Market Trends of United Kingdom Access Control Industry
Commercial Segment Holds one of the Highest Market Share
- The commercial sector is the predominant force driving the market, and its dominance is fuelled by the diverse security needs of businesses and enterprises. Commercial entities are increasingly prioritizing security to protect their physical and digital assets, mitigate risks, and ensure the safety of their employees and customers. With the rise of smart building technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT), businesses are adopting advanced access control systems that offer security, operational efficiency, and integration with other business systems.
- Based on the recent survey conducted by Capterra in 2023, 54% of the respondents identified 5G as the most widely available smart technology, followed by AI (42%), IoT (37%), and biometrics (35%). According to the survey, data protection is a top concern for the UK residents. One of the key factors contributing to the commercial sector's significant share is the growing trend of data-driven security solutions. Companies are leveraging analytics and real-time monitoring to enhance their security protocols.
- In April 2024, Veritas announced AI-powered advancements to strengthen its cyber resilience in response to rapidly evolving AI-driven ransomware attacks. The program automatically adjusts security parameters such as multifactor authentication and multi-person authentication to lock down access to data and protect it against attacks.
- Additionally, the commercial sector's investments in access control technologies are driven by the need for scalability and flexibility. Modern access control solutions are designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of business environments, allowing for easy modifications and expansions as companies grow or reconfigure their spaces. Features such as remote access management, mobile credentials, and cloud-based control systems are particularly appealing to businesses looking for convenient and future-proof security solutions.
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Biometric to Witness Significant Growth Rate
- The biometric reader segment is witnessing rapid growth and gaining substantial traction across various sectors. Biometric readers, which utilize unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns, and voice recognition, are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior security and ease of use compared to traditional access control methods like keycards or PIN codes.
- In 2024, the United Kingdom decided to trial a new face biometrics system for passport-free border checks at air and rail ports, according to The Times. This system aims to simplify the entry process for travelers, reducing friction compared to the current facial recognition system. If successful, the trial will lead to procurement and a full launch, eventually replacing 270 gates. Over the next two to three years, most legacy passport desks will be phased out.
- Biometric systems provide high levels of security, making them ideal for sectors like healthcare, government, and financial services, where protecting sensitive information is critical. They are more reliable and accurate, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and identity fraud. Technological advancements have also made biometric readers more user-friendly and efficient. This has expanded its use to include corporate offices, public transportation, and stadiums.
- A survey by law firm Womble Bond Dickinson in 2023 revealed that six out of ten companies in the United Kingdom have integrated biometrics into their operations. The survey of 205 executives found that 59% use biometrics, with only 20% having no plans to adopt this technology. Among those collecting biometric data, 53% use fingerprints, 34% use facial recognition, 32% use voice recognition, 28% use iris scans, and 8% collect ear data.
- Biometric readers are also being enhanced by integrating them with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These integrations improve accuracy and allow the systems to adapt to changing conditions. The biometric reader segment in the UK's market is growing rapidly due to the need for better security, technological advancements, the demand for contactless solutions, and supportive regulation.
