Access control system provides secure access to physical resources by validating user credentials through proximity cards, smart cards, fingerprint readers, iris scanners, face recognition systems, hand geometry readers, electronic locks, control panels or controllers, and security management software. Every vertical has specific security requirements, from identifying intruders and limiting access to dangerous or sensitive areas to protecting valuable assets and equipment and ensuring the safety of the isolated regions.
These systems consist of authentication systems such as cards and readers, biometric readers, and multi-technology readers. Cards and readers include magnetic stripes, proximity cards, and smart cards. Biometric access control systems include fingerprint readers, hand geometry readers, iris scanners, and facial recognition readers. Electronic locks are also widely used in access control, providing a low-cost entrance system automation.
Factors such as the continuous adoption of access control as a service (ACaaS), a gradual implementation of mobile-based access control, rapid urbanization in emerging economies, and the global proliferation of smart city initiatives are expected to provide huge growth opportunities to the players in the access control market. Mobile-based access control makes the identity management process easier by integrating multilayered physical access control (PAC) and IT security into one system. Smartphones can be used as secure credentials for accessing buildings, doors, IT systems, and other such areas and systems.
Emerging economies such as India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa have witnessed rapid urbanization with the development of smart cities. In these countries, the concentration of industrial development in cities leads to a growing demand for infrastructure, which boosts the demand for advanced biometric solutions and smart locks.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the access control market was estimated at USD 10,117.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 15,795.7 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Awareness regarding the benefits of smart home technology is growing worldwide. Building access controls are being implemented by operators and multifamily owners. Recent technological advancements have expanded the functionality of security systems, providing greater flexibility and convenience, and improved safety for consumers.
Users get notifications on their mobile devices in case of intrusions, fire, flames, and smoke around their houses or buildings. Thus, they provide additional protection and security for residents, employees, and assets. Access control at home offers both home security and home automation. Access control systems within a building can be standardized or linked based on the varying levels of security and the size of the organization.
An increasing number of consumers are opting for various do-it-yourself (DIY) home security systems available in the market. These systems can be installed and monitored by customers on their own. Also, the market for such security systems is gaining momentum owing to the advantages of these systems, such as easy installation, high reliability, and low cost.
The increase in consumer awareness can also be attributed to other complementary markets, such as telecommunications and insurance. Telecommunication companies with a large residential customer base with internet and cable subscriptions have also entered the home security business. With this advantage, companies can precisely target opportunities with changing demographics and technological advancements. Several insurance companies offer attractive discounts to house owners with in-built access control systems in their residential complexes. These discounts help consumers save on house insurance premiums and cover the cost of adopting an access control system for residential applications.
Increasing awareness about home security and growing implementation of mobile-based access control to drive market
With smart infrastructure, an ecosystem is formed that connects the digital world with the real world. Making decisions based on analytics and data empowers users to grant access and permission to carry out more efficient and sustainable work in buildings. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) provides guidance to secure smart infrastructure from cyber threats by highlighting good security practices and proposing recommendations to operators and manufacturers. The smart infrastructure comprises various domains, including smart cities, smart homes, hospitals, and smart grids.
Smart cities are digitally connected cities that face unique security challenges. Projects like Barcelona Smart City in Spain, Singapore's Smart Nation Initiative, Songdo International Business District in South Korea, and Amsterdam Smart City in the Netherlands exemplify how cities worldwide are leveraging connected infrastructure and access control technologies to enhance sustainability, mobility, and citizen experience. Data gathered from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, citizens, and other devices or assets can only be relied on if their sources are secure and verified.
This means that access to key elements of transportation systems, residential buildings, commercialized offices, manufacturing and industrial plants, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other community services must be strictly controlled. Smart cities require remote access, mobile apps, and web-based access options to function effectively.
Access control services are essential in smart buildings as constant security has become critical. Also, they can be employed to control the flow of traffic within the facility and prevent unauthorized people from gaining access to protected areas. Owing to the threat of security breaches, access control as a service is driving the market for smart infrastructure.
Value chain of access control market
Physical access control systems determine where, when, and who should enter or exit an authorized area. These systems generally include locks and keys, which can restrain the entry of unauthorized key holders but cannot provide information on the number of times a key has been used on a given door.
These comprise hardware and software (control locks, devices, and systems with management tools) that coordinate with electronic door locks and permission policies to manage access to commercial and industrial facilities (facilities, offices, and operations). These also integrate a range of electronic access control locks, devices, and systems with management tools to control their access to facilities, offices, and operations.
Physical access control systems also employ credentials such as key fobs, keycards, or mobile credentials that can record data pertaining to the time and date of an access attempt (both granted and denied) for future reference and even grant access to users based on their credentials. When access is granted, the door is unlocked for a predetermined time, and the access permission is recorded; when access is denied, the door remains locked, and the attempted access is recorded.
DOM Sicherheitstechnik (Germany) is one of the key players in the segment that manufactures innovative locking devices, electronic access systems, and security hardware, and has a strong network of group subsidiaries and partners.
Technology analysis
The access control market is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in core technologies such as biometric authentication, mobile access solutions, and cloud-based access control systems that enhance security, scalability, and user convenience. Alongside these, complementary technologies like video surveillance integration and visitor management systems are increasingly being adopted to create unified, intelligent security ecosystems. Furthermore, adjacent technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), smart building platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks such as zero-trust security, are transforming access control from standalone systems into integral components of connected, secure, and adaptive infrastructure environments.
