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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
March 16, 2023
NHS Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, has been supplied with an electromechanical solution from Abloy UK for increased security. Read More
March 10, 2023
Insight from analyst firm, Omdia, on what the new Axis Powered by Genetec collaboration means for the physical access control industry. Read More
March 9, 2023
An overview on the role of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, in the physical security sector, how it has developed and its potential uses. Read More
March 9, 2023
A master key system from ASSA ABLOY has been installed at a Munich housing development for heightened security for residents. Read More
March 3, 2023
A global media production company now has an integrated system to monitor equipment at five different sites remotely, to optimise security. Read More
March 3, 2023
Exploring how converged security centres are essential in protecting physical and IT access management solutions in a connected environment. Read More
March 2, 2023
ACRE has announced it has completed the acquisition of the PremiSys software and hardware portfolio and associated assets from IDenticard. Read More
February 23, 2023
User experience and convenience are central to the specification of new access control systems, according to a new report. Read More
February 20, 2023
On a new office development in central Brussels, Openings Studio software helped support BIM specification for security and door solutions. Read More
February 16, 2023
The school sought a solution to deal with 900 students in 18 boarding houses which all require different access permissions. Read More