Connectivity and convenience are key themes in the latest edition of the biennial Wireless Access Control Report.

Using data gathered from a new survey of 400 security, facilities management and IT professionals, the Wireless Access Control Report 2023 identifies trends which will shape this market and customers’ experience over the coming years. The Report was published by IFSEC Insider and includes expert contributions from analysts Omdia and Digital Access Solutions leaders at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions.

“We are delighted once again to offer fresh insights into the ongoing digitalization of access,” says Richard Sharp, Director, Product Line Management, Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. “A particular focus of the 2023 Report is access control’s potential impact on the wider business — as an enabler for business intelligence, cost efficiency and of course better sustainability performance.”

“The Report highlights ways for security departments and consultants to contribute directly to business strategy — and indeed, reveals data which makes it clear this process should happen sooner rather than later.”

Convenience, connectivity and a seat at the table for forward-thinking security managers

Convenience has triumphed. End-users prize flexible, scalable technologies which are easy to use and to integrate with building systems. In the Report survey, 93% of respondents agreed that compatible, integration-ready standards are important when choosing or recommending access control.

“Security is often assumed these days,” adds Sharp. “The role of access control is now to help the business work smarter, saving time and costs in the process.”

One key technology for convenience is the smartphone. Data from the Report highlights fast-growing deployment of mobile credentials in organizations of almost every size and type.

Alongside convenience, the Report reveals an urgent business case for connected intelligence — within and across organizational functions — including by combining cyber and physical security under one internal roof.

For example, only 12% of survey respondents said they were fully prepared for the implications of forthcoming European cyber-security legislation. “The cyber-security knowledge gap in ‘traditional’ security and facilities management departments is real,” says Sharp. “As the Report highlights, combination cyber–physical security attacks are on the rise. Now is a good time to upgrade both systems and knowledge.”