Platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet have significantly accelerated enterprise adoption of mobile credentials by leveraging familiar, trusted ecosystems that enhance security and user experience.
As mobile-first habits reshape workplace expectations, enterprise access control is undergoing a significant transformation.
Consumer platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are increasingly central to this shift, streamlining how digital credentials are issued and used across office buildings, campuses, and industrial facilities.
“Platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet have significantly accelerated enterprise adoption of mobile credentials by leveraging familiar, trusted ecosystems that enhance security and user experience,” said Prabhuraj Patil, senior director for physical access control solutions in ASEAN and India Subcontinent at HID.
The result, he said, is a combination of security, convenience, and cost-efficiency. These are key motivators for enterprises that face growing user demands and tightening IT budgets.
From payments to passes
The average smartphone user is already comfortable tapping their device to pay or board public transport. Extending this interaction to building access makes adoption smoother and more intuitive.
“These digital wallets, already widely used for payments and IDs, provide a seamless way to store and manage employee badges, reducing friction for end-users,” Patil said.
He cited HID’s partnership with Apple to enable building-wide mobile access at 167 Green Street in Chicago, the first multi-tenant commercial building in the US to offer contactless entry via Apple Wallet. Tenants at the property can use an iPhone or Apple Watch to securely access the building, eliminating the need for physical cards or badges.
Similarly, HID’s work with Smart Spaces and Cohesion brought mobile credential support to Google Wallet, making the system accessible for Android users as well. This inclusive approach is crucial in enterprise environments where employee device preferences vary widely.
According to market analysts, enterprises are moving toward credentialing solutions that align with consumer technologies, especially as employees increasingly expect seamless, smartphone-based access in professional environments.
Enterprise-grade control through the cloud
A major benefit for security and IT administrators is the cloud-native management that these mobile platforms support. Compared to on-premise systems that require manual badge issuance or physical intervention to deactivate credentials, mobile-based systems offer centralized, real-time control.
“These platforms simplify credential issuance through cloud-based management portals, enabling administrators to distribute or revoke credentials remotely with a single click,” Patil explained.
This remote control, combined with biometric authentication features such as Face ID or fingerprint and encrypted communications native to digital wallets, helps address longstanding pain points in physical security. Unlike legacy cards, which are vulnerable to theft, loss or cloning, digital credentials are tied to personal devices and difficult to compromise.
“The familiarity of these platforms, combined with their convenience, drives adoption, particularly among younger, tech-savvy employees who expect app-based solutions,” Patil added.
According to industry observers, this demographic is not only driving technology expectations in the workplace but also shaping security policies. Organizations that fail to adapt may risk employee dissatisfaction and operational inefficiencies.
Systems integrators take center stage
While Patil did not directly comment on the role of integrators, his insights point to a growing need for solution providers capable of managing this shift. As enterprises adopt mobile credentials, systems integrators are expected to evaluate existing infrastructure, plan retrofits, and deliver complete solutions that combine hardware, software, and cloud services.
The need for secure protocols and encrypted device-specific credentials requires a deep understanding of both physical and digital security. HID’s Seos technology, for example, enables encrypted credential delivery and authentication, but deploying such systems often involves replacing or upgrading legacy readers.
To assist in this, HID provides integration tools such as the Origo Mobile Identities API and SDK. These allow third-party systems to work smoothly with mobile credentials, helping bridge gaps between HR systems, visitor management tools, and access control platforms.
According to systems integrators familiar with HID deployments, organizations are increasingly demanding end-to-end solutions that include mobile enablement, credential lifecycle management, and interoperability with legacy systems.
Roadblocks in the retrofit
“Integrating mobile credentials with legacy systems or third-party applications presents several challenges,” Patil said, pointing to widespread reliance on outdated, proprietary access control systems that lack compatibility with technologies like NFC or Bluetooth Low Energy.
“Upgrading these systems can be costly, requiring either full replacement of legacy readers or the addition of mobile-capable devices, which increases complexity and expense,” he added.
In addition to hardware limitations, Patil said some older systems may not support secure communication protocols required for HID’s Seos technology. This can complicate deployment timelines and raise integration costs.
While Patil focused on technical constraints, industry data shows that budget constraints, compliance regulations, and cross-departmental alignment also play major roles in slowing adoption. Enterprises with multiple campuses or facilities across regions must balance centralized decision-making with local site readiness.
According to security consultants, phased rollouts that begin with mobile-friendly entry points — such as turnstiles, parking lots, or executive zones—can help reduce operational disruption.
Achieving ecosystem-wide interoperability
Enterprise access control today is rarely a standalone solution. It often intersects with building management systems, visitor platforms, HR databases, and elevator control systems.
“This requires robust APIs and integration frameworks, such as HID’s Origo Mobile Identities API & SDK, to facilitate smooth data exchange,” Patil said.
Integrating these systems ensures that identity data is synchronized across the ecosystem. For example, an employee onboarding event in the HR system should automatically trigger credential provisioning in the access control system.
To support this level of integration, HID partners with companies such as SwiftConnect and Smart Spaces. Patil explained that these partnerships are designed to deliver tailored integration strategies and future-proof solutions.
While not explicitly stated in the interview, experts suggest that interoperability also supports use cases beyond office buildings. Education, healthcare, and logistics facilities are adopting unified credentialing to manage both physical access and compliance with industry-specific regulations.
Managing user resistance
Even with robust technologies in place, people factors remain a critical barrier.
“User resistance to change and the need for comprehensive training can hinder adoption, as employees may be hesitant to transition from familiar physical badges to mobile solutions,” Patil said.
To address this, organizations often start with hybrid systems that support both mobile and traditional badges. According to analysts, success in these transitions depends on a thoughtful change management plan, including internal communications, help desk support, and feedback loops to fine-tune deployment.
While Patil did not comment on user communication strategies, industry best practices suggest pilot programs can help demonstrate value and build momentum before organization-wide rollouts.
Looking ahead: The mobile identity ecosystem expands
Patil focused primarily on mobile wallets in the context of smartphones and wearables, but market trends point to a broader evolution in identity technologies. Analysts predict that mobile credentials will expand into form factors such as smart rings, augmented reality headsets, and biometric wearables used in healthcare and industrial sectors.
At the same time, enterprises are exploring unified identity systems that connect physical access with logical access to devices, applications, and networks. This convergence is driving demand for platforms that can securely manage a single identity across environments.
While Patil did not comment on these long-term developments, his emphasis on platforms that users already trust aligns with this direction. The adoption of familiar technologies, he said, reduces friction and enhances security.
By building on platforms that users already trust, and delivering administrative tools that simplify operations, mobile wallets are not just a convenience. They are a strategic enabler for the modern enterprise.
For systems integrators navigating this shift, the message is clear. Those who understand mobile credentialing, legacy system upgrades, and API-based integrations will be best positioned to lead in the next era of enterprise access control.