HID has released a new report providing valuable foresight into the evolving trends in physical access control. The report emphasises the need for organisations to adapt to technological advancements and sustainability imperatives.
The 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report by HID, produced in collaboration with IFSEC Global, draws insights from over 1,200 security professionals worldwide and highlights five pivotal trends set to redefine the landscape of physical access control.
The report underscores the increasing prominence of mobile access credentials and digital IDs. While traditional physical IDs remain common, nearly 39% of organisations are now actively using mobile identities. This shift is driven by the growing preference for touch-less and contactless solutions, which 48% of respondents identified as a major trend. Additionally, mobile access was highlighted by 44% of participants, indicating a significant move towards digitalisation in access control.
Open standards are facilitating the integration of physical access control with other building management systems, leading to the emergence of smart buildings. Almost half (48%) of the surveyed organisations have implemented access control systems that monitor building usage. Furthermore, 43% of respondents view smart buildings and flexible workspaces as critical trends, with 32% emphasising the importance of integrating access control with other business functions. This trend is transforming how buildings are managed and utilised, promoting efficiency and adaptability.
Sustainability is increasingly influencing decisions regarding physical access control systems. The report reveals that nearly 63% of respondents acknowledge the role of sustainability considerations in their decision-making processes. This underscores a broader shift towards environmentally responsible practices, where sustainability experts are either consulted or have a significant influence on system upgrades.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressively being integrated into physical access control solutions. The survey indicates that 38% of organisations are exploring the incorporation of AI and machine learning into their systems, although the same percentage remains uncertain about its benefits. Only 23% of respondents have no plans to adopt AI technologies, highlighting a growing interest in leveraging AI for enhanced security and analytics capabilities.
The biometrics market is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in contactless solutions. Projections indicate that by 2031, the global market for biometrics will reach $136.18 billion. The facial recognition segment alone is expected to surge from $3.83 billion in 2020 to $16.74 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%. This trend signifies an increasing reliance on biometric technologies for secure and efficient access control.
The 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report offers an in-depth analysis of these emerging trends and their implications for the industry. As organisations continue to prioritise security, efficiency, and sustainability, the integration of mobile access, open standards, AI, and biometrics will be crucial in shaping the future of physical access control.
For more detailed information, the full report is available for review.
