Take Command with Mobile Credentials

May 31, 2024

Security Buyer sits down with Tyson Barnett, Value Owner, Credentials at Gallagher Security to find out more about the latest adoption of mobile credentials in Apple wallet

Gallagher Security has a strong reputation for developing security technologies that improve how people access and interact with their workplaces. Specialising in innovative access solutions, Gallagher has been enhancing security and operational efficiency across various industries worldwide.

In this interview, we speak with Tyson Barnett, who has over 16 years of experience at Gallagher Security. As a Value (Product) Owner, Tyson plays a critical role in aligning product development with customer needs. His background in media arts and various roles in design, communication, and analysis equips him with a unique perspective on product development.

Tyson is focused on the adoption of mobile credentials and digital wallets, which have become crucial in today’s workplace environments. These technologies allow for a smoother and more secure access to spaces, aligning with the expectations of a workforce that values convenience and technology.

In our conversation, Tyson discusses the importance of digital wallets and how they contribute to making workplaces more efficient and attractive to employees. He provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating these technologies into daily operations.

Join us as Tyson shares his expertise on digital wallets and mobile credentials, and how Gallagher Security is leading the way in modernising access control systems for the benefit of businesses and their employees.

When the perks matter; how mobile credentials are delivering a premium workplace experience

The widespread adoption of mobile credentials is redefining access and interaction within the physical work environment. It is an innovation that delivers a level of convenience, personalisation, and seamlessness, offering what can only be described as a shift in workplace experience. We spoke to Tyson Barnett, Gallagher Security Value Owner, Credentials, on why mobile credentials and digital wallets are key to delivering a premium office experience.

Why should businesses care about digital wallets?

In a post-pandemic world, traditional office benefits are not enough to attract employees back to the workplace. Offering a premium workplace experience has become increasingly important, and to achieve this, employers must adapt to meet the evolving expectations of their employees.

It’s true that mobile credentials have been a feature of access control systems for several years now, but their capabilities are continually expanding to deliver new benefits to businesses and their employees. For example, in the past, mobile credentials were contained in separate applications on a user’s phone, which meant you had to open your phone, then open the app before accessing your staff ID to enter a building or room. Now, credentials can be stored in a digital wallet which means users can simply tap their phone against a reader and it’ll grant access, saving a lot of time throughout the day, especially in high traffic areas where bottlenecks can occur.

The storing of credentials within a user’s personal digital wallet can also mitigate any reluctance about having someone else’s app, or their employer’s app on their personal phone.

The reality is the adoption of Mobile Credentials is not a moment too soon. Mobile device ownership is expected to reach unprecedented numbers in the coming years, with a forecast of 364 million users in the U.S. by 2040. These devices are already at the centre of the lives of most people, particularly amongst the emerging majority in the workforce – Gen Z and Millennials.

The shift towards mobile credentials and digital wallets has become essential, driven by the demand for convenience and a way to simplify daily tasks. Digital wallet apps allow users to add their credit card, boarding passes, event tickets, and more to the phone’s native wallet. The expectation is that employee badges also reside in the digital wallet, which means the adoption of digital wallets is not just an option but a necessity to satisfy this growing generation of an employee’s appetite for convenience.

We live in a world where the mobile device is an extension of self, and the expectation is simple – the workplace should reflect this technological advancement. It is not just about functionality or convenience; it is also about perception, signaling a tech-savvy workplace culture that resonates with the current and upcoming generations, a place that is committed to providing a premium workplace experience for its people.

And it’s not just employees pushing the agenda, according to Gallagher Security’s Industry Trends Report, mobile credentials are among the top prioritisations for security Channel Partners and Consultants in 2024, with an overwhelming majority citing them as an increasingly important feature of modern systems. And for good reason: they are a versatile tool that leverages familiarity and ease of use….