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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
January 22, 2021
Designed to manage infection control from viruses, Milton Keynes University Hospital has installed a touch-free door entry system from Videx. Read More
January 18, 2021
Expanding its presence in the social housing access control sector, CAME UK has completed the acquisition of KMS (Key Management Systems). Read More
January 12, 2021
Inner Range has had its enterprise-level integrated access control system, Integriti, specified as the solution for a new London office space. Read More
January 8, 2021
Read how an electronic and intelligent key management solution from ASSA ABLOY improved the security operations of a French museum. Read More
January 7, 2021
The IFSEC Global Editor takes a look at several noteworthy trends in the security sector to come out of the past 12 months. Read More
January 5, 2021
Download our free trend report to find out the state of the wireless access control market and analysis on projected trends! Read More
January 4, 2021
Read this eBook to discover more about the FARGO INK1000, the high-quality, affordable and simple inkjet card printer from HID Global. Read More
December 30, 2020
Employees at one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies now use their mobile devices to access Avolon facilities in offices worldwide. Read More
December 21, 2020
Michael Gips offers his predictions for trends set to shape the world of physical access control in 2021 and beyond. Read More
December 18, 2020
Paxton has produced a new series of Net2 tutorials to support installers with the latest features in its access control software. Read More