In the logistics and transportation sectors, as well as in ports and airports, badge-based access control systems (Access Control Systems) are widely used but also present recurring limitations and issues. In access control, a badge is a card, similar to a credit card, containing credentials that allow an individual to access specific areas or services. The badge credentials are read by a reader that communicates with a centralized access control system to verify whether the individual is authorized to enter a given area.
Physical badges allow automation and faster entry through doors, turnstiles, barriers, and vehicle gates, reducing the need for manual security personnel. Different access levels can also be defined—for instance, granting access only to main entrances or specific areas, with unrestricted or time-limited access. Physical badges can be quickly revoked via the central system, immediately cancelling access rights.
However, physical badges come with disadvantages: they can be lost, stolen, cloned, shared, tampered with, or damaged. They also incur production, replacement, and inventory costs. Operationally, forgetting a badge can cause delays at access points. Reading issues may arise due to improper badge placement, demagnetization, or device malfunctions. Additionally, older ACS readers may not integrate with enterprise HR software or other IT systems that can further automate and secure access procedures.
Although physical badges are still widely used in industry, there are technological alternatives that offer greater convenience, security, and flexibility, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
A growing approach to credential management in access control systems is smartphone-based identification. Here, the smartphone effectively becomes the tool enabling badge virtualization, transforming the classic physical badge into a digital credential stored on the device.
With a virtual badge, users simply bring their smartphone close to a reader to transmit access credentials using technologies like NFC (Near Field Communication) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Another option is to use a dedicated app that manages digital credentials. The app generates a virtual credential containing the user’s identification information, which is transmitted to the ACS when the smartphone is presented to the reader. The system then verifies the credential and, if valid, grants access by unlocking the gate.
Smartphone-based access control can also enhance security by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), requiring users to provide two or more verification factors. This is especially valuable in logistics, transportation, ports, and interports, increasing protection against unauthorized access to warehouses, storage areas, and restricted zones.
From an operational efficiency perspective, a badge-free access control system provides greater convenience for users. In warehouses, distribution centers, ports, and interports, access can be faster for both internal staff and external couriers or contractors. Eliminating physical badges also mitigates issues such as badge wear, dirt, or the need for users to handle cards with gloves on. Production and replacement costs for physical badges are also eliminated.
Additionally, access control can be integrated with license plate recognition and warehouse management systems (WMS) to automate gate and loading dock operations, further optimizing logistics processes.
Among the available solutions, a badge-free access control system can be implemented using the Access Control System (ACS) module of the Control 1st platform. Badge virtualization is achieved by using smartphones as keys to unlock access points. The module integrates with existing access control technologies, regardless of hardware types or manufacturers, enabling seamless deployment across heterogeneous environments.