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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
May 25, 2023
Experts from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions will discuss the main findings of the 2023 Wireless Access Control Report, with insight from hundreds of security, facilities management and IT professionals. Read More
May 23, 2023
Salto has acquired facial recognition provider TouchByte, in a move which underlines its commitment to biometric-based access control. Read More
May 22, 2023
SECOM has made a significant investment in Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo - both cloud-based physical security technology providers. Read More
May 9, 2023
SKIDEEV is showcasing its latest access control and doorphone’s solutions at this year’s IFSEC event. Read More
May 5, 2023
Insight from experts into the definition and nuances of wider adoption to Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) in the security market. Read More
April 26, 2023
A new HQ for Canal+ has had a suite of connected access control devices installed to enable a connected smart building environment. Read More
April 17, 2023
Residents in London's St Paul's Square have had the latest security systems installed including video door entry and access control. Read More
March 30, 2023
ASSA ABLOY explains how choosing wireless over wired locking can play an important role in reducing energy use — and therefore expenditure. Read More
March 28, 2023
Hear from Lee Odess, access control expert and influencer, on what the future holds as 'Big Tech' moves into the traditional security domain. Read More
March 16, 2023
NHS Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, has been supplied with an electromechanical solution from Abloy UK for increased security. Read More