Mercury Security unveils trends “transforming” access controller technology

Posted to Products on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Share:

MERCURY SECURITY, the developer of access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, which is based on a survey of over 450 security professionals operating across North America and Europe.

The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies, but also connects with readers to verify user credentials ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities.

With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders.

Key trends

The key trends reshaping physical access controller design and selection include ‘security-first’ thinking, mobile and cloud integration, reliability being non-negotiable, backward and forward compatibility and interoperability/open architecture.

‘Security-first’ thinking

90% of respondents suggest that staying aligned with cyber security standards is essential. More than 71% cite advanced protection – ie secure boot, OSDP and cryptography – as a top decision driver

Mobile and cloud integration

55% seek controller compatibility with other credentials, including mobile credentials. Over half (52%) report cloud enablement as being critical for scalability, real-time monitoring and remote management

Reliability is non-negotiable

63% of respondents rank reliability and uptime as the most important criteria in controller selection, far outweighing cost or feature specifications

Backward and forward compatibility

86% require controllers that support long-term infrastructure planning through compatibility with past and future systems

Interoperability and open architecture

76% cite interoperability with mixed-device environments as being essential, underscoring the shift toward flexible, standards-based systems

Emerging role of Artificial Intelligence

The report also explores the emerging role of AI and edge computing in controller performance, as well as the growing integration of access data with building operations.

*Read the 20-page document entitled ‘2025 Trends in Access Controllers Report: How Modern Challenges Are Influencing Technology Innovation’ in full online

**Further information is available online at www.mercury-security.com