The North American access control market is entering a new phase of transformation in 2025, driven by the convergence of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile-first technologies.
These developments are reshaping how organizations manage security across sites and how systems integrators deliver value to clients.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the global access control market is projected to grow from US$10.62 billion in 2025 to US$15.80 billion by 2030, with the expansion led largely by cloud-enabled platforms and AI-driven analytics.
AI and cloud reshape operations
“The industry is witnessing a clear transformation at work,” said Kumar Sokka, CEO of Acre Security. “Security teams are leaving manual configuration and rigid frameworks behind in favor of access control platforms that show them the data they need when they need it and give them movement toward autonomy.”
Cloud technology is enabling organizations to manage access centrally and improve operational efficiency.
“Organizations can now manage credentials, permissions, and security events in real time from any location, creating a seamless experience for both administrators and users,” Sokka said. Cloud platforms also bring automatic updates, consistent uptime, and centralized visibility, all crucial for scaling security operations efficiently across multiple facilities.
When paired with AI, access control systems gain proactive capabilities that help organizations anticipate and respond to threats. “When combined with AI, these systems empower users with better incident reporting and the ability to detect unusual activity instantly and adapt to changing conditions without disruption,” Sokka said. “Together, AI and cloud technology are shaping a new era of access control that is more intelligent, responsive, and ready for the future.”
For physical security professionals, this shift means more automation and improved situational awareness. AI tools can now identify irregular access patterns or potential insider threats in real time, allowing operators to focus on incidents that truly matter instead of manually reviewing logs.
The rise of mobile and identity-based access
The adoption of mobile credentials is accelerating as users expect the same level of convenience they experience in other aspects of their digital lives. “Everyday convenience has become a natural expectation in modern security,” said Sokka. “Employees move through connected environments where phones are already central to how they communicate, pay, and verify their identities.”
Mobile and identity-based access systems are gaining traction as organizations embrace more flexible credential management. “Mobile and identity-based access enables organizations to issue, manage, and revoke credentials in real time, while built-in device security, such as biometrics and passcodes, adds assurance with every interaction,” he said.
These credentials are also inherently portable and integrate seamlessly with cloud platforms, ensuring that user permissions remain current across sites. For integrators, this evolution highlights the need to support flexible, mobile-first ecosystems that connect with existing infrastructure and offer smooth user experiences.
“Mobile access offers a smarter, faster, and more secure way to manage access — one that fits into today’s mobile-driven world,” Sokka added.
Cybersecurity becomes central to physical access
As physical access systems become more connected, cybersecurity and privacy are now integral to overall security design. “Security today extends beyond walls and doors,” said Sokka. “As organizations connect more devices, systems, and data, the line between physical and digital protection has faded.”
This convergence is driving demand for unified security frameworks that protect both people and information. “Businesses are looking for solutions that bring these two worlds together, creating a single layer of defense that covers every entry point,” Sokka explained.
In practice, that means systems capable of detecting threats whether they originate from a physical or digital breach. “This approach allows them to prevent breaches before they happen, whether someone is trying to access a server room or a secure network,” Sokka said.
Cybersecurity and privacy considerations are now influencing purchasing decisions, regulatory compliance strategies, and integration requirements across North America. For integrators, offering secure and compliant solutions has become a core expectation from enterprise clients.
Shift to service-based integration models
The move toward cloud and software-based systems is also changing how integrators operate. Rather than relying solely on project-based installations, more integrators are building recurring revenue through managed services.
“Modern organizations expect continuous value instead of one-off installs, and integrators answer by reshaping their businesses around services and subscriptions,” Sokka said. He noted that many now bundle “cloud-hosted video, remote system health checks, and ongoing software updates into monthly plans that drive predictable recurring revenue and deepen client relationships.”
To meet this demand, integrators are hiring cloud and managed services specialists and adopting analytics tools that enable remote provisioning and centralized monitoring.
“This change converts singular projects into lasting engagements, enhances revenue visibility, and positions integrators as trusted partners for long-term security operations,” Sokka said.
This shift is creating new revenue opportunities for integrators. “This opens the door to recurring monthly revenue, providing integrators with higher margins through service efficiency and creating predictable, subscription-based income that enhances enterprise value,” he added.
For many security integrators, this business transformation requires new skills, closer vendor partnerships, and investments in cloud infrastructure. However, the payoff is a more resilient business model built on continuous service and customer retention.
Generative AI and data-driven decision making
Looking ahead, AI is expected to play an even greater role in 2025 as organizations collect and analyze larger volumes of security data. “As access control becomes more integrated and automated, security teams will rely on technologies that enable them to make decisions faster and streamline workflows,” said Sokka.
He pointed to the rise of generative AI as a defining trend. “Next year, generative AI will take the spotlight. With so much data coming from connected systems, security teams need tools that help them see what matters most, right when it happens,” he said.
Artificial intelligence will help operators “spot patterns, catch unusual activity, and respond to emerging security events in real time with predictive and prescriptive capabilities.” By integrating devices into unified platforms, organizations can achieve higher levels of autonomy and efficiency.
“Integrating a building’s devices into one unified platform gives us the opportunity for more data, which allows us to expand our possibilities into added autonomy over our security,” Sokka explained. “Over the next year, AI-powered access control will take center stage across North America, giving teams a clearer view of their environments and the confidence to act faster and smarter.”
Integration drives opportunity
For systems integrators, the ongoing convergence of physical and digital security opens new avenues for innovation and growth. AI-driven analytics, mobile identity, and cloud management are no longer emerging technologies. They are fast becoming standard expectations.
Integrators that invest in data analytics, cloud expertise, and cybersecurity proficiency are likely to find greater opportunities in enterprise and multi-site deployments. As organizations seek cohesive solutions, the ability to deliver integrated, scalable, and secure systems will determine competitive advantage.
The North American access control market in 2025 is defined not only by technological progress but also by the industry’s ability to adapt to changing operational models. From AI-enhanced decision making to subscription-based services, the direction is clear - toward smarter, more connected, and more sustainable security ecosystems.