Introduction: Why 2026 Is a Defining Year for Access Control. Access control has quietly moved from being a background utility to a strategic business system. Once limited to doors, cards, and local servers, access control is now at the center of digital identity, cybersecurity, compliance, and operational resilience. As we approach 2026, the industry stands at a clear inflection point. Organizations that continue to rely on fragmented, on-premise access systems will increasi
