Security requirements are increasing faster than many organisations can respond

Rising security requirements, NIS2 and KRITIS are increasing the pressure on medium-sized organisations to take action. In particular, contractors, visitors and shift-based operations often lack the necessary transparency regarding access permissions and authorisations. With ZEUS® Access Control from ISGUS, access rights can be managed centrally, movements can be tracked and security processes can be efficiently integrated with Time and Attendance and HR Management.

When visitors, contractors and shift operations converge

Many organisations are now faced with the challenge of coordinating three different environments simultaneously: traditional shift work, flexible external personnel and a constant flow of visitors. Without an integrated Access Control strategy, parallel systems emerge that neither communicate with one another nor provide real-time visibility. The result is uncertainty: who is currently in the building, who was granted access, when and for what purpose, and who is accountable in the event of an audit or security incident?

Access Control becomes a connected platform function

Modern Access Control is therefore evolving into a connected management tool. Solutions such as ZEUS® Access Control within the ISGUS environment combine Access Control, Staff Scheduling and HR Management within a single platform. This allows permissions to be managed dynamically based on shift schedules, project timelines or contractor assignments. At the same time, digital records are created automatically, making audit documentation immediately available while ensuring GDPR-compliant processing.

Manual processes are reaching their limits

A key trend is the systematic replacement of manual processes. Paper visitor logs, spreadsheet-based visitor management and isolated card systems are increasingly being replaced by digital identities, mobile credentials and automated approval workflows. This is particularly beneficial in shift-based environments. Employees receive access only when their working time has been scheduled, while external personnel can be restricted precisely by time and location. This not only reduces risk but also significantly lowers administrative effort.

Access Control becomes part of real-time corporate security

At the same time, the focus is shifting from simple access management towards a strategic security architecture. Organisations must now be able to answer at any moment who is present within a building, not only for security purposes but also in relation to occupational safety, evacuation procedures and liability obligations. An integrated Access Control strategy provides real-time transparency while connecting operational processes with regulatory requirements. As a result, access control becomes a central component of modern business management rather than a purely administrative function.

Facts, figures and insights: why Access Control is becoming part of critical infrastructure

• 68% of security incidents in organisations are linked to insufficiently controlled physical or hybrid access scenarios, including social engineering, unauthorised entry and contractor access

• More than 80% of successful attacks involve a human element, such as identity misuse or access through legitimate credentials

• Physical access breaches are considered one of the most underestimated entry points for cyberattacks, particularly within industrial and manufacturing environments

• The EU NIS2 Directive now applies to tens of thousands of additional organisations across Europe, including significantly more medium-sized businesses than were previously covered by critical infrastructure regulations

• In industrial and logistics environments, between 20% and 60% of people on site are often external personnel (contractors, service providers and business partners) working alongside employees, based on typical facility and security management industry benchmarks