Traditional access control means a server in a closet, a licensed software package that requires annual renewal, a contractor on-site for every configuration change, and no visibility into who is accessing your facility when you are not there. For organizations managing more than a handful of doors, this model is both expensive and inflexible.
Cloud-based access control replaces the on-site server and software with a cloud-managed platform. Every door, every credential, every access event is managed through a browser or mobile app — from anywhere in the world. BCS Consultants designs and installs cloud access control systems for commercial, healthcare, and multi-site organizations across Southern California. This guide explains what cloud access control includes, how it works technically, and how to know when it is time to upgrade.
What Cloud-Based Access Control Includes
- Door readers and controllers: Hardware installed at each door — card readers, mobile credential readers, or biometric readers — connected to door controllers that interface with the door hardware (electric strikes, magnetic locks, or electrified door hardware).
- Credentials: Physical key cards, mobile credentials (smartphone-based entry via Bluetooth or NFC), or PIN codes assigned to individuals or groups.
- Cloud management platform: A web-based and mobile application where administrators add or remove users, assign access levels, set schedules, view access logs, and receive alerts — without physical access to the system hardware.
- Audit logs and reporting: Every access event (grant, deny, door held open, forced entry) is logged in real-time and accessible from anywhere.
- Integrations: Cloud access control platforms integrate with video surveillance, visitor management, HR systems, and building automation platforms.
How Cloud Access Control Works Technically
Door controllers are connected to the facility's network (wired or wireless). The controller communicates with the cloud platform to validate credentials and receive configuration updates. When a credential is presented at a reader, the controller checks locally-stored access rules — not dependent on cloud connectivity for every transaction — and grants or denies access based on those rules. Access events are logged locally and synced to the cloud platform.
This architecture means that if internet connectivity is lost temporarily, the system continues to function normally at the door level — it simply cannot receive real-time updates or report events until connectivity is restored. Critical access functions do not depend on active internet connectivity for every transaction.
Cloud vs. On-Premise Access Control: Side-by-Side Comparison
Remote Management
Cloud: Full administrative access from any browser or mobile device.
On-premise: Requires VPN or physical access to the server.
User Changes
Cloud: Add/remove/modify credentials instantly from anywhere.
On-premise: Requires software access, often on-site.
Maintenance
Cloud: No on-site server — controller firmware updates push automatically.
On-premise: Server hardware, software licensing, and manual updates required.
Mobile Credentials
Cloud: Native smartphone entry via Bluetooth/NFC on modern platforms like Verkada.
On-premise: Mobile credential capability varies by platform, often requires additional licensing.
When to Upgrade to Cloud Access Control
Consider upgrading your access control system when:
- Your current system requires an on-site contractor for routine changes like adding a new employee or removing a terminated employee
- You manage more than one location and currently have no unified visibility across sites
- Your system does not support mobile credentials
- Your current server hardware is approaching end of life
- You are planning to integrate access control with video surveillance, visitor management, or HR systems
Verkada: The Cloud Access Platform BCS Consultants Deploys
BCS Consultants is a certified Verkada integrator. Verkada combines door access control with cloud video surveillance in a single management platform — allowing organizations to see the video associated with every access event without switching between systems. Mobile credentials, visitor management, and multi-site management are all native to the Verkada platform.
Mobile Credentials: The Next Step in Commercial Access Control
The physical key card is not going away immediately, but the trajectory of commercial access control is clearly toward mobile credentials — smartphone-based entry that uses Bluetooth or NFC to authenticate at the door. Understanding what mobile credentials offer, and what they require, is important for any organization evaluating a new or upgraded access control system.
What Mobile Credentials Are
Mobile credentials store a digital access credential in the user smartphone (iOS or Android) rather than on a physical key card. When the user approaches a reader equipped with Bluetooth Long Range (BLE) or NFC capability, the smartphone communicates the credential wirelessly to the reader — granting or denying access based on the same rules that govern physical key cards. The credential is managed through the same cloud platform used to manage all other access control functions, with no separate provisioning system required.
Why Organizations Are Moving to Mobile Credentials
Mobile credentials eliminate several of the friction points associated with physical key cards: lost cards can be deactivated and reissued without printing physical hardware; new employee onboarding is faster because credentials can be assigned and activated before the employee first day; and the smartphone is something employees already carry everywhere, eliminating the forgot my badge problem that plagues key card systems. Administrators manage all credential assignments through the Verkada cloud platform — the same interface used for every other access control function.
What Mobile Credentials Require
Mobile credential capability requires readers that support Bluetooth Long Range (BLE) or NFC communication. If your current access control system uses older 125 kHz proximity card readers, those readers will need to be upgraded to support mobile credentials regardless of the cloud platform you choose. BCS Consultants assesses existing reader hardware as part of every access control upgrade project and provides a clear recommendation on which components can be retained and which need to be replaced to support mobile credential functionality.
Implementation at BCS Consultants
BCS Consultants configures mobile credential enrollment as part of every Verkada access control deployment for clients who want to offer this option to their employees. Administrators assign mobile credentials through the Verkada management interface. Users receive their credential through the Verkada Pass app on their smartphone. No physical card printing, encoding, or issuance is required for mobile credential users, which reduces both ongoing administrative overhead and the cost of credential issuance for large organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cloud-based access control?
Cloud-based access control replaces the traditional on-site access control server with a cloud-managed platform. Door hardware (readers, controllers) remains on-site, but all management — user administration, access levels, schedules, audit logs — is handled through a web browser or mobile app from anywhere.
What happens to cloud access control if the internet goes down?
The system continues to function at the door level — credentials are validated against locally-stored access rules. The system cannot receive real-time administrative changes or log events to the cloud until connectivity is restored, but physical access control does not stop.
How much does cloud access control cost per door?
Cloud access control hardware typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 per door installed, depending on the door type, hardware required, and system complexity. BCS Consultants provides project-specific proposals after a site assessment.
Can cloud access control integrate with surveillance cameras?
Yes. Modern cloud access control platforms — including Verkada — natively integrate with cloud video surveillance, allowing administrators to view the video associated with any access event directly from the access control management interface.
Access Control Integration with Surveillance: The Verkada Advantage
One of the most significant operational advantages of deploying Verkada for both access control and surveillance is the native integration between the two systems. When a door event occurs — an access granted, access denied, or door forced open alert — the Verkada platform automatically links that event to the camera footage from the nearest camera at the time of the event. Security teams can review an access event and immediately pull up the corresponding video without switching platforms, searching for the relevant time stamp, or correlating logs across two separate systems. This unified view dramatically reduces incident investigation time and is one of the primary reasons BCS Consultants recommends Verkada as an integrated platform rather than separate best-of-breed access control and surveillance systems.
Work With BCS Consultants on Cloud Access Control
BCS Consultants is a certified Verkada integrator. We design, install, and support cloud-based access control systems for offices, healthcare facilities, and multi-site organizations across Southern California and nationally.
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