Smart access control in buildings enhances security by allowing or restricting entry based on pre-set criteria, such as the use of various forms of biometrics, smart phones, and RFID cards, and it can also be easily integrated with other building management systems.
A key factor in the development of smart access control technologies has been the adoption of 5G connectivity, providing control systems with mobile entry, real-time monitoring, and centralised multi-site control.
Smart access solutions in commercial applications typically provide a layered approach to security and access control, integrating smart technology with physical barriers. Improved biometric authentication methods such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning and iris recognition have become widespread, with great application specifically for access control. These innovations also extend to the integration of mobile devices in commercial access control, with smartphones being used as secure credentials that individuals can use for authentication.
With a simple app, mobile-based access control not only provides the ability to open and lock electronic doors remotely, but offers customised solutions that include scheduling, permissions, and virtual keys. This can be further enhanced with cloud-based access control, which gives businesses scalability, flexibility, and is easily integrated with other security systems.
More recently there has been a focus on how AI can be utilised in access control systems, as its ability to analyse data in real-time enables it to detect unusual patterns or behaviours that indicate a potential security threat. This can include unusual entry times; multiple failed authentication attempts; any other anomalies that humans might not notice.
The technology has found application in entrance security, with new systems featuring AI-integrated facial recognition cameras mounted under a gate, providing vision of people’s faces at different heights.
However, there remain challenges around relying so heavily on AI for security measures, with concerns over potential breakdowns that need to be further studied, such as how to prevent the failure of security functions if an AI system has a technical issue.
Market research by analyst firm Omdia estimated the global electronic physical access control equipment market was worth US$6.7 billion in 2022 and forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent to US$9.6 billion by 2027.
In Australia, Credence Research last year valued the market at US$377 million, projecting it to be worth US$883 million by 2032 with a growth rate of nearly 10 per cent.
Credence noted the Australian market’s expansion was broadly driven by rising concerns around security threats and enabled by advancements in technology such as biometric systems, smart cards, and mobile access solutions. It added: “The integration of Internet of Things with access control systems is another significant trend, offering improved efficiency and real-time monitoring capabilities. “The adoption of cloud-based access control solutions is also gaining traction, providing scalability and remote access management, which are particularly beneficial for large organisations with multiple locations.
“Furthermore, the trend towards smart buildings and smart cities is contributing to the demand for advanced electronic access control systems.”
Smart buildings use connectivity to enable the economical use of resources, while also creating a safe and comfortable environment for the occupants. By enabling buildings to monitor and automate common functions, substantial efficiency gains can be made at the same time as improving the environment for workers and residents.
A study from Juniper Research found the number of buildings globally deploying smart building technologies would reach 115 million in 2026, up from 45 million in 2022. It also found that non-residential smart buildings would dominate in 2026, accounting for 90 per cent of global smart building expenditure.
This is due to the larger economies of scale in commercial premises driving this spending, as well as the commercial focus of most smart building technologies, in particular for places like hotels that require customised and sophisticated access control solutions.
A 2022 study examining trends in the hospitality sector surveyed 5,266 consumers and 633 hotel executives and found that 73 per cent of respondents would be more likely to stay at a hotel that offered self-service technology to minimise contact with staff and other guests. It also found that 38 per cent wanted a fully self-service model, with staff only available upon request.
The industry’s embrace of consumer preference is seen by the 96 per cent of hoteliers who are investing in contactless technology, while 62 per cent noted “a fully contactless experience” would likely be the most widely adopted technology in the industry over the next three years.
More than half (54 per cent) indicated their highest priority was to adopt tech that improved or eliminated the need for the front desk experience by 2025. Furthermore, 65 per cent of hoteliers said incorporating new technologies for staff best described their strategy to weather labour shortages and attract new talent.
