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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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 â if there are multiple access points â 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 buildingâs 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 â usually authenticating identity through facial, fingerprint and iris recognition â 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 â gaining access using smartphones â is one burgeoning trend with numerous operational benefits.
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Paxton10, an access control and video management solution has been installed at Chiswick Works, a community workspace based in Southwest London. Read More
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Looking for a more efficient operation to improve security, the townâs technical services team have opted for eCLIQ electronic locking. Read More
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ACRE has completed its acquisition of Security Identification Systems Corporation (SISCO.) and its visitor management solutions. Read More