Global Access Control Market research report

Global Access Control Market research report

Introduction

From protecting the perimeter to securing high-value assets, access control systems are a fundamental responsibility for organizational security departments. A study commissioned by HID Global of security directors, managers and consultants indicated that companies are investing in more advanced access control technology, and while the pace may be slow, there is a trend of organizations employing technology that is more secure and easier to deploy and use. Security directors report the two most important ways an access control system aids an organization's security is by limiting physical security breaches (34%) and limiting the incidence and impact of insider threats (28%). To accomplish these goals, as well as realizing the other benefits of a high-functioning access control system, organizations are working to build synergies between security and IT and add functionality to their systems. Most modern Access Control Systems use some combination of servers and workstations. The servers store all of the system configurations and historical data, manage communications throughout the system, and serve the workstations with real-time data and reports. Servers also control system decisions or functions that span across multiple Access Control Panels. Biometrics have existed since the starting of access control technology for decades, limited by high cost, accuracy issues, privacy concerns, and other issues. But with prices dropping and quality improving, it has become a viable access control technology. Over recent years, the accuracy rate of facial recognition has increased rapidly. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as of April 2020, the error rate of the best facial recognition solution is now 0.08 % compared to 4.1 % in 2014. Facial recognition systems have traditionally been expensive and unapproachable. Expensive installation requires high integration costs in order to work on top of legacy systems. The enrolment process was cumbersome and required a queue of people for enrollment at the individual stations. With advances and innovation in biometric access control, installation is cost effective and can compete with the cost of alternative

key card systems, Instant self-enrollment and simple integration have made facial recognition more accessible than before. Cyber and physical integration has had and will continue to have profound implications for access control technology. Once separate systems, physical and cyber access controls often function seamlessly. A survey by HID Global and ASIS International highlights three major benefits of access control integration. First, users are eager to adopt converged credentials. Second, users are less likely to lose combined credentials. Finally, the single credential reduces the need for strong passwords, which are difficult and frustrating to remember. However, the only thing holding back integrated access control is the lack of departmental convergence or cooperation between physical and cybersecurity departments. A 2019 study by the ASIS Foundation shows that only 24% of companies in the United States, Europe, and India have converged physical and cybersecurity, and there is no evidence that the number is increasing.

There is an increasing trend of multi-factor authentication as the security threats have increased. This technology was traditionally required in critical infrastructure and utility industries such as oil, gas, and power plants. However, the emergency of multi-purpose access control readers that support several credentials at once has made multi-factor authentication accessible to every industry. COVID-19 has also impacted the security industry overall. The government acknowledged that security and access control are essential during the pandemic. However, it has been difficult for companies everywhere to secure their businesses and assets without people on site. Some of the risks faced by the businesses are Updated operating hours and door schedules Access for routine maintenance and deliveries as well as regular disinfecting and cleaning of the business Service and internet disruptions The inability to replace or deactivate lost key fobs, cards, and badges No access or limited access to security systems on local servers In such cases, mobile and cloud-based security system are a better option. Mobile credentials offer a more secure and convenient solution. Since people tend to bring their mobile phones with them everywhere, these devices have organically evolved for the access control industry Additionally, mobile access control offers remote capabilities. For instance, a tenant can grant access to a visitor from a mobile app on their phone once being alerted through an apartment intercom system. This can be done from anywhere as long as the tenant has their mobile phone. Mobile access control apps have been a focal point of innovation in the building technology market over the past year. For instance, Siemens redesigned its Surveillance Access mobile app so users can open smart locks from SALTO access control systems. Schneider Electric launched functionality in its workplace app so users can assign temporary digital access keys to visitors. Workplace software vendor Spica Technologies also launched contactless access control functionality on its workplace mobile app Luna.

Cloud-based access control is intuitive to use and offers the most flexibility for administrators. Access credentials can easily be granted or revoked from any device or location. User authorization, access points and data trends are centralized in a single database that is remotely accessible. This is an important advancement in the physical security industry as it eliminates the need for an on-site IT professional to manage the system. Another key benefit that has helped fuel the growing popularity of cloud access control is scalability. Facility and property managers who manage security at multiple sites can easily manage their databases from one location. Asia-Pacific region has embraced facial recognition despite an initial reluctance due to the low accuracy and concerns for privacy. The demand has increased dramatically over the last two years, and possibly has replaced fingerprint as the dominant biometric authentication method. North America holds a significant share of the market and is expected to remain so in the coming years. According to the State of Safety Survey 2020 by Safewise, burglars hit renters more frequently than homeowners. 57% of respondents said the burglar struck a property they owned. The survey also states that break-ins are the most-feared property crime. Over 60% of respondents said they have the deepest concern about someone breaking in when there's no one at home, and 58% fear a break-in when they're sleeping. According to the FBI statistics, a burglar strikes every 30 seconds in the US. Such facts indicate the increasing adoption of access control in the country. However, some factors are also challenging the market growth. As per a 2020 survey done by HID Global, in most organizations, the basic components of access management systems are aging credentialing components, readers and controllers and software are three or more years old in 58, 60 and 49% of companies respectively. However, upgrading in the near term isn't a priority for many.

The survey also asked security directors about the electronic access control technologies used in their organizations. 51% of the respondents mentioned that they still use 125 kHz low-frequency proximity cards, based on technology that is 25 years old and which has significant security vulnerabilities. 26% report using the even older and less secure technology of magnetic stripe cards and 17% report using barcodes.