Recognizing when your facility has outgrown its current security setup is the first step toward preventing vulnerabilities. If your organization relies on Gallagher infrastructure, look out for these five critical signs that indicate a Gallagher Access Control Upgrade is necessary:
FIVE SIGNS THAT AN UPGRADE IT'S NECESSARY
YOU ARE STUCK ON LEGACY COMMAND CENTRE SOFTWARE (PRE-V9.00)
If your Gallagher access control system runs an older version of Gallagher Command Centre, you miss out on critical cybersecurity patches, modern browser capabilities, and cloud features. Newer updates (like v9.30 and v9.40) offer cloud-first identity management, such as Microsoft Entra ID single sign-on, which reduces reliance on outdated local server infrastructure.
YOUR CONTROLLERS ARE NEARING CAPACITY OR END-OF-LIFE
While Gallagher extended support for the legacy Controller 6000 through 2031, older installations struggle with dense, modern environments. Upgrading to the next-gen Controller 7000 (C7000) range allows you to scale up to 24 door per controller and doubles your reader capacity (up to 40 HBUS or 32 OSDP readers), streamlining your hardware footprint.
USERS ARE STILL ASKING, "CAN I JUST USE MY PHONE?"
If your employees or tenants still rely entirely on physical plastic cards or fobs because your current readers don’t support Bluetooth or NFC, your technology is behind modern user expectations. Upgrading opens up native mobile credentialing through platforms like Gallagher AccessNow.
YOU EXPERIENCE HIGH ADMINISTRATIVE AND MAINTENANCE OVERHEAD
Older systems require tedious, manual management. Modern Gallagher access control upgrades introduce automated system maintenance tools:
- Automated Cleanup: Bulk changes that instantly purge expired credentials to protect licenses and security.
- Lock Cycle Counting: Predictive maintenance software that tracks physical lock wear to catch hardware failures before they happen.
INSOLATED SITE MANAGEMENT AND POOR INTEGRATIONS
If managing multiple buildings requires logging into separate servers, or if your access system operates in a silo away your VMS (Video Management System) and visitor tracking, your operational efficiency is taking a hit. Modern upgrades unify these systems into a single, cloud-accessible dashboard.
WHY IS SO IMPORTANT TO KEEP GALLAGHER SYSTEM UPGRADED?
Keeping your Gallagher system upgraded isn’t just about getting access to new buttons or visual interfaces—it directly impacts your facility’s operational costs, legal compliance, and defense against cyber threats. Because physical security and cybersecurity have completely converged, an outdated access system quickly becomes the weakest link on your corporate network.
HARDENING AGAINST EVOLVING CYBER THREATS
Access systems panels are IoT (Internet of Things) devices sitting on your network. Legacy systems or outdated firmware leave open vulnerabilities that modern hackers can exploit to breach your corporate network.
- Gallagher continuously rolls out critical cybersecurity patches and firmware updates.
- Upgrading to modern software versions (like Command Centre v9.00+) ensures your system complies with strict modern data standards (like the CAPSS standard), ensuring encrypted, secure communication between your servers, controllers, and readers.
RADICAL ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY & AUTOMATION
Running legacy software means your team wastes hours on manual data entry and disjointed administrative tasks. Keeping the system updated unlocks massive cloud-based automation tools.
- AccessNow Cloud Integration: Built to drastically reduce HR overhead, this cloud extension automates the entire process of requesting, approving, and provisionin credentials.
- Command Centre Web & Mobile: Upgrading gives security teams full site oversight, allowing them to manage access permissions, monitor alarms, and check cardholder data securely from a mobile browser anywhere—without needing a clunky corporate VPN.
SUPPORT FOR NEXT-GEN HARDWARE (CONTROLLER 7000)
While legacy hardware like the Controller 6000 is supported for several more years, older versions of Command Centre cannot leverage the power of the next-generation Controller 7000 (C7000) range. Upgrading your system allows you to phase in these powerful smart controllers, which double your reader capacity (handling up to 40 HBUS or 32 OSDP readers) and provide massive processing upgrades to handle modern encryption protocols at the door.
MEETING MODERN USER EXPECTATIONS
Plastic badges and key fobs are easily lost, cloned or stolen. Keeping your system upgraded allows your facility to leverage native mobile credentialing. Tenants and employees can use their smartphones via Bluetooth or NFC to unlock doors, creating a seamless, frictionless user experience that modern workforces expect.
SEAMLESS SYSTEM INTEGRATION (THE TOP PRIORITY)
Unifying your building technology into a single dashboard provides the best return on your investment. However, outdated software forces your access system to operate in an isolated silo. Therefore, keeping Gallagher upgraded is essential. As a result, it integrates flawlessly with modern third-party systems.
For instance, you can easily connect:
- Video Management Systems (VMS): Use this integration for real-time video verification.
- Identity Management Platforms: Connect tools like Microsoft Entra ID for automatic single sign-on synchronization.
- Visitor Tracking Platforms: Use these systems to automatically clear guests at turnstiles.
