Five top access control trends shaping the future – HID report

ID and physical access control organisation HID has unveiled the 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report, highlighting five pivotal trends that are revolutionising the future of access control.

Produced by IFSEC Global in partnership with HID, the report encompasses insights from over 1,200 security professionals worldwide, depicting an industry undergoing significant transformation. With Australia’s market for access control technologies anticipated to grow by more than 8% from 2024 to 2032, according to IMARC, this is a critical moment for the industry.

“Like so many other aspects of technology, access control is evolving to meet the changing needs of the market. As AI, automation, and smart, interconnected technology become the new standard for buildings and facilities, it is rational that secure and convenient access control technologies become smarter in tandem,” says Steve Katanas, Regional Head of Physical Access Control Solutions, ANZ at HID.

Conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, the survey reveals five emerging trends:

1. Mobile Access and Digital IDs Set to Become Ubiquitous

While physical IDs remain prevalent, mobile access credentials and digital IDs are rapidly gaining traction. The report indicates that nearly 2 in 5 organisations (39%) now actively use mobile identities, with respondents identifying touchless/contactless solutions (48%) and mobile access (44%) as the two largest trends shaping the access control industry.

2. Open Standards Driving the Smart Buildings Phenomenon

Open standards have become crucial for more integrated security solutions, where physical access control data informs not only access decisions but also optimal building utilisation. Nearly half of the organisations (48%) have systems to monitor building usage, and 43% of respondents cited smart buildings and flexible workspaces among the top three trends. Integration with other business functions was also noted by one in three respondents (32%) as a key trend.

3. Sustainability Gaining Influence on Business Decisions

Sustainability is increasingly influential in access control, with nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents stating that those responsible for sustainability are consulted or have some influence when upgrading access control systems.

4. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence for Analytics Use Cases

Artificial Intelligence is becoming more prevalent in physical access control as technologies and expertise advance. About 38% of respondents are considering incorporating AI/machine learning into their access control solutions, though an equal percentage remains uncertain of the benefits. Only 23% have no plans to integrate AI technologies.

5. Growing Role of Biometrics, Especially Contactless Solutions

The biometrics market is expanding rapidly, with projections estimating the global market will reach $136.18 billion by 2031. The facial recognition market alone is expected to grow to $16.74 billion by 2030, up from $3.83 billion in 2020, reflecting a CAGR of 16% from 2021 to 2030.

Read the full report here.