The global access-control market is projected to reach a total value of $10.4bn by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 10.6%, according to research by Markets and Markets.
Access control technically includes the time-honoured mechanical lock and key, but when people talk about access control in the modern security industry, they mean sophisticated electronic turnstiles, gates, wireless locks and other barriers increasingly incorporating aspects of IT and physical security.
Keys can be lost, stolen and copied, leaving assets vulnerable and requiring an expensive change of locks. Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive. Should thieves gain access before a theft is noticed, operators can identify when they breached security and – if there are multiple access points – where in the building they are at any given time.
Modern access-control systems also offer flexible access rights. For example, while all staff can generally gain access through a building’s main entrance, access to certain internal areas may be restricted to those with relevant authority. Access can also be restricted to specific time periods.
The plastic access card has long been the dominant form of identity verification. While they still govern access for most installed systems, biometric solutions – usually authenticating identity through facial, fingerprint and iris recognition – are becoming more reliable, affordable and widespread.
Often accused of being a conservative industry the access control sector is finally emulating its CCTV counterpart in embracing IP, open-platform technology, the internet of things and integration with, and interoperability between, building systems. Mobile access – gaining access using smartphones – is one burgeoning trend with numerous operational benefits.
September 14, 2022
ACRE has completed its acquisition of Security Identification Systems Corporation (SISCO.) and its visitor management solutions. Read More
September 1, 2022
Islington Council works with Comelit-PAC for a cloud based door entry solution managing access control to communal residential developments. Read More
August 26, 2022
A Danish housing complex focuses on sustainability by using energy harvesting locking with cloud management to secure the site. Read More
August 18, 2022
Providing medical care with almost 500 beds, an advanced health facility was in need of a modern access management solution. Read More
August 16, 2022
38 years after founding Paxton, Tony Ratcliffe is stepping down. His son Sholto Ratcliffe will take on the role in his place. Read More
August 8, 2022
As more buildings aim to be smarter and greener, the construction process is beginning to digitise - but, how do the two interact? Read More
August 4, 2022
We speak to Koen Claerbout, the CEO of Zenitel, discussing the importance of audio security as part of a comprehensive security unit. Read More
August 1, 2022
A large-scale food producer, LFC Milling, has had CLIQ key-operated electronic access control integrated by ASSA ABLOY. Read More
July 20, 2022
Examining the points to consider when establishing a physical security protocol such as locking down and appropriate access control solutions. Read More
July 13, 2022
In a recent IFSEC Global webinar, experts discussed the current and future trends in physical access control. Read More