Compare Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Access Control Security Systems

Compare Cloud-Based vs On-Premise Access Control Security Systems

When it comes to access control, one of the most important choices is whether to go with a cloud-based or on-premises system. Cloud solutions offer more flexibility, simple remote management, automatic updates, and fast scalability, making them ideal for dynamic, multi-site operations. On-premises systems, meanwhile, give full control over data and run on your own hardware infrastructure.

With today’s mobile workforces and evolving security needs, it’s more important than ever to choose the correct setup. The right approach makes it easier to meet compliance requirements, ensure security, and grow with your business.

This article compares cloud and on-prem access control to help you find the best fit.

What is Cloud-Based Access Control?

Cloud-based access control allows security teams to manage who can enter secure spaces remotely, using web-based dashboards and apps. Credentials (such as mobile badges or biometric data) are authenticated against a cloud-hosted database. Permissions can be issued, revoked, or updated instantly.

It’s used by businesses with distributed workforces, multiple sites, or dynamic access needs.

With systems like acre Access Control, updates to user roles or entry rules can be deployed across all locations without needing on-site engineers. Real-time monitoring, mobile credentialing, and integrations with visitor systems make it ideal for scaling or modern businesses.

Cloud Systems like acre Access Control enable:

Smartphone-based entry
Real-time notifications for unauthorised access attempts
Automated backups and redundancy
Real Time Scalability
Integration with visitor registration and ID management tools
Integrations with video, key management, HR, and workflow systems
Central control across dozens or hundreds of locations

What is On-Prem Access Control?

On-prem systems store and manage access rules and user credentials locally, within on-site servers maintained by internal IT or facilities teams. Entry permissions are applied and enforced by systems hosted within the building itself.

This suits regulated industries, legacy environments, or organisations where data sovereignty is critical.

acre security offers flexibility, open architecture, cost savings, and tight integrations, all while running on non-proprietary Mercury hardware. It supports businesses of all sizes, from a single door to enterprise-wide deployments, and allows full control over every aspect of access and identity.

It also integrates with video, intruder alarms, and business systems. Mobile and desktop interfaces provide command-and-control functionality, giving security teams live visibility across their sites.

On-Prem Systems like AccessIt! Support:

Total offline control
Strict regulatory compliance for sectors like defence and public administration
Use of legacy cards, fobs, or biometric terminals
Full API integrations and live command-and-control capabilities

Compare: Cloud vs On-Prem

	Cloud-Based Access Control	On-Prem Access Control
Storage & Access	Remote, web-based dashboards and mobile apps	Local servers and dedicated terminals
System Maintenance	Managed by provider, with automatic updates	Internal team manages updates and hardware
Backups	Managed by provider	Managed internally by local IT Team
Compliance	Meets major standards, subject to vendor jurisdiction	Full control over audit trails and data residency
Costs	Lower upfront; SaaS pricing with updates included	Higher capital expense; separate maintenance and upgrade costs
Resilience	High redundancy across cloud zones	Depends on local backup and failover protocols
Scalability	Add sites and users instantly	Requires procurement and installation
Credential Management	Issue mobile or biometric access remotely	Typically requires badge printing or on-site configuration

Is Cloud or On-Prem Right for You?

Ask yourself:

Do I need to issue credentials or revoke access remotely?
Is my team managing one site or dozens?
Do I operate in a regulated industry with location-specific data requirements?

	Compliance	Costs	Scaling & Flexibility	Ease of Management
Cloud	Meets general standards	Predictable subscription	Scales instantly, cloud-native	Minimal IT involvement
On-Prem	Full data sovereignty	High upfront + upkeep	Hardware-dependent scaling	Requires on-site expertise

If you are…

A fast-growing startup or remote-first company

→ Cloud is likely your best fit. It offers rapid deployment, low overhead, and works across distributed teams.

An organisation with strict compliance or data residency rules

→ On-Prem gives you full control over infrastructure, access logs, and physical hardware.

A regulated enterprise balancing cloud benefits and control

→ On-Prem ensures sensitive data stays under your direct management while you retain the flexibility to integrate with external systems as needed.

At A Glance: Cloud and On-Prem Pros and Cons

Each access control model brings distinct strengths and limitations. Here’s a quick overview to help you weigh the trade-offs.

Cloud-Based Access Control

Pros

Instant rollout of credentials across all sites
Mobile- and biometric-ready
Seamless upgrades, no downtime
Ideal for flexible, remote-first operations

Cons

Internet connection required
Less tailored infrastructure customisation
Some data residency limitations

On-Prem Access Control

Pros

Total control of physical and digital security stack
Meets bespoke compliance needs
No vendor lock-in or external dependencies

Cons

Slower to scale and modernise
Manual updates and patching
Higher maintenance burden

Smarter Security with acre Security

Access control is about enabling secure, efficient, and confident movement across your organisation. Whether you’re securing a single location, a high-sensitivity facility, or a global footprint, your choice of access model should reflect your operational reality.

acre security offers both on-premises and cloud-based access control solutions, giving you the flexibility to choose what fits your operations best.

For environments with strict compliance or data control requirements, acre security’s on-prem systems deliver robust functionality with local oversight. These systems are ideal for large, complex sites or organisations with dedicated IT teams that prefer full control over infrastructure and integrations. DNA Fusion 8.4.3, the latest release, has improved scheduling, elevator controls, and easier navigation for system admins. The update reflects an ongoing investment in on-premise platforms, backed by a larger engineering team and a renewed product roadmap to support evolving security needs.

If you’re looking for something more scalable and easier to manage remotely, acre Access Control, built on AWS and ISO 27001 certified, offers powerful, real-time access management from any device. With features like mobile credentials, visitor management, automatic backups, and integrated mass notifications, it’s designed for multi-site teams and growing businesses that need agility without compromising on security.

acre security is now bringing AI-powered natural language search to access control. Instead of navigating complex interfaces or generating manual reports, you can now ask questions like “Who tried to access the server room last week?” and get instant answers. The system is designed specifically for security use, so it understands industry terms and workflows. Read more about AI for access control here.

Why acre Security?

Trusted security leader with over 30 years of industry innovation
10M+ doors secured and 30M+ visitors processed globally
ISO 27001 certified cloud ensures high standards of data protection and compliance
Flexible deployment options: cloud, on-prem, or hybrid to suit any environment
Operational efficiency through FITS scripting for workflow automation
Seamless integration with third-party systems via open RESTful APIs
Custom dashboards and widgets for a personalised, intuitive user experience
Automatic updates and backups via AWS, minimising IT burden and ensuring uptime
Proven across industries including healthcare, finance, education, and pharma
Focused on protecting people and property, with scalable solutions for evolving needs

Let acre security help you build a connected, future-ready access strategy that works across every door, site, and stakeholder. Speak to an access expert.

Access Control

Cloud vs On-Prem Access Control: Which Security Model Is Right for You?