Arizona State University recently received the Innovative Technology Award from the National Association of Campus Card Users for the school's pilot access control system, which uses mobile-based near-field communications on door locks, according to a CR80 News report.

"We are honored that NACCU has recognized this pilot program, which is an important step toward global deployment of mobile access control technology beyond cashless payment applications," access control system expert Debra Spitler said, according to the news source.

The test was completed last summer when a handful of students were granted the ability to use smartphones on dormitory and classroom keyless locksets that are currently accessed by contactless ID cards. Approximately 80 percent of the study's participants said using personal mobile devices was just as convenient as using ID cards, while 90 percent said they would like all doors on campus to use similar technology, CR80 News reported.

"This pilot proved the viability of the NFC-based mobile access model using secure portable credentials," Laura Ploughe, the director of business applications and fiscal control at ASU, said, according to CR80 News. "We are very pleased with the results and gratified to have received this recognition from NACCU."

According to MarketsandMarkets, the global market for NFC applications will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 38 percent through 2016, eventually generating more than $10 billion in revenue. The advancement of contactless solutions presents a major opportunity for organizations around the world to leverage next-generation access control systems, keyless locksets and other security tools.

Companies that use NFC-enabled applications can make entry into restricted areas more strict, while giving authorized individuals easier access privileges. As a result, employee and resident satisfaction can increase, even as security grows tighter.