Biometric access control systems to record solid growth amid new challenges in building and city automation

Biometric access control systems are likely to record a very strong level of growth over the next few years, driven primarily by the steps forward and new challenges in the building and city automation sectors, new research from ABI Research has been able to suggest.

While smart cards remain the most popular access control authentication method, these systems are rapidly evolving from standard check gate response systems to ones that can be integrated to include other services and systems. As such, the next-generation access control opportunity is presenting itself via tie-in and convergence with other technologies and services, most notably within the smart cities and building automation domains, leaning on access control credentials as a means of further automating systems and personalizing experiences.

The rise in smart homes and building automation is driving new fields from which access control can penetrate using an access control credential as a central identifier to tie into other services and systems. In turn, this is presenting a significant diversification opportunity through tailored and individualized preference enablement.

In addition, biometrics continue to gain a considerable position in the access control market, used as a standalone authentication solution or in conjunction with other technologies and devices for MFA purposes. The drive toward personalization is creating further emphasis on secure individualized identities. From smart cards with integrated fingerprint scanners to behavioral scanner access gates the range of technologies is extensive.

"Multiple-application smart cards and BYOD solutions will prove to be crucial elements in enabling convergence with other applications including payments or ticketing," said Jonathan O'Flaherty, Research Analyst at ABI Research. In addition, technology coexistence is driving new innovative and personalized services. "Market convergence is the natural evolution of the smart card market; be it from a payment, transport ticketing, or ID. As such, using an access credential as the enabling identifying anchor point can lead to large-scale multi-application service enablement," O'Flaherty added.

Tensor Biometric Access Control Systems — enhanced security and peace of mind

Biometric technology uses human physical attributes as locks and keys, making it particularly suitable for access control systems on the buildings of large organisations. Using biometrics for security and identification requires meeting two challenges: they must be cheap enough and sufficiently simple to be used by ordinary users. Furthermore, for enhanced security, these biometric access control systems should combine two or more types of authentication, such as coupling fingerprints with key codes or passwords to provide greater trust that who is logging in is only who is expected to do so.

Tensor Plc, the UK's number one manufacturer and installer of time and attendance and access control systems, supplies a range of top-range, reliable and affordable biometric access control systems based on Smart Card electronics combined with a biometric fingerprint reader.

In an elegant case and easy to use, this product is for those who want the absolute peace-of-mind, certainty and the assurance that only the right people can gain access to your sensitive or dangerous areas.

If you'd like to find out more about the extensive range of access control solutions supplied by Tensor, just contact us or Book a Demo, we'd be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.