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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
November 28, 2023
Traka’s key management system has been installed at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to help achieve its objectives for more efficient security processes to benefit staff on a 24/7 basis. Read More
November 23, 2023
A US aquarium has had ID access control by Paxton put in place for higher security around the site and sensitive areas. Read More
November 21, 2023
Listen as we explore the challenging environment of securing critical national infrastructure, and the major trends ahead for the sector. Read More
November 17, 2023
Key management systems from Traka have been installed at Loughborough University, for more efficient processes and controlled access. Read More
November 10, 2023
IFSEC Insider is seeking responses from security professionals to better understand the state of access control in 2024. Read More
November 9, 2023
SwiftConnect and HID collaborate with British Land to with a digital wallet for access control at Broadgate in Liverpool Street, London. Read More
November 7, 2023
Exploring the technical security learnings from the Casey Report into the events of Euro 2020 at Wembley where 2,000 fans gained forced entry. Read More
October 31, 2023
It’s now more important than ever to ensure you have the correct security measures in place to give your customers the best experience with their access control system. Watch Paxton’s new Net2 video to discover what it can do for you. Read More
October 27, 2023
Østre Landsret, the High Court for Denmark’s Eastern region, has been equipped with more than 650 new doors in a coordinated, multiple stakeholder project, says ASSA ABLOY. Read More
October 26, 2023
Abloy UK has supplied its SMARTair access control system to a 65-one bed and studio apartment building based in the centre of Milton Keynes. Read More