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For years, access control relied on static hardware — fixed-function controllers that required costly upgrades to support evolving security needs. Today, embedded applications transform access control into a software-driven, adaptable ecosystem.
Modern systems can reduce response times by enabling real-time controller processing, operating independently of network connections and seamlessly integrating with IoT and enterprise platforms. The Mercury embedded application environment drives this shift, allowing organizations to deploy custom applications directly on controllers while maintaining security, performance and interoperability.
A Shift to Software-Driven Security
Traditional access control focused on hardware, but advancements in IoT, AI-driven security analytics and cloud-based monitoring have made software a central component. The Mercury embedded application environment enables controllers to run custom software, update functionality remotely and process security events on-site. This approach reduces latency, enhances security and eliminates the need for constant reliance on cloud services.
Edge processing plays a key role in this evolution by ensuring security decisions happen locally. Access authentication, cybersecurity monitoring and automation workflows can now run directly on controllers, minimizing disruptions and improving response times. This capability extends beyond door control, allowing access systems to support occupancy tracking, adaptive security rules and compliance automation.
One of the key advantages of embedded applications is the ability to extend access control functionality beyond traditional PACS. Organizations increasingly integrate locks, elevators, IoT sensors and other solutions into access control workflows. This level of interoperability eliminates silos and enables access control to function as part of a broader security and operational strategy.
Building and Deploying Embedded Applications
With embedded applications running on access control controllers, development and deployment require a structured approach to ensure security and reliability. The Mercury embedded application environment includes a rigorous, step-by-step application development program that ensures all custom applications meet strict security and performance requirements before deployment. This structured process includes:
Code validation to ensure applications meet security coding best practices
Sandbox testing in isolated environments before deployment
Secure deployment using secure boot to ensure only authorized, signed applications run on controllers
By enforcing these measures, the platform ensures that organizations can benefit from embedded applications without introducing security risks.
Security and Compliance at the Edge
Strong security protections are essential with controllers running applications outside of secure data centers. The Mercury embedded application environment includes secure boot to prevent tampering or unauthorized code execution and ensures that only vetted applications can be deployed. A structured development and deployment process requires applications to follow strict security standards, undergo multi-stage validation and use encryption for sensitive data.
Access control controllers also store and process highly sensitive data, including credential information, event logs and security policies. Without proper safeguards, poorly secured applications could expose this information. Strong encryption, role-based access controls and network security protocols ensure that embedded applications do not introduce risk.
By enforcing consistent security measures across all controllers, organizations can protect against unauthorized access, software vulnerabilities and inconsistent deployments. This approach ensures that embedded applications provide flexibility without compromising security.
Expanding the Role of Access Control
Embedded applications enable new security and operational use cases beyond traditional access management. Controllers can now support:
Lock integration for server cabinets, protecting critical IT infrastructure
Cyber hygiene monitoring, ensuring security compliance across connected systems
Automated compliance tracking, restricting access based on real-time security policies
A retail chain, for example, could deploy an embedded application that dynamically adjusts store access rules based on business hours, emergency conditions or occupancy levels. A health care facility might use embedded applications to enforce strict access control in restricted zones, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter areas containing sensitive patient data or pharmaceuticals.
A Future-Ready Approach to Security
As organizations demand more flexible, scalable and secure access control, embedded applications are becoming essential. The Mercury embedded application environment provides a structured, security-first framework for deploying these applications, ensuring that organizations can adapt to new requirements without costly hardware replacements. The ability to customize security workflows, integrate IoT solutions and process data at the edge transforms access control from a basic security function into a critical component of enterprise security strategy.
This shift represents an opportunity for security professionals to optimize security, reduce infrastructure costs and automate access control decisions in ways that were not possible before. Organizations can future-proof their security systems by adopting software-driven controllers that provide continuous adaptability while maintaining strong security oversight.
As access control continues to evolve, embedded applications will play an even greater role in driving efficiency, improving security and enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making.
