Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are the backbone of the economy, yet many still rely on outdated security technologies like magnetic stripe systems. These legacy solutions expose businesses to vulnerabilities and fail to meet the demands of today’s digital world. Recognising this gap, HID is championing a transformative approach to making high-security access control accessible and affordable for SMBs. In an exclusive interview, HID’s European Sales Director Matt Haynes explains how the company is redefining access control for smaller enterprises.
Democratising Advanced Security for SMBs
A significant proportion of SMBs still depend on legacy access control technologies. While many understand the risks, the perceived cost and complexity of upgrading can be daunting. HID is addressing this challenge by introducing solutions like the HID Signo Express Readers, which combine advanced security features with affordability.
“These readers, when paired with our Seos credentials, offer SMBs an accessible entry point to modern access control,” explains Haynes. Seos credentials are a game-changer, providing robust encryption and multi-factor authentication that far surpasses the security of legacy technologies. What’s more, they bridge the gap between physical and digital access, ensuring businesses are future-proofed for evolving security needs.
HID’s solutions also cater to the unique constraints of SMBs. The compact, versatile design of the Signo Express Readers allows seamless integration with existing infrastructures, reducing the need for costly overhauls. “It’s all about minimising disruption and cost while enabling a gradual migration to high-security solutions,” says Haynes. “System integrators play a pivotal role in this transition, designing tailored solutions that align with SMB budgets while maximising security. They often face the challenge of managing a wide variety of access control solutions in the SMB space. By leveraging the Signo Express range, they can standardise their reader and credential offerings across numerous systems. This not only ensures best-in-class security but also delivers efficiencies and simplifies standardisation.”
The Cloud Revolution in Access Control
The shift towards cloud-based solutions has revolutionised how businesses manage access control systems, and SMBs stand to benefit significantly from this trend. HID’s cloud-enabled platform, HID Origo®, exemplifies how cloud technology is transforming access control.
“HID Origo allows SMBs to manage mobile credentials remotely, eliminating the need for extensive on-site IT infrastructure,” notes Haynes. Paired with Signo Express Readers, businesses can achieve a seamless, high-security solution that is both cost-effective and easy to manage.
Cloud platforms bring unparalleled scalability to SMBs. Businesses can add new users, locations, or credentials with minimal effort as they grow. Haynes highlights that this adaptability is critical in an era where agility is key to staying competitive. Over the next five years, HID anticipates cloud solutions will become a cornerstone of SMB security strategies, enabling real-time monitoring, automated updates, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving threats.
System integrators are again instrumental in this process, ensuring SMBs can adopt cloud-enabled solutions without exceeding their budgets. By offering enterprise-grade security through the cloud, HID helps SMBs build systems that are as resilient as they are scalable.
Building a Layered Defence
Security for SMBs isn’t just about deploying the latest technology—it’s about creating a cohesive, layered defence that integrates seamlessly with existing measures whilst providing a future proof solution that can adopt new features and updated security as the marke evolves. HID has designed its solutions with this principle in mind, offering tools that complement and enhance existing security investments.
The Signo Express Readers and Seos credentials form the foundation of this strategy. “Seos credentials provide robust encryption and support multi-factor authentication, offering a first line of defence that SMBs can trust,” explains Haynes. The readers themselves are compact and versatile, ensuring businesses can upgrade security without requiring significant IT expertise or resources.
Integration is a key focus for HID. The Signo Express Readers are designed to work in tandem with other security measures, such as video surveillance and alarm systems, to create a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. This synergy not only maximises prior investments but also provides enhanced protection against diverse threats.
System integrators play a critical role in designing and implementing these integrated systems. By understanding the specific needs of each SMB, they can recommend the optimal combination of HID technologies to address vulnerabilities without unnecessary complexity or cost.
Empowering SMBs for the Future
HID’s commitment to SMBs goes beyond providing advanced technologies—it’s about levelling the playing field. By offering affordable, scalable, and user-friendly solutions, the company ensures that smaller enterprises can achieve the same level of security as larger organisations.
“Our goal is to ensure no business, regardless of size, is left behind when it comes to implementing high-security solutions,” says Haynes. Through innovative products like the Signo Express Readers and Seos credentials, coupled with the power of cloud technology, HID is enabling SMBs to build a strong security foundation that meets today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s demands.
As the security landscape evolves, so must the solutions protecting SMBs. HID’s efforts to democratise access control underscore a broader mission: to make advanced security accessible, ensuring that all businesses, big or small, can thrive in an increasingly security-conscious world.