2024 was a pivotal year for businesses. Many organisations faced a rapidly changing landscape of workforce management and security challenges. Between economic pressures, shifting employee expectations, and increasingly sophisticated security threats, the demand for innovative solutions has never been so charged.
In response, organisations of all sizes began to adopt a digital transformation, abandoning outdated systems in favour of those offering greater efficiency, cost savings and enhanced security. Two key areas where this shift was more profoundly felt were workforce management and physical access control.
Now, in 2025, businesses must understand the latest trends and strategically position themselves for continued success.
Workforce Management: The Rise of the Cloud and AI
Cloud computing has revolutionised workforce management. Leading sectors now see over 90% of companies using cloud technology, and Gartner predicts it will be a “business necessity” by 2028. This is especially evident in the Human Capital Management (HCM) space, where investment in cloud-based solutions continues to soar. The global Cloud HCM market, valued at $17 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $30 billion by 2027.
Beyond basic cloud adoption, organisations are harnessing the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence within these environments. AI-driven analytics are transforming workforce management, providing data-driven insights into employee engagement, talent acquisition and retention strategies. By automating routine tasks, HCM solutions empower HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives that drive business value while eliminating the risk of human error.
Prioritising the Employee Experience
While security remains paramount, organisations recognise the need for user-friendly systems to enhance employee experience. This focus has driven the development of intuitive interfaces that streamline daily processes without compromising security. From simplified check-in procedures to automated time tracking, the goal is to minimise friction in everyday workplace interactions.
For businesses with remote or hybrid teams, cloud solutions are indispensable. They provide consistency and connectivity, ensuring everyone is on the same page, regardless of location.
Physical Security: Embracing Biometrics and Zero Trust
2024 witnessed significant advancements in physical security, notably the integration of biometric solutions with traditional access control systems. Both facial recognition and fingerprint scanning have become increasingly sophisticated and cost-effective, enabling organisations to bolster security measures while reducing the risk of credential sharing or theft.
Meanwhile, mobile credentials have gone mainstream. Two-thirds of US companies already deploy mobile IDs, and that number is expected to climb to 79% within the next five years. Smartphone-based access credentials can simplify credential management and reduce administrative overhead and costs. However, there are a number of considerations businesses must take into account before committing to ‘BYOD’ (Bring Your Own Device). We discuss these in detail in this blog.
Zero-trust security architecture, once confined to the IT domain, has permeated physical access control, with nearly two-thirds of organisations worldwide adopting this strategy. This approach, which requires continuous verification, is vital for modern security systems. Organisations are implementing granular access controls and continuous monitoring to protect their facilities and assets.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
- AI-Powered Workforce Analytics: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation will reshape workforce analytics. Expect more sophisticated pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive capabilities to optimise workforce management and security operations.
- Advanced Authentication: Authentication methods will continue to evolve, combining multiple factors for enhanced security. The integration of biometrics, mobile credentials and behavioural analytics will provide robust security while maintaining user convenience.
- Sustainability in Security: Organisations will prioritise energy-efficient and environmentally conscious security solutions, including smart building technologies that optimise energy usage without compromising security.
- Data Privacy: Evolving data privacy regulations will require more sophisticated data protection measures. Balancing security needs with privacy concerns will become increasingly complex, especially regarding biometric data and employee monitoring.
- Integrated Security Ecosystems: Cross-functional integration of security systems will accelerate, creating more comprehensive security ecosystems that encompass physical security, IT security and business systems.
Our Strategic Recommendations for Businesses
- Comprehensive Assessment: Begin by evaluating your current systems, identifying integration capabilities, scalability limitations and potential security vulnerabilities.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Choose systems that can grow and adapt with your organisation, accommodating changing business needs and increased data volumes.
- Future-Proof Investments: Prioritise solutions that are scalable, adaptable and offer cloud capabilities, mobile support, and strong integration potential.
- Compliance Readiness: Proactively address evolving regulatory requirements, including data privacy, labour laws and security standards.
Contact Grosvenor Technology today to learn how our innovative HCM and Access Control solutions can future-proof your organisation, enhance employee experience, and ensure robust, scalable systems that position you for success in 2025 and beyond.
