What is Access Control as a Service (ACaaS)? Plus, How It Benefits Your Property

Physical security is no longer limited to on-site hardware and traditional key systems. As technology advances, many property managers and businesses are turning to cloud-based access control systems that offer greater flexibility, scalability, and convenience.

This shift has given rise to Access Control as a Service (ACaaS), a modern approach to securing doors, gates, and entry points through a subscription-based model. With software access control managed in the cloud, property teams can oversee multiple buildings, update credentials instantly, and reduce reliance on costly on-premises servers. This may have you wondering: What is access control as a service?

In this post, you’ll learn what access control as a service (ACaaS) is, why more organizations are adopting it, and the key benefits and considerations when choosing the right solution for your property.

Navigate this post:

• What is access control as a service?
• How ACaaS works
• 4 benefits of cloud-based access control systems
• Considerations for ACaaS
• ACaaS vs. traditional access control
• ACaaS use cases
• Final verdict: ButterflyMX ACaaS for your property
• Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) FAQs

ButterflyMX Access Control

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What is access control as a service?

Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) is a cloud-based subscription model that delivers access control services without requiring extensive on-site infrastructure. Instead of relying on servers housed at each property, ACaaS hosts the software in the cloud, allowing managers and administrators to oversee access from anywhere with an internet connection.

Unlike traditional on-premises software access control, which requires local servers, IT support, and frequent manual updates, ACaaS operates much like other SaaS access control solutions. Updates, maintenance, and data storage are handled by the service provider, giving organizations more flexibility and fewer headaches when managing physical security.

When exploring the concept, it’s helpful to recognize a few key terms:

• Access control SaaS. Refers to access control delivered through a Software-as-a-Service model, similar to other business software hosted in the cloud.
• Access control services. The tools and features offered by a provider include credential management, visitor logs, and reporting.
• Cloud-based access control. A system architecture that removes reliance on on-site servers, offering greater mobility and scalability.

How ACaaS works

Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) uses cloud-based software to manage doors, gates, and entry systems through a subscription model. It combines physical hardware with a centralized, web- or mobile-based dashboard, allowing administrators to control access, monitor activity, and integrate with other property technologies from anywhere.

• SaaS access control model. ACaaS is delivered through a cloud-based subscription, eliminating the need for on-site servers and reducing the workload on internal IT teams. The provider manages hosting, updates, and maintenance, ensuring the system stays secure and up to date.
• Centralized management dashboard. Administrators access the system through a web or mobile app, making it easy to add or remove users, adjust permissions, and monitor activity in real-time. This centralized view enables seamless oversight of multiple doors, gates, or entire properties from a single platform.
• Hardware & software relationship. ACaaS doesn’t replace physical security components, such as door controllers, readers, or keypads. Instead, these devices connect directly to the cloud platform. The software layer enhances them by enabling real-time updates, remote access, and integration with other property technologies.
• Integration with other systems. ACaaS works in conjunction with existing access control services and integrates with various proptech solutions. From video intercoms and visitor management to broader smart building platforms, it creates a unified ecosystem for managing both physical and digital security.

4 benefits of cloud-based access control systems

Cloud-based access control systems make managing security easier, more flexible, and cost-effective. They offer scalable solutions, enhanced security, and the convenience of remote management for any property type.

Here are four benefits of cloud-based access control systems:

• Scalability and flexibility
• Security and compliance
• Cost efficiency
• Remote management and convenience

1. Scalability & flexibility

ACaaS makes it simple to scale security as your property grows. You can easily add or remove users, expand to new doors, or manage multiple buildings from one dashboard. Because cloud-based access control systems don’t rely on local servers, they work for a wide range of property types, from multifamily communities and office buildings to industrial facilities, retail spaces, and student housing.

2. Security & compliance

With software access control hosted in the cloud, providers handle regular updates, automatic security patches, and server maintenance. This reduces the burden on internal IT teams while strengthening protection against cyber threats. Built-in audit trails, reporting tools, and compliance management features make it easier to meet industry regulations.

3. Cost efficiency

Traditional on-premises systems often require heavy upfront investments in servers and maintenance. By contrast, ACaaS offers predictable, subscription-based pricing. This access control SaaS model lowers the initial cost of deployment while allowing properties to spread expenses over time.

4. Remote management & convenience

One of the biggest advantages of ACaaS is the ability to manage access from anywhere. Through a mobile or web dashboard, administrators can issue mobile credentials, grant delivery access, or manage visitor permissions without being on-site. These integrations streamline daily operations while improving the overall resident or tenant experience.

Considerations for ACaaS

While Access Control as a Service offers many advantages, there are also important factors to evaluate before adopting it. Properties should weigh their specific needs to ensure the system is the right fit.

Considerations include:

• Dependence on internet and cloud connectivity. Because ACaaS is hosted in the cloud, a reliable internet connection is essential. Properties must ensure they have stable connectivity to avoid disruptions in access control services.
• Subscription costs over time. While ACaaS reduces upfront expenses, ongoing subscription fees can add up. It is important to weigh the predictable monthly costs against long-term budget priorities.
• Vendor reliability and data security. Choosing the right provider is critical. Property managers should evaluate a vendor’s track record, uptime guarantees, and security practices to ensure sensitive data remains protected.
• Property-specific needs. Different property types have different priorities. For example, multifamily communities may value resident convenience, while large enterprises often focus on compliance and advanced reporting. ACaaS should be tailored to match the unique needs of the property.

