Wireless access control report identifies sector trends and technologies for 2021

Issued in conjunction with analyst Omdia, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ detailed report reveals fresh market data generated by a survey conducted at the end of last year. Responses were received from 400 security professionals from across Europe and farther afield, among them end users, installers, integrators and consultants serving large corporations and SMEs 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,” observed 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.”

Key survey findings

Electronic access control is increasingly a wireless technology. Even after a year when long-term investments have necessarily been deferred or curtailed, the report finds increased adoption of wireless locks and access systems.

Data from the report’s survey suggests that 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%) of the respondents agreed that mobile was more flexible than physical credentials, while 36% believe that mobile credentials make it easier to upgrade employee access rights at any time,” notes the document.

Critical integration role

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. 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 inevitably going to be major factors,” concluded Wagstaff.

The 2021 Wireless Access Control Report also reveals new data and analysis around sustainability, cloud security management, access control cyber security and wireless lock durability.

*To download a free copy of the report visit campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/wacreport2021