Increasing digitisation, integration between different technological systems, the centrality of cybersecurity and the need to ensure simple and flexible access management even in complex contexts, are some of the main drivers of the ongoing evolution.

With the help of Eghemon and Castel, two companies specialising on the one hand in the hospitality sector and on the other, in healthcare and prisons, we analysed, visions, solutions and future prospects in the field of physical security and access control, exploring points of contact and differences between two worlds that seem distant but are far from it.

Specific needs of the reference sectors

Each context has its own priorities and critical issues. In the hospitality industry, the emphasis is on simplicity, comfort and protection. In the health and prison sector, the challenge is to reconcile high security with the management of diversified and sensitive flows. In both cases, technologies play a key role in increasing operational efficiency and improving the end-user experience, whether the user is a patient, prisoner, visitor or guest. “The most frequent requests that we receive from hoteliers are very practical ones,” explains Maurizio Bellini, Co-Founder of Eghemon. “They want reliable systems that really protect guests’ belongings, are easy to use – because the average guest only stays one or two days – and do not require the facility to make complicated or expensive interventions. Another important aspect concerns acoustic comfort: the doors must ensure good insulation, and the lock cannot compromise this function. This, too, is basically a way of taking care of one’s guests”.

From his point of view Mathias Bertrand, International Sales Director at Castel counters: “The challenges of managing access in complex facilities stem mainly from the variety of people involved: internal staff, contractors, visitors, inmates. These are environments that, in a sense, reflect the society we aspire to but, at the same time, must tackle high-risk situations, sudden emergencies, episodes of violence or social emergencies. Then there are also areas with more dynamic flows – between floors, parking lots, entrances and common areas – which require precise and safe management. In these contexts, the different flows must coexist without compromising safety or hindering the fluidity of the movements".

The role of technology is indispensable

Technology solutions are increasingly central to managing and monitoring access. Integration, automation, and remote management are now required elements—if not essential—to ensure security and responsiveness.

“Today the market - explains Bellini - offers two main solutions for access control: the one with an external wall reader, which leaves the aesthetics of the door intact (often preferred by architects and designers), and the one with integrated electronic lock, which focuses on greater physical security thanks to devices such as the anti-burglary security pin. But the real revolution came with the introduction of Bluetooth technologies and cloud connections, which allow you to manage access to rooms remotely, with no need for on-site interventions. This has made all the difference, especially for smaller facilities or those without a 24-hour reception. In this way doors can be opened with a card, code, smartphone or remotely, and users can monitor the status of the locks and batteries in real time, and record every event related to the door, from locking to activated privacy. These are valuable functions not only for safety, but also to improve the organisation and service offered to guests”.

As Bertrand comments, technology is now the protagonist, even when it comes to health facilities or penitentiary facilities: “Technologies offer considerable management flexibility and numerous integration possibilities, enabling the construction of increasingly global and centralised security systems. However, technical complexity can be an obstacle: complex and non-intuitive installations risk discouraging the adoption of solutions that would be essential to ensure an adequate level of security. Manufacturers adopting IP technologies with secure but open protocols play a decisive role in this, as they make it easier to integrate devices within the building and facilitate their interoperability with other systems, such as video surveillance, intrusion prevention, intercom, access control and centralised technical management”.

Integration and interoperability

The real challenge for modern security systems is interoperability. Solutions must communicate with each other, adapting to the building ecosystem without creating additional complexity. It is as much a requirement for a hotel as it is for a hospital or prison.

Integration is important, but the focus on sustainability is also increasing as Bellini points out: “One of the main challenges will certainly be to increase the level of integration between the lock and the other elements of the room, such as the safe, lights, and air conditioning. In some cases this dialogue is already possible, but this will increasingly be the case as we move forward. Another crucial challenge is the environmental one: there is a growing sensitivity towards reducing plastic and waste. Many hotels are switching to weaving in alternative materials (such as wood), or opting exclusively for the use of smartphones for access. Moreover, thanks to these technologies, the guest is assured an increasingly personalised and fluid experience: a single code will allow access to the garage, the lift, the room and even the SPA.The watchwords are maximum safety and maximum comfort”.

Even in complex environments such as hospitals and prisons, integration and interoperability have become essential. “Access control systems – Bertrand adds – can no longer operate in isolation, but must communicate with other devices such as video intercom, video surveillance, intrusion prevention and building management systems. IP technologies, coupled with open and secure protocols (such as SIP, RTSP, SSCP and OSDP), facilitate this interoperability, making systems more flexible, scalable and manageable from a single centralised platform. This approach not only improves overall security, but also enables more efficient access management, easily adapting to structural or organisational changes. The goal is to create a coordinated ecosystem, where each component contributes to the safety and smooth operation of the entire facility, reducing technical complexity and ensuring a simpler and more accessible user experience”.

Cybersecurity and system reliability

With the rise of digitalisation, cybersecurity has become an essential component of access control systems. Today, European standards, traceability and the use of secure protocols are fundamental guarantees.

“While, in the past, security was entrusted mainly to the certifications of locally installed software, - explains Bellini - today we are witnessing a significant evolution, largely linked to the move towards cloud solutions. The adoption of cloud software is a quantum leap in terms of protection: these environments are constantly monitored, hosted on protected infrastructures and, above all, regularly updated. Today, systems are considered "living entities", subject to continuous updates and improvements, including in terms of cybersecurity. We frequently receive updates regarding new security features or patches, a sign of an increasing focus on data protection and the resilience of digital infrastructures. It is an evolution that is fundamental for the hotel industry, which requires systems that are not only safe, but also flexible and adaptable to the constantly changing needs of the market”.

In complex contexts such as health or prison facilities, the choice of an access control system cannot be left to chance: "One of the most important aspects - Bertrand explains - is the sovereignty of the system: It is essential to collaborate with well-structured, reliable companies that have clear governance—avoiding those controlled by speculative funds or with overly fragmented ownership. Another essential point is compliance with European cybersecurity regulations, which today impose high standards. Systems must ensure comprehensive network and data protection. For example, the infrastructure is based on secure and established technologies, such as the Radius protocol over a secure IP network”.

A look at the future

The future of access control relies on artificial intelligence, personalisation and sustainability. Sectors are evolving and, with them, solutions must become more versatile, scalable and in line with new social and environmental needs. A future that we can experience first hand at SICUREZZA 2025

“Today we use our experience to open up to new sectors, such as student halls of residence or industrial spaces.” Bellini anticipates. “The goal remains the same: reliability, simplicity and adaptability. Participating in events like SICUREZZA 2025 is an opportunity for us to share our vision and engage with new markets.”

“We see promising developments in the use of artificial intelligence, simplified maintenance and an increasing focus on inclusiveness. Technology must adapt to a complex society, without compromising on security. This is the message we will be conveying at SICUREZZA 2025 where for the first time we will participate with the Castel brand”.