Discover how ButterflyMX Access Control works: 

ACaaS vs. traditional access control

When comparing Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) with traditional systems, it helps to look at how each approach handles infrastructure, costs, and deployment.

Here are the differences between the two access control types:

• On-premises servers vs. cloud-based service
• Ownership model: CapEx vs. OpEx
• Deployment speed and IT requirements
• ACaaS vs. traditional access control conclusion

On-premises servers vs. cloud-based service

• Traditional access control. Relies on local servers and software installed at each property. All management, data storage, and system updates are handled in-house, which gives organizations complete control but also adds responsibility for maintenance, security, and disaster recovery.
• ACaaS. Uses a cloud-based access control service managed by the provider. Updates, backups, and redundancy are built into the platform, reducing the need for on-site servers. Administrators access the system through the cloud, enabling remote visibility and faster feature rollouts.

Ownership model: CapEx vs. OpEx

• Traditional access control. Requires significant upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) for servers, software licenses, and installation. While this model offers ownership and long-term control, upgrades and expansions usually involve new capital investments.
• ACaaS. Follows an operational expense (OpEx) subscription model. Properties pay predictable monthly or annual fees that cover software, hosting, and maintenance. This lowers upfront costs and simplifies budgeting, though recurring subscriptions accumulate over time.

Deployment speed and IT requirements

• Traditional access control. Often slower to deploy due to server procurement, installation, and configuration. It requires IT staff to manage updates, integrations, and security patches, which can be resource-intensive.
• ACaaS. Typically faster to roll out because the software is already hosted in the cloud. Providers handle updates and maintenance, while property teams only manage the hardware and connectivity on-site. This reduces IT burden, especially for organizations with multiple locations or limited technical staff.

ACaaS vs. traditional access control conclusion

ACaaS emphasizes flexibility, scalability, and reduced IT responsibility, making it ideal for multifamily, commercial, and distributed property portfolios. Traditional systems may still be the right fit for enterprises that require full local control, predictable long-term ownership, or environments where internet reliability is a concern.

ACaaS use cases

ACaaS works for a wide range of property types and industries. The following examples highlight how different organizations can benefit from cloud-based access control systems:

• Multifamily property management. ACaaS is ideal for multifamily communities that want to simplify resident access. Cloud-based management allows property teams to issue credentials, manage visitor permissions, and monitor multiple buildings from a single dashboard.
• Commercial buildings. Commercial building owners benefit from ACaaS by gaining enterprise-level oversight. The centralized system makes it easy to track employee and contractor access, enforce policies, and integrate with other proptech solutions.
• Retail and hospitality. Retail stores and hospitality properties with high staff turnover can streamline access management using ACaaS. Credentials can be quickly issued or revoked, reducing administrative burden and improving security.
• Industrial and warehouse facilities. Industrial sites and warehouses often have strict compliance and reporting requirements. ACaaS provides detailed audit trails, activity logs, and automated reporting, helping facilities meet regulatory standards while maintaining secure operations.

Final verdict: ButterflyMX ACaaS for your property

ButterflyMX provides a modern, cloud-based approach to managing access across any property type. By combining software, hardware, and centralized management, it simplifies everyday operations while offering scalable, flexible solutions.

Property managers can monitor multiple buildings, issue credentials instantly, and integrate with other proptech systems, all without the need for on-site servers or extensive IT support. The model also delivers predictable costs and long-term value, making it easier to plan and grow your access control system as your property evolves.

Why ButterflyMX

• Scalability. Quickly add or remove users, doors, or locations as needed. ButterflyMX’s Cloud Access Control platform makes it easy to manage multiple properties from a single interface.
• Convenience. Manage access remotely via web or mobile dashboards. The ButterflyMX mobile app allows administrators and residents to control entry from anywhere, providing instant credential updates.
• Security and compliance. Benefit from automatic updates, audit trails, and reporting tools. Audit logs track all access events in real time, helping with compliance and accountability.
• Cost efficiency. Experience lower upfront investment compared with traditional on-premises systems. With the ButterflyMX subscription model, properties avoid costly server infrastructure while paying predictable monthly fees.
• Integration. Works seamlessly with other proptech solutions, including visitor management and video intercoms. Products like the Video Intercom and integrations with smart building platforms allow for unified management of access, deliveries, and visitor flow.

Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) FAQs

• How does ACaaS handle power or internet outages?
• Is ACaaS suitable for properties with multiple locations?

How does ACaaS handle power or internet outages?

Most ACaaS platforms are designed with offline functionality. Door controllers can store credentials locally, allowing doors to operate normally during temporary connectivity or power interruptions, then sync activity with the cloud once service is restored.

Is ACaaS suitable for properties with multiple locations?

Yes. One of ACaaS’s key advantages is centralized management across multiple sites. Administrators can manage users, permissions, and entry activity for all locations from a single dashboard, making it ideal for distributed portfolios or enterprise properties.

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