Over the last century, technological advancements have closely intertwined with business progress. However, as technology continues to rapidly infiltrate industries worldwide, there is a parallel increase in security concerns. This phenomenon has led to physical access control becoming a critical component for organizations to safeguard their assets and sensitive information. Physical access control plays an important role in businesses and organizations by allowing them to regulate access to secure areas and information, ensuring the safety and security of their employees, assets, and data.
Besides security, there are several other significant factors that are fueling the growth of the physical access control market. At the start of this decade, the US access control market had a valuation of $7.79 billion and is projected to reach an astonishing $12.31 billion by 2028. Let’s discuss some of the key driving forces that are impacting the physical access control market. (Also Read: Access control trends to watch out for in 2023)
Increasing demand for enhanced security
As security concerns continue to rise, businesses and organizations are looking for more effective ways to secure their premises and assets. Physical access control systems provide an effective solution for controlling who is allowed access to sensitive areas and information. With the rise of cyberattacks and data breaches, physical access control is becoming an essential component of overall security systems. This increasing demand for enhanced security is driving the growth of the physical access control market.
Technological advancements
The development of new technologies, such as biometrics, smart cards, and wireless access control systems, has greatly improved the functionality and effectiveness of physical access control systems. These advancements are driving market growth by making access control systems more accessible and user-friendly. Biometric access control, for example, uses a person’s unique physical characteristics, such as their fingerprints or facial features, to verify their identity and grant access. This technology provides a higher level of security and convenience than traditional access control methods such as keys or cards.
Multi-factor authentication
Over 45% of US companies have had a data breach last year alone. Shifts in how organizations and the people who work for them have been a major driver of the demand for physical access control to mitigate growing cyber security concerns. Remote work and its nuances have clarified that increased security for digital access is essential. The apparent need for multi-factor security authentication to prevent malicious abuse and accidental breaches has become a central focus for both industrial corporations and corporate organizations. Even smaller organizations leveraging remote work to their benefit find physical security access control essential.
Compliance requirements
Government regulations and compliance requirements in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and education, mandate the implementation of physical access control systems to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive data. Compliance requirements such as HIPAA and PCI DSS require organizations to implement physical access control measures to protect confidential information. This regulatory environment is driving the growth of the physical access control market. For example, privacy-enhancing technologies, such as zero-knowledge proof systems, can be used to provide secure access to sensitive information without compromising privacy.
Need for cost-effective solutions
With the increasing need for security, businesses are looking for cost-effective solutions that provide maximum security without breaking the bank. Physical access control systems offer a cost-effective solution that can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business. These systems are scalable and can be easily integrated into existing security infrastructure, making them a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
Integration with other security systems
Physical access control systems can be integrated with other security systems, such as video surveillance and intrusion detection, to provide a comprehensive security solution. This integration is driving market growth by providing a more complete and effective security solution. For example, if an unauthorized person gains access to a secure area, an integrated access control system can trigger an alarm, alert security personnel, and activate cameras to record the event.
Increasing need for remote access control
With the rise of remote work and mobile devices, businesses are increasingly looking for access control solutions that can be managed remotely. Remote access control enables businesses to control who is allowed access to their premises and information from any location, making it an essential component of modern security systems. As a result, physical access control systems that offer remote access capabilities are becoming increasingly popular.
Growing adoption of cloud-based access control
Cloud-based access control systems offer several advantages over traditional on-premise systems, including lower upfront costs, greater scalability, and easier maintenance. As a result, the adoption of cloud-based access control systems is growing rapidly. These systems offer centralized management and real-time visibility, making them an ideal solution for businesses with multiple locations or remote workforces.
Increasing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being increasingly used in physical access control systems to improve security and efficiency. These technologies enable access control systems to learn and adapt to changing security threats and provide real-time analytics that can be used to optimize security operations. For example, AI-powered access control systems can use facial recognition to identify and grant access to authorized individuals while denying access to unauthorized individuals.
Increased use of mobile devices
As mobile devices continue to proliferate, businesses are looking for ways to leverage them for security purposes. Mobile access control systems are expected to become more prevalent, enabling employees to use their mobile devices to gain access to secure areas or sensitive information. These systems can be particularly useful for businesses with remote workforces, as they allow employees to gain access to secure areas without having to be physically present.
Integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Physical access control systems are expected to become increasingly integrated with IoT devices, such as sensors and cameras. This integration can provide additional layers of security by enabling systems to detect and respond to security threats in real-time. For example, an access control system integrated with IoT sensors can trigger an alarm if a door is left open or if there is unusual activity in a secure area.
Use of Blockchain technology
Blockchain technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in physical access control systems, as it offers several benefits over traditional systems. These benefits include greater transparency, immutability, and security. Blockchain technology can be used to create tamper-proof access logs, which can be used to track who has accessed a secure area or sensitive information.
Integrated hardware systems
The demand for access control badges and other physical security measures is on the rise, emphasizing the importance of reliable security systems. Various areas, including health concerns, privacy issues, breaches, and compliance requirements, require more attention. As a result, more commercial businesses are investing in physical access control systems, such as facial recognition, Bluetooth keys, QR codes, and badge readers. While some of these systems have been in use for some time, only recently have they become fully connected and able to provide real-time data to address a wide range of security concerns. Apart from commercial demand, the smart home and smart mobility market are also playing a significant role in the ongoing rise of physical access control systems.
Customized solutions drive
The need for unique solutions in tandem with advances in technology to provide customizable solutions is another factor responsible for the growth in demand for physical access control systems. There are varying levels of security demands, such as mandatory access control, role-based control, and discretionary control. Advancements in technology and increased competition have made more affordable customizable physical security access control systems. These factors, combined with the data security benefits, increased efficiency, and rapid authentication, are boosting the growth of this sector. The ability to provide a combination of these services at different security levels has made customized solutions rather popular.
The access control market is divided into various sectors, such as military, residential, industrial, and commercial. Wider adoption of more intricate physical access control in the commercial sector means that the commercial sector is now claiming the largest share of the physical access control market in terms of value. The physical access control market is growing rapidly due to a variety of driving factors such as the increasing demand for enhanced security, technological advancements, compliance requirements, the need for cost-effective solutions, and integration with other security systems. As security concerns continue to rise, the importance of physical access control systems will only continue to increase, making it an exciting time for the industry.
