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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
August 16, 2018
Antron Security project-managed the design and installation for property owner, Derwent London, while Inner Range provided the core access control and intruder detection system that enabled a bespoke solution for the commercial office site. Read More
August 14, 2018
The specialist in electronic IP access control and video door entry solutions says the app received glowing feedback from installers when it was previewed at IFSEC International. Read More
August 13, 2018
In a wide-ranging interview Rawling discussed the latest, video streaming profile and reflected on the organisation’s achievements in its 10th anniversary year and how it might evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow’s security industry. Read More
August 10, 2018
Vanderbilt has developed VR Mullion card readers with a feature set that combats card cloners and helps them blend in with the building’s interior design. Read More
August 8, 2018
IFSEC TV's presenter let loose with a hammer on a shock-proof locking system for high security applications at IFSEC 2018. Read More
August 6, 2018
GDX by STANLEY Product & Technology has launched GDX7 – a Power Line Ethernet (PLE) system with a standard two-core […] Read More
August 6, 2018
Each lock manufacturer has its own approach to writing and reading cards, but customers installing offline locks from brands that subscribe to the OSS–SO are guaranteed interoperability. ASSA ABLOY spoke to a round table of manufacturers and integrators about the standard’s importance - and its future. Read More
August 2, 2018
Amazon’s facial recognition software erroneously flagged 28 members of Congress as having been arrested for crimes during tests run by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Read More
July 30, 2018
In the access control category, ASSA ABLOY won the Golden Protector 2018 for its mobile-ready mechatronic locking system, CLIQ® Connect. The award was presented on 27 June at the SicherheitsExpo in Munich. Read More
July 27, 2018
The Princeton Identity team showcased the impressive speed and accuracy of the technology, which is motion- and distance-tolerant and even works when someone is wearing sunglasses. Read More