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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
January 20, 2022
An access control and security system by Inner Range and A D Security has been installed in a multi-tenant office situated on the banks of the Thames. Read More
January 20, 2022
Condeco, a provider of workspace management suites, has acquired visitor management system provider Proxyclick. Read More
January 18, 2022
Download this eBook to get expert perspectives and advice on the key benefits of upgrading to new, feature-rich technologies as you consider the right approach for your organization. Read More
January 17, 2022
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions is supporting customers with the cost saving benefits of managing access control with its new smartphone keys. Read More
January 13, 2022
Comelit-PAC and Door Entry Direct support a campaign enabling customers to ‘Get IN…’ with the chance of winning prizes throughout 2022. Read More
January 7, 2022
Download this free guide detailing the key considerations you should be thinking about when selecting & operating a facial recognition access system. Read More
December 30, 2021
Banham, a family-owned security company with its head office in Earlsfield, London, has celebrated its landmark 95th anniversary. Read More
December 29, 2021
Headquartered in Bremerhaven, German seafood retailer, Deutsche See, are utilising eCliQ's electronic master key system across its 19 sites. Read More
December 21, 2021
Here, Swiftlane explores several options available to property and building managers to ensure delivery processes are as secure as possible. Read More
December 20, 2021
ASSA ABLOY explores why it believes wireless and integrated Aperio solutions can enable facility managers to get ahead of security problems. Read More