The same identity that unlocks your apps can now unlock your doors.
Modern corporations rely on identity management systems (IDMs) from the likes of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Microsoft Azure Active Directory), Okta, Sailpoint, Oracle, RightCrowd and others, to handle authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and user provisioning across digital workplace tools.
By integrating mobile credentials used for door access with these identity platforms, you extend that same digital identity to the physical world. Employees, contractors, and visitors use their verified digital identity to automatically receive and manage mobile credentials, ensuring that access rights stay synchronized with corporate policies and user status.
How it works
Implementation:
Mobile credentials for physical access can be added to identity management software via an SDK and API integration. Readerless mobile credentials can be implemented completely remotely as no access control infrastructure is required to be changed in a building.
Typical flow:
- User onboarding: When a new user is added in the IDM, they’re automatically provisioned with physical access rights and a mobile credential.
- Authentication: Users authenticate through SSO on their device, binding their identity to their phone’s security.
- Lifecycle management: When a user changes roles or leaves the organization, mobile credentials are updated or revoked automatically.
This creates a single source of truth for both digital and physical access.
Benefits of integration
Centralized identity control
Manage users and permissions from one platform, no duplicate databases or manual updates.
Automated provisioning and deprovisioning
Eliminate human error and speed up onboarding/offboarding by connecting mobile credential permissions to user lifecycle events.
Enhanced security
Leverage multi-factor authentication, device trust, and conditional access policies from your IDM to protect physical entry points.
Simplified user experience
One credential and one authentication method to access multiple doors and buildings.
Audit and compliance
Maintain consistent records of who has access, when, and how, simplifying compliance reporting.
Common integration scenarios
- Corporate Offices: Automatic mobile credential issuance for new employees via HR or IDM workflows.
- Contractor and partner Access: Temporary credentials tied to identity federation or guest accounts.
- Hybrid workplaces: Access permissions granted dynamically based on user status, schedule, or location.
- Multi-system environments: Unified identity between building access, IT systems, and collaboration tools.
Implementation considerations
- Security Policies: Align mobile credential rules with identity governance, MFA, and session controls.
- Revocation and recovery: Ensure credentials are automatically disabled when accounts are suspended or lost devices are reported.
- Testing and Rollout: Pilot the integration with a small group before extending organization-wide.
Looking ahead
As organizations converge digital and physical security, integrating mobile access with identity management systems becomes the foundation of a zero-trust strategy. This alignment not only strengthens security but also delivers a frictionless, user-centric experience, where one secure identity credential governs access everywhere.