Key technologies
Biometric authentication has emerged as a cornerstone technology in the access control market, offering a highly secure and convenient alternative to traditional methods like passwords, PINS, or keycards. By leveraging unique biological traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris patterns, or voice, biometric systems provide a level of identity verification that is difficult to forge or duplicate. This capability is particularly critical for enterprises, government facilities, and high-security environments, where protecting sensitive assets and ensuring authorized access is paramount. Biometric solutions also enhance operational efficiency by reducing the need for physical tokens and simplifying user management.
The adoption of biometric technologies is further accelerated by advancements in Al, machine learning, and mobile integration, which enable faster, more accurate, and scalable identification systems. Cloud-based biometric platforms allow organizations to implement centralized management, real-time monitoring, and analytics, creating smarter and more responsive security ecosystems. As organizations increasingly prioritize compliance, auditability, and seamless user experience, biometric authentication continues to drive innovation and differentiation in the access control market, positioning it as a key growth enabler.
- Mobile access technologies
Mobile access technologies allow users to unlock doors, gates, or secure systems using smartphones, tablets, or wearable devices instead of traditional keys or cards. These technologies typically rely on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi- Fi, or cloud-based credentials to communicate securely with access control systems. Mobile access offers convenience, reduces the need for physical tokens, and enables real-time credential management, such as granting temporary access or instantly revoking permissions.
Mobile access solutions also integrate with enterprise security platforms and biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition on the device) to enhance security. Cloud-based mobile access further enables centralized monitoring, usage analytics, and easy scalability across multiple sites. As organizations seek flexible, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions, mobile access is increasingly adopted across offices, residential complexes, healthcare facilities, and industrial environments, making it a key growth drive for the access control market.
- Cloud-based access control (acaas)
ACaaS is an access control model where the management, storage, and operation of access credentials are hosted on the cloud rather than on on-premises servers. Organizations can manage doors, users, and access policies remotely through web or mobile applications to eliminating the need for heavy local infrastructure. This model offers scalability, rapid deployment, and automatic software updates, making it ideal for multi-site enterprises or organizations that require flexible access management.
ACaaS also provides enhanced security and analytics by leveraging cloud computing capabilities. Real-time monitoring, usage logs, and audit trails can be accessed from anywhere, while Al-driven insights help detect unusual activity or potential security breaches. By reducing upfront hardware costs and operational complexity, cloud-based ACaaS is becoming a preferred solution for enterprises seeking cost-effective, scalable, and intelligent access control systems, driving significant growth in the access control market.
Complementary technologies
- Video surveillance integration
Video surveillance integration involves combining access control systems with CCTV or IP-based video monitoring to enhance security and situational awareness. When a user attempts to access a secure area, the system can automatically trigger video recording or live streaming, providing real-time verification of identity and activity. This integration allows security teams to correlate access events with visual evidence, improving incident response, audit trails, and compliance.
By merging access control and video surveillance, organizations gain proactive security capabilities, such as detecting tailgating, unauthorized entry attempts, or suspicious behavior. Advanced systems leverage Al and video analytics to automate alerts and identify anomalies, creating a smarter, more efficient security ecosystem. As enterprises and critical facilities increasingly prioritize holistic security, video surveillance integration has become a key complementary technology, enhancing the value and effectiveness of access control solutions.
- Visitor management systems (vms)
Visitor management systems (VMS) streamline and secure the process of managing guests, contractors, or temporary personnel in an organization. Integrated with access control, VMS enables pre-registration, identity verification, badge issuance, and tracking of visitors throughout their stay. This ensures that only authorized individuals gain entry while maintaining detailed logs for compliance and audit purposes. Modern VMS solutions often include digital workflows, self-service kiosks, and mobile notifications, improving operational efficiency and visitor experience. When combined with access control, biometric authentication, and video surveillance, VMS forms part of a holistic security ecosystem, enhancing situational awareness, reducing risks, and supporting enterprise-level security policies.
Adjacent technologies
- IoT and smart building platforms
loT and smart building platforms enable connected devices and systems, such as lighting, HVAC, elevators, and security, to communicate and operate cohesively. In access control, these platforms allow real-time monitoring and automated responses based on occupancy, time schedules, or security events. For example, access granted to a certain area can trigger lighting or climate controls, creating an integrated, energy-efficient, and secure environment.
By integrating access control with loT and smart building platforms, organizations gain enhanced operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and data-driven insights. These platforms support centralized management, analytics, and automation, allowing enterprises to optimize both security and facility management. As buildings become smarter and more connected, loT-enabled access control is increasingly seen as a critical component of modern, intelligent infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity and zero trust security
Cybersecurity and zero trust security play a critical role in modern access control systems, especially as they become increasingly digital, cloud-based, and mobile-enabled. Zero trust principles operate on the idea of "never trust, always verify," ensuring that every user, device, or application is continuously authenticated and authorized before accessing resources. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and lateral movement within networks.
Integrating zero trust and cybersecurity measures with access control enhances data protection, threat detection, and compliance. Features such as multi-factor authentication, encrypted communication, and real-time monitoring strengthen both physical and digital security. As organizations adopt hybrid workplaces, cloud services, and loT-enabled infrastructure, cybersecurity and zero trust frameworks serve as essential adjacent technologies, ensuring that access control remains robust against evolving cyber and physical threats.