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“Open” is one of the most overused — and misunderstood — terms in access control. Walk through any industry trade show or read any product brochure and you’ll see it everywhere. But when every solution claims to be “open,” the word loses meaning and customers are left to navigate a maze of semi-compatible systems and incomplete integrations.
At its core, open access control is defined by adherence to industry standards. Open protocols like OSDP for secure reader communication, BACnet for building automation and MQTT for IoT are foundational to creating interoperable systems. These protocols establish a universal language, allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly without the limitations of proprietary systems.
However, true openness goes far beyond just protocols — it’s about offering real choice and flexibility. The strategic value of open architecture is the ability to integrate hardware, software and cloud services from different vendors and platforms rather than being artificially limited by proprietary boundaries. As a result, organizations can tailor the solution to their specific needs and adapt as new technology emerges. It requires long-term commitment to an environment where hardware, software and cloud services can work together across vendors, products and platforms.
Defining Openness in Access Control
An access control system built on open architecture creates a framework that supports broad interoperability across the full stack — edge devices, security controllers, software platforms, APIs and cloud environments.
Open doesn’t mean “anything goes.” It means consistent, secure and predictable interfaces that third parties can reliably build on. It requires well-defined SDKs and a structured developer ecosystem that enables rapid innovation without compromising security or stability. In access control, openness benefits from a controlled approach — providing APIs and tools to verified partners to ensure secure integration, maintain system integrity and prevent misuse that could introduce vulnerabilities.
Why Integration Matters More Than Ever
Security infrastructures are no longer isolated. They’re complex ecosystems that include access control, video surveillance, identity platforms, building management systems, IoT sensors and cloud services. These elements need to work together and the glue that holds them together is integration.
According to recent research by Mercury, 76% of access control professionals cite interoperability as a critical requirement. As organizations grow increasingly reliant on hybrid systems and distributed architectures, the ability to integrate is a baseline expectation.
Additionally, flexibility helps protect system investments by avoiding costly rip-and-replace cycles. Open architecture enables gradual upgrades, modular deployments and long-term scalability without starting over every few years.
The Economic and Strategic Value of Openness
Beyond technical flexibility, open architecture delivers tangible business benefits. By supporting multi-vendor environments, organizations can choose best-of-breed components rather than being locked into a single supplier. This competition fosters innovation, improves quality and reduces costs.
Open systems also make it easier to respond to change. Whether that’s integrating a new biometric reader, adding mobile credential support or connecting to a cloud-based identity platform, an open controller should provide the hooks to plug in and scale without disruption.
And because truly open platforms don’t rely on proprietary connectors or closed software stacks, they’re easier to maintain and future-proof. Organizations can shift strategies, vendors or technologies without rebuilding the entire infrastructure.
Enabling Intelligence at the Edge
New edge computing capabilities are a natural extension of the open-architecture vision. By pushing processing capabilities closer to the access point, edge-enabled systems reduce latency, support real-time decision-making and maintain continuity during network interruptions.
An open access control platform supports edge functionality by allowing third-party applications to run directly on controllers, integrating tightly with local sensors, readers and devices while maintaining compatibility with broader cloud and enterprise systems. This decentralization reinforces both security and flexibility, making edge computing a key part of an open, future-ready access control strategy.
Openness and Security: Not a Tradeoff
Some hesitate at the word “open,” associating it with increased risk. But openness and security are allies. In fact, the transparency and standardization that come with open architecture are key to building robust, secure systems.
Open protocols like OSDP support encrypted communication between readers and controllers. Published APIs allow for secure, audited integrations rather than ad-hoc connections. Modular architectures with signed apps and containerized environments give organizations control over what runs in their systems without compromising performance or reliability. These capabilities support secure, structured and standards-driven interoperability.
A Win-Win Approach to System Design
For system integrators, consultants and end users, the takeaway is clear: ask harder questions. If a vendor claims to be “open,” dig deeper. Do they support industry protocols? Can their controllers interface with third-party software and hardware without costly customization?
Look for evidence of real openness — support for non-proprietary interfaces, flexible upgrade paths and developer engagement. In access control, this represents a long-term strategy that determines how well a system will serve you over time.
In access control, the ability to integrate across technology solutions has become critical to security, flexibility and investment protection. True integration is only possible with a foundation of open architecture. As systems become more complex and expectations grow, the ability to integrate securely and flexibly is what sets future-ready platforms apart. At the end of the day, openness refers to specific technology characteristics, but it’s also an ethos focused on delivering freedom of choice, resilience in the face of change and the ability to innovate without limits.
Learn more about how Mercury embodies the principles of open architecture. Talk to an expert today.
