A major new report on the evolving market for digital access solutions

A new edition of ASSA ABLOY's Wireless Access Control Report reveals a maturing market where digital and mobile solutions are becoming the norm.
 
With strong momentum behind ongoing trends such as wireless adoption, sustainability, and cloud services, the focus at many organizations is also turning to increasingly intelligent integrations and to demonstrating concrete ROI to cement access control's role in a new generation of smart, secure, and efficient buildings.
 
For the first time in six editions of this biennial Report, ASSA ABLOY’s market survey finds that wireless (fully or partly) systems have overtaken wired-only deployments among those who manage access digitally.
 
Detailed survey results presented throughout the Report, in figures and tables alongside expert analyses, are based on almost 500 responses from those who work in a broad range of roles across security and facilities management, as well as IT professionals with influence over the purchasing or admin of physical access control. Almost half of survey respondents described their role as “security/facility manager”.
 

Faster adoption of mobile solutions

Adoption of mobile credentials – and mobile access management in general – has boomed, as widely forecasted. Data from the 2025 Report indicates that just over a quarter of respondent organizations are making plans for a future mobile deployment – 26% of survey respondents.
 
In the previous report, in 2023, 39% were making these plans: the market is maturing rapidly. Fully mobile credential environments now account for 17% of all respondents, more than triple the rate seen in 2023. “We also see a marked fall in respondents who believe mobile access isn’t an option for them,” says Richard Sharp, VP & Head of Product Unit Wireless Locks, DAS at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Mobile digital access is embedded.”
 
“Many early adopters have already transitioned: mobile digital access is for the now, not just something for the future,” adds Richard Sharp. “Those customers who have already started using mobile access solutions such as SMARTair, CLIQ or the ABLOY CUMULUS cloud platform are already experiencing the operational agility, convenience, security and sustainability benefits of mobile access.”
 
 
As so many organizations modernize their security infrastructure, digital access is becoming standard, with a clear shift to mobile credentials. Convenience and enhanced security are the main benefits driving adoption.
 

Sustainability more important than ever

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings consume approximately 30% of global energy^*. The new ASSA ABLOY Report confirms suggestions that end-users and security professionals are looking for concrete ways in which digital access can help to reduce unnecessary use. Indeed, for 27% of respondents, sustainability is the top factor when considering technology investments to enhance access management.
 
“For many organizations, across multiple and diverse sectors, sustainability is moving from a supporting role to a strategic driver,” says Richard Sharp. “Wireless systems, which reduce the need for cabling and complex infrastructure, are often seen as a ‘greener’ alternative. Battery-powered and energy harvesting devices generally consume much less energy than equivalent wired locks.”
 
“We also see fast-growing demand for green building solutions and for documentation such as Environmental Performance Declarations (EPDs) which count towards several green certification schemes which we support, including BREEAM, LEED and WELL.”
 

Important upgrades in cyber-security knowledge

The previous edition of ASSA ABLOY’s Report found significant knowledge gaps between physical- and cyber-security professionals. Presented with four important regional laws and directives which are (or soon will be) critical to cyber and physical security, 55% of survey respondents did not recognize any. Only 12% of 2023 survey respondents said they were fully prepared for the implications of cyber-security legislation.
 
“The situation has improved two years on, although the new Report does identify some remaining issues,” says Richard Sharp. “With NIS2 coming into force and obligations under the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act fast approaching, this remains an area where customers and manufacturers must continue their close cooperation.”
 
In commentary for this section of the Report, cyber-security governance expert Andy Watkin-Child of Veritas GRC adds: “Cyber security is quickly becoming a regulated risk for companies, either directly or indirectly, requiring boards to address cyber-security risk management or risk civil and/or criminal penalties.”
 
The Wireless Access Control Report 2025 also includes analysis of the growth in cloud/ACaaS solutions, the rise of biometrics and more digital access trends. To download a free copy, visit www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/campaigns/wac-report-2025