IDtech: Smart Access Control for Critical Infrastructure

In an increasingly interconnected and high-risk world, protecting critical infrastructure is no longer a matter of physical barriers alone. From energy and utilities to government buildings and transportation hubs, the demand for intelligent, integrated, and resilient access control systems is driving a new wave of innovation across the security industry. At the forefront of this transformation is IDtech, a European access control specialist with a growing international footprint and a strong reputation for protecting high-stakes environments.

By: Thomas Deville

In this article, we will explore three key dimensions of today’s advanced access control solutions: the latest innovations in securing critical infrastructure, IDtech’s integration with best-in-class video and AI technologies, and major reference projects that demonstrate how these systems are being deployed in real-world scenarios in the Middle East.

Innovations in access control for critical infrastructure

The security landscape for critical infrastructure has become significantly more complex over the past decade. Beyond guarding entry points, today’s access control systems must offer multi-layered protection, situational awareness, and adaptive threat response, all while complying with stringent data protection and operational standards.

Some of the most important innovations now reshaping this field include:

• AI-powered credential verification: facial recognition, behavioral biometrics, and multi-factor authentication systems improve both security and user convenience.
• Cloud-enabled platforms: secure cloud-hosted access control allows central management of multiple remote sites, with rapid scalability and secure data storage.
• Integration with Video Analytics: combining access logs with live video verification allows operators to detect anomalies instantly and respond to threats proactively.
• Cyber-resilient architecture: as physical security systems become part of broader IT ecosystems, protecting them from cyber threats is now a top priority.

These technologies are converging to create smart, proactive security environments that can prevent incidents rather than simply record them.

IDtech’s Integrated Solutions: From on-premises security to AI-driven intelligence

IDtech has long been known for its robust, enterprise-grade physical access control systems (PACS), widely deployed across Europe’s most sensitive facilities. But its latest offerings go far beyond traditional door control.

Access Control + Video: a seamless integration with Milestone XProtect®: one of IDtech’s standout developments is its tight integration with Milestone XProtect®, a leading video management system. This integration empowers users with a unified interface where video feeds are automatically linked with access events, enabling:

• Real-time verification: operators can instantly see who accessed a door and whether their credentials matched their identity on camera.
• Alarm synchronization: suspicious access attempts trigger video bookmarks and alerts across systems, enabling faster investigation.
• Streamlined forensics: In case of security incidents, correlated data simplifies review and reporting.

By integrating physical access and surveillance into a single ecosystem, IDtech ensures that security teams are not only watching, but also understanding and responding in real-time.

IDtech has long been known for its robust, enterprise-grade physical access control systems (PACS), widely deployed across Europe’s most sensitive facilities. But its latest offerings go far beyond traditional door control.

AI-powered PACS: Advanced Video Analytics with Aicuda. In partnership with Aicuda, a specialist in intelligent video analytics, IDtech is taking access control even further. Their joint solutions add a layer of AI-based interpretation to the system, unlocking capabilities such as:

• Facial recognition: seamless identification of personnel, even in low-light or masked conditions.
• License Plate Recognition (LPR): automated vehicle access tied to driver credentials and site-specific permissions.
• Object and behavior detection: identification of unusual objects or behavior patterns near secure zones.
• PPE detection: ensuring workers entering hazardous areas are wearing mandatory protective equipment—enhancing not just security, but occupational safety compliance.

These tools not only enhance security effectiveness but also support operational oversight and regulatory compliance, particularly in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation.

Proven deployments: key IDtech projects in the Middle East

With growing geopolitical and infrastructure investment across the Middle East, IDtech has delivered several high-profile projects in the region, tailored to local needs, including data sovereignty, cybersecurity regulations, and environmental resilience.

Cloud-based access control system hosted on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure: In one major deployment for a UAE-based critical infrastructure, IDtech implemented a fully cloud-hosted access control and alarm management solution on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). This project stands out for its:

• Data sovereignty compliance: all data is hosted within the country’s borders, in full compliance with national regulations.
• Cybersecurity hardening: the system includes advanced encryption and continuous vulnerability monitoring.
• Integration with Avigilon Unity: IDtech PACS is seamlessly integrated with Avigilon’s VMS, providing real-time visual verification and advanced video analytics.
• Scalable multi-site management: a single cloud dashboard controls access across three critical sites, with granular access policies and audit trails.

This project reflects a broader shift toward secure cloud adoption in critical infrastructure, striking a balance between flexibility and stringent local compliance.

In one major deployment for a UAE-based critical infrastructure, IDtech implemented a fully cloud-hosted access control and alarm management solution on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).

Securing an Adnoc Gas site with explosion-proof surveillance and AI: another notable deployment involves securing the entrance of an Adnoc Gas facility, where safety and surveillance requirements are exceptionally high due to the nature of operations

Here, IDtech integrated its access control system with explosion-proof Axis cameras to monitor entry zones exposed to hazardous materials and Aicuda analytics performing:

• Facial recognition for employee and visitor validation
• License plate recognition for automated gate control
• Object detection to flag abandoned items or unauthorized materials, such as telephones
• PPE detection to ensure all staff entering the site meet safety standards

This project illustrates how access control and AI-driven video analytics can serve dual purposes: securing sites and enforcing safety compliance, a growing priority in industrial and energy environments.

Conclusion: Toward Smarter, Safer Infrastructure

As critical infrastructure becomes a focal point for both physical and cyber threats, the integration of intelligent, adaptable access control systems is no longer optional — it is essential. IDtech’s approach combines proven reliability, cutting-edge integration, and deep domain expertise, particularly in high-risk and compliance-intensive sectors.

Whether deploying cloud-based solutions with strict data governance or fusing AI analytics with traditional access control, IDtech is helping organizations take the next step toward proactive, intelligent security.