Why companies are switching to digital locking systems

Companies are constantly changing. New locations are being established, teams are growing, external service providers require temporary access, and hybrid working models have become part of everyday business. This is exactly where traditional key concepts reach their limits. A digital locking system provides the flexibility needed to adjust access rights at any time. Access permissions can be time restricted, assigned to specific areas or granted for individual projects. Especially in shift based operations or production environments, this significantly reduces administrative effort.

A lost key costs more than just a replacement key

Many companies underestimate the consequences of lost keys. Depending on the locking system, complete lock cylinders or even entire locking systems may need to be replaced. Additional costs arise from administrative work, security risks and potential operational disruptions. With ZEUS® keyless, a lost access authorization can be blocked with just one click. The existing infrastructure remains unchanged.

Time based access rights create greater security

Not every employee needs access around the clock. Digital permissions make it possible to define, for example:

• Access only during working hours
• Access exclusively to specific buildings
• Time limited permissions for external service providers
• Automatic deactivation after project completion

This allows companies to significantly reduce security risks.

Integration eliminates duplicate administration

Digital locking technology becomes particularly efficient when it is connected with existing business processes. ZEUS® keyless can be combined with access control and time recording systems. This creates advantages such as:

• One shared user management system
• Reduced administrative effort
• Consistent use of access cards or RFID media
• Uniform access permissions
• Fewer sources of error

Scalable for growing organizations

Many companies start with one building and continuously expand their locations. Digital locking technology grows with these requirements. New doors, areas or entire sites can be integrated without replacing existing systems. This ensures long term protection of investments.

Existing buildings benefit too

A digital locking system is not only suitable for new buildings. Modern solutions can often be retrofitted without extensive structural modifications. Especially medium sized companies are gradually modernizing their security infrastructure and avoiding high one time investments.

Documentation supports compliance

Today, many companies need to be able to verify who accessed which areas and when. This is becoming increasingly important, especially in regulated industries. Digital access logs support internal security policies and simplify audits. For operators of critical infrastructures, requirements are continuously increasing due to regulations such as the KRITIS framework and the implementation of the European NIS2 Directive. Centralized management of access rights helps organizations document security processes transparently and efficiently.

Facts, figures and trends

Increasing security requirements, new regulatory guidelines and ongoing digitalization are fundamentally changing the way companies approach access control and security concepts. Current studies by Bitkom, Statista and the Handelsblatt Research Institute show that companies are increasingly investing in digital security solutions while also aiming to simplify their processes.

• 36% of companies plan to increase their investments in digitalization. Digital processes and modern security solutions are among the most important investment areas for many organizations.
• 61% of companies consider technical security one of the biggest challenges of digitalization. As connectivity increases, so do the requirements for protecting buildings, data and company assets. Digital access solutions make an important contribution to this.
• German companies continue to invest specifically in IT security measures. According to Statista, firewall systems, secure access solutions and identity management are among the most common investment areas for German companies.
• Digital sovereignty and corporate security are becoming increasingly important for decision makers. The Handelsblatt Research Institute shows that security and digitalization strategies are now considered key competitive factors. In addition to cybersecurity, this also includes secure access and entry processes.
• NIS2 increases requirements for security management and access controls. With the European NIS2 Directive, documented security processes, authorization concepts and transparent access management are becoming increasingly important for many companies.