Acceptance of Wireless Access Control Underscored in New Report
Key takeaways on how wireless has influenced the access control market.
The installed base for wireless access control is growing rapidly.
Recently, ASSA ABLOY, with the assistance of Blake Kozak, principal analyst in the Security and Building Technologies Group at research consultancy IHS, updated its 2014 survey/paper to reflect “The Wireless Access Control Market in 2016.”
It researched and recorded gripes about wired systems, and end-user perceptions of wireless systems.
Below are some excerpts from the 2016 report’s findings to keep in mind.
- It was found that 29% of businesses used a fully wireless or hybrid wired/wireless system for access control. That figure has risen from 23% in 2014, with 5% already having adopted a fully wireless solution. The installed base for wireless is growing rapidly.
- 69% of end-users agree that wireless access control is a cost-effective alternative to its wired equivalent – and wireless locks have indeed been instrumental in reducing the cost of installing electronic access control.
- 80% of experienced technicians judged the integration task to be no more difficult than “somewhat challenging,” with 42% responding they find it “fairly easy.”
- Familiar uncertainties around the security of wireless access remain: close to 50% of respondents believe that wired systems are more secure, despite the fact that wireless locks (including in ASSA ABLOY’s own Aperio portfolio) are certified for security doors, fire doors and so on.
- 62% of professionals surveyed think few business premises will have mechanical locks within a decade. This may represents a major opportunity for wireless access control in the coming years.
- Server racks (78%) and other nondoor applications of wireless access control (including cabinets at 57%) are attractive to many prospective customers.
- A key challenge for wireless access control manufacturers and resellers is matching the right solution to the customer’s needs. For example, providing certified products (49%) to customers nervous about the security credentials of wireless versus wired technology.
“Wireless locks remain one of the fastest growing segments of the electronic access control industry, especially in mature countries. The U.S., France, Germany, U.K., China, Japan and Australia are a few of the largest markets in terms of revenues,” notes Kozak.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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