Typically, physical and logical security--also known as IT security--are separate operations in most enterprises. In fact, IT and physical security teams have tended to mix like oil and water. But marrying physical with logical security can reap considerable benefits.

Convergence enhances efficiency because user access to physical and IT resources is streamlined, reducing help desk calls. Employees can enjoy the ease of having a single device that gives them access to both the office building and the network. Better access management translates to improved security--and enhanced compliance with various regulatory requirements--because users only access the resources they are authorized to, and no more.