New wireless access control report identifies trends to watch

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The 2020s will be a wireless decade. From headphones to hoovers, consumers reap the benefits when they cut the cables and adopt a wire-free technology. In electronic access control, those benefits include improved cost-efficiency and flexibility, giving facility managers greater control over who should have access, where and when.

A new report — from IFSEC Global, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions and analysts, Omdia — reveals fresh market data generated by a survey conducted at the end of 2020. Respondents were 400 security professionals, across Europe and further afield, including end users, installers, integrators and consultants serving large corporations and small- to medium-sized organisations in education, healthcare, industrial, commercial, infrastructure, retail, banking and other sectors.

“Anyone involved in procuring or selling access control, from OEMs and integrators to installers and end users, will draw great value from the new data and analysis within this market report,” says Russell Wagstaff, Platform Director at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA. “Alongside insights on where the market for wireless access control stands today, the Wireless Access Control Report 2021 plots a roadmap for where we’re heading next.”

This new report is completely free to download at campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/wacreport2021.

A sample of key survey findings

Electronic access control is increasingly a wireless technology. Even after a year when long-term investments have been deferred or curtailed, the Report finds increased adoption of wireless locks and access systems. Data from the report’s specially commissioned survey suggests over a third (37%) of end users deploy wireless locks as a part or all of their access control solution. The corresponding data point from ASSA ABLOY’s 2014 Report was 23%.

The report also examines drivers for the market’s rapid adoption of mobile access technologies. Survey data suggests convenience is king — for both system users and facility managers. “Nearly half (47%) agreed that mobile was more flexible than physical credentials and 36% believe that mobile credentials make it easier to upgrade employee access rights at any time,” notes the Report.

Over 90% of survey respondents reaffirmed the critical role of access control for integration across building management functions. Half or more would prioritise electronic access system integration with CCTV, alarm and visitor management systems, according to Report data. In practice, however, further integration of systems is still on the “to-do” list for many organisations. The Report explores why — and highlights the key factors holding businesses back from deeper and smarter integration of building functions.

“Right across the access control ecosystem in 2021, scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency and convenience are major factors,” adds Russell Wagstaff.

The 2021 Wireless Access Control Report also reveals new data and analysis around sustainability, cloud security management, access control cybersecurity, wireless lock durability and more. To download a free copy, visit campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/wacreport2021

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