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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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 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
September 7, 2018
This report examines the drivers – like granting remote access to family or Airbnb guests – and barriers to adoption – like cybersecurity concerns – of the smart door locks market. Sponsored by ASSA ABLOY, The Smart Door Locks Report 2018 is based on a survey of hundreds of consumers around EMEA. Read More
September 5, 2018
IFSEC TV caught up with the company's strategic relationship manager, Jarod Booth, at IFSEC International 2018. Watch the resulting interview, in which Booth provides a tour of seven solution partners with products showcased on the Anixter stand: Allegion, Bosch, TDSi, Panduit, Comnet, Microsemi and NEC. Read More
September 4, 2018
James Ford, director of global marketing at STANLEY Security, stresses that partnering with specialists in other fields in order to provide customers with end-to-end solutions is a priority for the company, as is grappling with cybersecurity. Read More
September 3, 2018
Most employers want to make their workplace a more responsive, more flexible environment. Upgrading from old-fashioned locks and mechanical master-keys to wireless access control is a great way to do so, as ASSA ABLOY explains. Read More
September 3, 2018
Users of Genetec Security Center can now supplement access cards and PIN codes with fingerprint authentication from ievo Ltd. Read More
August 28, 2018
The delicate balance between protecting a precious building and guarding its priceless contents sets a major challenge for access control […] Read More
August 23, 2018
The publication rigorously tests hardware and software under a range of conditions to see how it matches up to the manufacturer’s marketing claims and fulfills the needs of today's security teams. Read More