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.
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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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 25, 2018
Students at a prestigious Madrid university now open doors with smart MIFARE RFID cards, while Escutcheons monitor and ease access without expensive wired door locks. "Generation Z students expect convenience, not a mechanical solution used in Ancient Egypt,” said Felix Moran of ASSA ABLOY. Read More
September 24, 2018
Identity solutions specialist HID Global has acquired Crossmatch, a developer of biometric identity management hardware and software, from Francisco Partners. Read More
September 24, 2018
Physical security professionals have long suspected a shift toward increased involvement of the IT department in physical access control. A new study from HID Global proves this to be true. Read More
September 21, 2018
Videos include overall highlights, footage from the Show Me How campaign, the LPCB Attack Testing Zone, Drone Zone and Engineers of Tomorrow competition, plus highlights videos from across the show focused on days one, two and three. Read More
September 20, 2018
IFSEC 2018 saw the debut of the 'Show Me How' campaign, in which solution providers showed visitors how to install, use and maintain their products - the emphasis being on education rather than sales pitches. Read More
September 19, 2018
Abloy UK has launched an Escape Door System (EDS) that purports to offer easy access and egress while promising compliance and the capacity to implement dynamic lockdown procedures. Read More
September 19, 2018
ACRE, the parent company of Vanderbilt and its subsidiaries, has announced a strategic partnership with AlertEnterprise to expand security systems functionality […] Read More
September 18, 2018
S2 Security, the developer of complete enterprise security solutions, has released an updated version of S2 Magic Monitor. The latest incarnation – version 6.1 – introduces internet-streamed TV as well as enhancements to Magic Monitor Forensics. Read More
September 14, 2018
Whether it’s mechanical keys or wired door locks, access control doesn’t always have the flexibility a changing environment needs. How can you know the time is right to expand your access control system? And what’s the best way to do it? Read More
September 10, 2018
Vacation rentals are booming in Croatia, so Pula-based Intersoft sought to develop a technology-based solution to make life less hectic […] Read More