safety, accountability, and operational control. While traditional credential methods like prox and smart cards still serve many organizations well, emerging technologies such as mobile access and eco-friendly credentials are rapidly shaping the future.

As mobile credentialing and sustainability initiatives gain momentum, security decision-makers should evaluate how these trends can be integrated into their long-term roadmaps. With the right strategy, access control can do more than secure doors—it can support a smarter, safer, and more adaptable enterprise.

Need help finding the right modern access control solutions for your operations? Contact us to talk to a Levata Access Control Specialist today.