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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
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August 1, 2022
A large-scale food producer, LFC Milling, has had CLIQ key-operated electronic access control integrated by ASSA ABLOY. Read More
July 20, 2022
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July 13, 2022
In a recent IFSEC Global webinar, experts discussed the current and future trends in physical access control. Read More
July 12, 2022
Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced that it has launched the revised technical specification, DHF TS 008:2022. Read More
July 11, 2022
Security company, Amthal, has upgraded Trestle Theatre with an access control system incorporating network control, software and proximity ID cards. Read More
June 30, 2022
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions explains why security managers should opt for connected access control solutions to improve efficiencies. Read More
June 28, 2022
Download the 2022 Physical Access Control report from IFSEC Global and get exclusive insight into the current PACS market and trends ahead. Read More
June 22, 2022
Sussex-based Paxton has partnered with the charity Mind in Brighton & Hove, to raise funds for those suffering from mental health issues. Read More