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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
September 20, 2021
The integration now allows owners and residents to manage apartments using Dynamic's single-app building automation system. Read More
September 17, 2021
Paxton10 is enabling a Rotterdam 24 hour gym to run without the need for employees via its access control and video management system. Read More
September 6, 2021
IFSEC Global hears why Vincennes city administrators opted for an electronic replacement for its mechanical master-key system. Read More
August 9, 2021
Download this free eBook, as we compile answers from leading vendors on the major threats, challenges and opportunities in access control. Read More
August 3, 2021
ASSA ABLOY explains how wireless access control devices can support installers when retrofitting modern solutions to older buildings. Read More
July 28, 2021
A French water and waste management utility switched to programmable key-based access control from ASSA ABLOY to improve security and safety. Read More
July 21, 2021
dormakaba has completed the acquisition of Solus Security Systems, an integrated electronic access and data solutions provider in India. Read More
July 19, 2021
IDEMIA has announced a global partnership with Bosch to "tap the fast-growing biometric access control market". Read More
July 16, 2021
Motorola Solutions has acquired cloud-based mobile access control provider, Openpath Security Inc. Read More
July 16, 2021
Adam Stroud explains why smart access and credentials could become common features of smart-building infrastructure over the next five years. Read More