The strategic evolution of mobile access control in UK security
What are the implications of the move from plastic keycards to phone-based access control systems? Is this just a technological upgrade or a more significant change in how organisations approach security?
The UK security landscape is experiencing a fundamental transformation as organisations increasingly abandon traditional plastic keycards in favour of smartphone-based access control systems.
This shift is particularly evident in the commercial real estate sector, where mobile access control solutions offer greater intelligence, flexibility, and convenience, whilst delivering enhanced security. Rather than simply being a technological upgrade, this represents a strategic evolution in how UK businesses approach security infrastructure.
The security risks with plastic access cards
Traditional plastic access cards present significant security risks that mobile solutions effectively mitigate. Unlike our phones, which have become essential personal items, access cards are frequently treated as disposable afterthoughts – easily lost, forgotten, or carelessly shared with colleagues. Consider the everyday reality: most people instinctively check their smartphone dozens of times daily and feel genuinely anxious when separated from it, yet that same plastic access badge often gets forgotten in yesterday’s jacket pocket or left behind on the kitchen counter.
When physical cards go missing, the security implications extend far beyond inconvenience. Lost credentials create immediate vulnerabilities, requiring emergency lockouts, temporary access arrangements, and urgent replacement procedures. Meanwhile, the missing card could potentially be exploited by unauthorised individuals for days or weeks before the loss is even reported.
The benefits of mobile credentials
Mobile credentials eliminate these risks entirely. When access control is integrated into the device people already guard most carefully – their smartphone – the likelihood of credential loss drops dramatically. The embedded security features within smartphones themselves, such as biometric authentication, encrypted storage, and real-time credential management, provide additional protection layers that plastic cards simply cannot match.
When a mobile device is compromised or lost, administrators can instantly revoke or update credentials remotely through cloud-based platforms. This capability provides immediate response to security incidents, contrasting sharply with the delays inherent in traditional card replacement processes.
The technology operates through two primary communication standards that ensure broad compatibility and security. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) offers flexible interaction ranges, whilst Near-Field Communication (NFC) provides secure close-proximity authentication similar to contactless payment systems. Both standards support iOS and Android devices, ensuring comprehensive compatibility across diverse organisational environments. Today, most modern systems also support digital wallets, further integrating access control into users’ daily digital routines.
Operational benefits drive adoption
The operational advantages of mobile access extend well beyond security enhancement. Centralised identity management simplifies onboarding procedures and access provisioning, particularly valuable for organisations with multiple locations. Security teams can manage credentials remotely, eliminating physical card distribution logistics and associated costs. Real-time reporting capabilities enable comprehensive monitoring of access activities, providing valuable insights for security audits and compliance requirements. This data-driven approach allows organisations and building managers to analyse occupancy patterns, optimise security protocols, and make informed strategic decisions.
Environmental considerations
With sustainability increasingly influencing UK business decisions, mobile access helps them to significantly reduce their environmental footprint, as it eliminates plastic card production and distribution. This aligns with green certification requirements including LEED and BREEAM, and other environmental standards increasingly valued by UK property owners and tenants. The subscription-based model of mobile credentials, whilst representing a shift from one-time card costs, often proves more cost-effective when considering the total cost of ownership, including card replacement, shipping, and administrative overheads.
Successful mobile access deployment requires careful planning and stakeholder alignment. Unlike traditional access control decisions typically handled by single departments, mobile access necessitates collaboration across IT, security, HR, and facilities management teams.
Organisations must evaluate whether existing access readers support mobile credentials or require upgrades, as some legacy systems may need replacement to accommodate new technologies. Understanding workforce device preferences – whether iOS, Android, or mixed environments – influences implementation strategy and user adoption rates.
Integration requirements present another critical consideration. Seamless integration with existing security systems, HR platforms, and building management systems ensures optimal functionality and user experience. Mobile access systems must also meet relevant UK regulations and industry standards, including data protection requirements under UK GDPR and sector-specific compliance mandates.
The future landscape
Mobile access control represents a critical component of modern security frameworks. According to the 2025 State of Security and Identity Report, 37% of organisations are already implementing mobile credentials, with another 32% planning deployment. The technology’s alignment with digital transformation initiatives, sustainability goals, and user expectations positions it as an essential element of future-ready security strategies.
Advanced features such as identity positioning are transforming the sector by providing anonymised real-time occupancy data. This evolution transforms access control from purely security-focused systems to comprehensive building intelligence platforms, enabling integration with HVAC systems, workplace applications, and space optimisation tools. Such capabilities allow facilities managers to automatically adjust lighting and climate control based on real-time occupancy data, creating smarter, more efficient buildings.
UK organisations considering mobile access should adopt a strategic approach encompassing comprehensive stakeholder consultation, infrastructure assessment, and phased implementation planning. Success requires selecting experienced technology partners offering proven expertise, future-proof solutions, and comprehensive support capabilities.
The transition to mobile credentials represents more than technological advancement – it signifies a fundamental shift towards smarter, more sustainable, and efficient security infrastructure.
Organisations embracing mobile access now will be better positioned to adapt to evolving security requirements, regulatory changes, and user expectations in the increasingly digital landscape transforming the region. As workplace dynamics continue to evolve and security threats become more sophisticated, mobile access control offers the flexibility and intelligence needed to maintain robust security whilst supporting modern business operations.
Jaroslav Barton
Regional Product Marketing Manager
PACS Europe,
HID Global
