Workplace safety has evolved far beyond locks, keys, and basic badge readers. As offices become more distributed and flexible, organizations are increasingly relying on access control software to manage who can enter, when they can enter, and how incidents are handled. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global access control market is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2030, driven by cloud adoption, mobile credentials, and the need for better safety oversight across multi-site operations.
Modern access control software does more than restrict entry. It improves safety by creating visibility, accountability, and faster response during critical events. From controlling access after hours to preventing tailgating and supporting emergency workflows, the right platform can significantly reduce risk in the workplace.
Below are six access control software systems that stand out for their ability to improve workplace safety, based on scalability, real-time visibility, and operational reliability.
1. Brivo
Brivo is widely recognized as one of the earliest cloud-native access control software providers, making it a common choice for modern offices and multi-location businesses. Its platform is designed to centralize access management while maintaining flexibility for growing organizations.
Brivo improves workplace safety by allowing administrators to manage credentials, schedules, and permissions remotely. If an employee leaves the company or a credential is compromised, access can be revoked instantly across all locations. This reduces the risk of unauthorized entry, especially in distributed workplaces.
The platform also supports mobile credentials, reducing reliance on physical badges that can be lost or shared. Detailed access logs provide visibility into entry patterns, which helps security teams identify unusual behavior and investigate incidents quickly.
Brivo’s cloud architecture is particularly useful for organizations managing multiple offices, as safety policies can be enforced consistently without local server maintenance.
2. Coram
Coram provides a cloud-based access control software designed to improve workplace safety by unifying access control, video intelligence, and emergency management into a single system.
The platform supports secure access across doors, gates, elevators, and specialty access points, adapting easily from single offices to multi-site organizations. Its hardware-agnostic design allows businesses to work with existing locks and readers, reducing disruption during upgrades. An offline mode ensures access continuity during network outages, which is critical for safety and operations.
One of Coram’s defining capabilities is its ability to connect every door event with video. Entries, denied access attempts, propped doors, and forced entry events are automatically paired with live or recorded footage. This gives security teams immediate context when something unusual occurs, helping them respond faster and with more confidence.
Coram also enables smart schedules, role-based access, and temporary credentials. Real-time alerts notify teams of suspicious behavior such as tailgating, helping maintain secure environments without constant manual oversight. A centralized dashboard allows administrators to manage users, doors, and video from anywhere, ensuring consistent safety standards across all locations.
3. Openpath (Avigilon Alta Access)
Openpath, now part of the Avigilon Alta suite, focuses on mobile-first access control software designed for modern workplaces. Its approach reduces friction at entry points while maintaining strong security controls.
Workplace safety benefits come from touchless access and real-time monitoring. Employees can use smartphones or wearables instead of physical cards, which reduces shared surfaces and the risk of credential misuse. Administrators can remotely lock or unlock doors and manage access permissions in seconds.
Openpath also supports detailed access logs and alerts, allowing teams to identify abnormal access patterns. This is particularly useful in shared offices or high-traffic environments where traditional badge systems struggle to provide clarity.
The platform’s emphasis on user experience makes it easier for employees to follow security policies, which indirectly improves overall safety compliance.
4. Kisi
Kisi is a cloud-based access control software platform popular with small to mid-sized businesses seeking simplicity without sacrificing security. Its clean interface and straightforward deployment make it accessible for organizations without dedicated security teams.
Kisi improves workplace safety by offering centralized access management and real-time visibility into door activity. Administrators can grant or revoke access instantly and monitor entries across locations. Mobile credentials and role-based permissions reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
The platform integrates with common workplace tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID, helping align physical access with employee status. When someone leaves the organization, access can be removed automatically, closing a common safety gap.
Kisi’s ease of use encourages consistent adoption, which is a key factor in maintaining safe access practices.
5. HID Global
HID Global has long been associated with enterprise-grade access control, particularly in regulated industries. Its access control software supports a wide range of credentials, including smart cards, mobile IDs, and biometric authentication.
From a safety perspective, HID’s strength lies in layered security. Multi-factor authentication reduces the likelihood of credential misuse, while detailed audit trails support investigations and compliance requirements. This is especially important in industries such as healthcare, finance, and government.
HID systems are designed for high-traffic and high-security environments, where reliability and precision matter. Integration with identity management platforms helps ensure that physical access aligns with digital identity policies.
For large organizations, HID’s focus on security assurance contributes to safer, more controlled workplaces.
6. Honeywell Access Control
Honeywell offers access control software as part of a broader building and security management ecosystem. Its solutions are commonly used in large commercial facilities, campuses, and industrial environments.
Honeywell improves workplace safety by integrating access control with video surveillance, alarms, and building systems. This unified approach allows security teams to respond more effectively to incidents, as information is shared across systems in real time.
The software supports scalable deployments and centralized management, making it suitable for organizations with complex physical layouts. Automated alerts and reporting help identify safety issues before they escalate.
Honeywell’s strength lies in environments where access control must work seamlessly with other safety and operational systems.
Key Takeaways
- Access control software is a critical foundation for modern workplace safety.
- Cloud-based platforms improve response times and reduce security gaps.
- Video-linked access events provide valuable context during incidents.
- Mobile and role-based credentials reduce misuse and administrative overhead.
- Centralized management ensures consistent safety standards across locations.
- The right system should balance security, usability, and scalability.
Conclusion
Workplace safety depends on visibility, control, and the ability to respond quickly when something goes wrong. Access control software plays a central role in delivering all three. As organizations grow and operations become more distributed, relying on manual processes or outdated systems introduces unnecessary risk.
The six access control software systems covered here each improve workplace safety in different ways, from mobile-first access to deep integrations with video and building systems. Choosing the right platform depends on business size, regulatory requirements, and operational complexity.
What remains consistent is this: modern access control software is no longer just about doors. It is about creating safer, more resilient workplaces where people can focus on their work with confidence.
