What characteristic would NOT be essential for a user-friendly access control system?

A user-friendly access control system aims to provide ease of use and a seamless experience for its users. One of the key characteristics of such a system is intuitive navigation and operation, which ensures that users can easily understand and operate the system without extensive training. Clear instructions further enhance usability by providing users with guidance on how to interact with the system effectively. Accessible customer support is also vital, as it allows users to seek help whenever they encounter issues or have questions.

In contrast, complex programming requirements would hinder the user-friendliness of the access control system. A system with complicated setup or customization processes may confuse users and lead to frustration, compromising the overall accessibility and efficiency that a user-friendly design seeks to achieve. Therefore, complex programming is not an essential characteristic but rather a barrier to user-friendliness in effective access control systems.