Mercury Security, a leader in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of hundreds of security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders.
While the report reflects global trends, its insights hold strong relevance for the Middle East and GCC regions. With Gulf countries accelerating investments in smart infrastructure, digital identity and cyber resilience, organizations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC are increasingly prioritizing access systems that are secure, scalable, and cloud-connected, particularly in key sectors such as finance, healthcare, education and government.
The key trends reshaping physical access controller design and selection include:
- Security-First Thinking:
90% of respondents say staying aligned with cybersecurity standards is essential. More than 71% cite advanced protection – secure boot, OSDP, cryptography – as a top decision driver.
- Mobile and Cloud Integration:
55% seek controller compatibility with other credentials, including mobile credentials. Over half (52%) report cloud enablement as critical for scalability, real-time monitoring and remote management.
- Reliability is Non-Negotiable:
63% rank reliability and uptime as the most important criteria in controller selection – far outweighing cost or feature specifications.
- Backward and Forward Compatibility:
86% require controllers that support long-term infrastructure planning through compatibility with past and future systems.
- Interoperability and Open Architecture:
76% cite interoperability with mixed-device environments as essential, underscoring the shift toward flexible, standards-based systems.
The report also explores the emerging role of AI and edge computing in controller performance, as well as the growing integration of access data with building operations. Read the full report here.
About Mercury Security
Founded in 1992, Mercury Security is at the forefront of innovation in access control. With over 30 years of expertise and a commitment to open architecture, Mercury has built a future-proof platform that ensures seamless interoperability between leading software and technical solutions.
As the trusted controller platform supplier for open architecture-based deployments, Mercury has more than 5 million controllers installed worldwide. In collaboration with our partners and parent company, HID, Mercury continues to drive innovation by establishing controller standards that promote long-term stability and adaptability in the ever-evolving security landscape. For more information, visit mercury-security.com.
About HID
HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places and things. We enable people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. Our trusted identity solutions give people convenient access to physical and digital places and connect things that can be identified, verified and tracked digitally. Millions of people around the world use HID products and services to navigate their everyday lives, and billions of things are connected through HID technology. We work with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses and some of the most innovative companies on the planet.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID has over 4,500 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com.
