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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
October 18, 2018
The next Security TWENTY 18 event, a series of regional conference and exhibitions, is taking place at Park Inn Hotel, London Heathrow on Wednesday 7 November 2018. Read More
October 17, 2018
Gareth Ellams, managing director of the access control division at ASSA ABLOY, told IFSEC TV about the company's range of products, for commercial and residential sectors. Read More
October 17, 2018
CLIQ® access control has an established track record in the museums and heritage sector, so when the Design Museum’s construction company were asked to recommend the best solution, they picked CLIQ. Read More
October 8, 2018
Genetec, the developer of IP video surveillance, access control and licence plate recognition solutions, has partnered with AI recognition specialist AnyVision. Read More
October 8, 2018
Held in partnership with IFSEC and FIREX International the awards will be presented on Wednesday 21 November 2018 at London Hilton on Park Lane. Read More
October 5, 2018
“A desire to operate to the highest standards runs through everything we do and ISO 9001:2015 rubber stamps our credentials through better integration and alignment of our internal processes,” said James Ford, PACOM’s marketing director. Read More
October 5, 2018
Why did the university choose the market leader in trusted identity solutions? This study, which you can download for free, explains how the upgrade has not only enhanced security but improved the university experience for students and staff alike. Read More
October 1, 2018
The average number of customer stakeholders involved in a purchasing decision is now estimated to be 6.8, up from 5.4 in late 2014, writes Louise Stewart-Muir of Say Communications. Read More
October 1, 2018
A short video and infographic outlining the key numbers around leads generated, visitor numbers, visitor breakdown by country and place in the supply chain, examples of some innovative technology providers, and more. Read More
October 1, 2018
Vanderbilt has released a new version of ACT Enterprise that integrates with Vanderbilt’s award-winning SPC intrusion system and features a new rules mapping engine and smartphone app. Read More