Mercury Security's report Trends in Access Controllers Report, emphasises access control’s critical role in physical access control systems (PACS), where the device enforces access policies and verifies user credentials, ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities.
The report highlights that 72% of respondents consider the controller a critical or important factor in PACS design, underlining its strategic importance for security leaders. Key trends reshaping the landscape include:
- Security-first thinking: A significant 90% of respondents stress the importance of aligning with cybersecurity standards. More than 71% cite advanced protection features—such as secure boot, OSDP, and cryptography—as top decision drivers. As cyber threats continue to evolve, this focus on security is paramount.
- Mobile and cloud integration: The survey indicates that 55% of professionals seek controller compatibility with mobile credentials. Additionally, over half (52%) report that cloud enablement is critical for scalability, real-time monitoring, and remote management. This aligns with the growing trend of cloud-enabled controllers, as 90% of respondents reported that cloud connectivity influences their purchasing decisions.
- Reliability is non-negotiable: A notable 63% rank reliability and uptime as the most important criteria in controller selection, significantly outweighing considerations of cost or features. This emphasis on reliability is crucial, especially in environments requiring constant access control.
- Backward and forward compatibility: With 86% of respondents requiring controllers that support long-term infrastructure planning, compatibility with both past and future systems is essential for effective PACS deployment.
- Interoperability and open architecture: The need for interoperability in mixed-device environments is underscored by 76% of respondents, highlighting a shift towards flexible, standards-based systems that can adapt to evolving technology.
The report also references the growing importance of IoT integration, where 44% of security professionals are exploring or adopting IoT capabilities to enhance efficiency across systems.
As Mercury Security notes, the future of access control is not only about securing physical spaces but also about integrating intelligent technologies for improved operational effectiveness.
According to the Security Industry Association (SIA), the global market for access control is expected to reach USD 10.66 billion by 2026, further emphasising the need for advancements in this field.