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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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 18, 2017
Hundreds of people recently discovered that they were unable to open their doors by their usual means when their smart locks were disabled – digitally, at least – by a botched software update. Read More
August 18, 2017
S2 Security has launched version 5 of S2 Magic Monitor, which brings access control and video surveillance together with forensics, digital signage and real-time data feeds into a unified interface. Read More
August 18, 2017
Did you know that the average company with 10,000 or more employees spends $3.7m a year dealing with phishing threats? Read More
August 17, 2017
An increase in urban attacks has driven development of innovative solutions that deter vehicular attacks in urban areas, writes Bobby Hamilton of Hesco. Read More
August 17, 2017
CSL has appointed Andy Fyvie as head of European customer development. Read More
August 16, 2017
Watch our highlights video from Borders & Infrastructure Expo, which took place within IFSEC International at London ExCeL in June. Read More
August 16, 2017
A West London housing provider has become the first organisation to have its fire risk management system (FRMS) certified to the PAS 7:2013 standard. Read More
August 15, 2017
Honeywell is showcasing life-safety systems from Xtralis – the company it acquired last year – during 12 roadshows across Europe as well as an instalment in Dubai throughout September and October. Read More
August 15, 2017
Digital Barriers, which specialises in military-grade technology, also provided its ThruVis thermal screening cameras for the recent ‘One Love’ Manchester concert. Read More
August 14, 2017
Vanderbilt has released the latest update to SPC, its intrusion detection system. Read More