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.
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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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
March 19, 2020
Abloy has launched Abloy BEAT, a mobile digital key and weatherproof Bluetooth padlock solution to secure critical infrastructure and commercial or industrial sites. Read More
March 19, 2020
IFSEC Global, in conjunction with HID Global, is seeking responses from people working within security end-user roles to better understand the state of access control in 2020. Read More
March 5, 2020
HID Global has launched HID Signo, its signature line of readers for an adaptable and secure approach to access control. Read More
March 3, 2020
Users of the Inner Range Inception system can now use biometric credentials to gain entry, as well as traditional access cards. Read More
March 3, 2020
Assa Abloy explains how its Aperio access control solution has improved security at the Luminy campus in France. Read More
February 27, 2020
Paxton has made the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the third year running, ranking at 75. Read More
February 26, 2020
Steve Wintle, Abloy UK, explores what can be done to keep CNI locations secure and the increasing role digital security solutions are playing in this sector. Read More
February 25, 2020
Access control software knits a system together — and the signs are, this is finally getting the attention it deserves in security procurement. Read More
February 24, 2020
Master Lock has launched a weather durable and attack robust biometric padlock that is said to allow for rapid fingerprint unlocking with no need for a traditional key. Read More
February 21, 2020
SMARTair has provided an efficient solution to help manage the security of newly built student accomodation in Nantes, France. Read More