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 Happily, when an electronic access card is lost or stolen, access rights can be withdrawn immediately, rendering the card inactive.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.
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
July 9, 2021
Why the eCLIQ locking system from ASSA ABLOY was specified to provide intelligent, flexible and high security access control standards. Read More
July 5, 2021
The NSI has published the latest revision of its Code of Practice for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Access Control Systems. Read More
July 2, 2021
A viewpoint on the benefits of cloud-based access control for organisations, particularly small- to medium-sized businesses. Read More
June 30, 2021
How wireless access control is supporting the education sector improve management processes and bolster security. Read More
June 25, 2021
How businesses can reboot their access control security systems to cater for a safer environment as workers return to offices. Read More
June 23, 2021
How security tech, devices and industry professionals can better enhance their understanding of the BIM workflow. Read More