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Identity is not only crucial for
managing access but also for ensur-
ing security in increasingly inter-
connected environments. Identity
management systems (IAM) and
access control technologies are
gaining momentum, becoming
key pillars in the development of
smart infrastructures. Their role is
indispensable in safeguarding the
efficiency and security of smart
buildings and cities.
The booming smart
building market
The smart building market is
witnessing explosive growth, driven
by a focus on energy efficiency, sus-
tainability, and the use of advanced
technologies to optimise opera-
tions. Industry reports indicate
that the global market for smart
buildings is expected to grow at an
average annual rate of 12% over
the next few years. At the core of
this revolution is the integration
of physical security technologies,
which alone account for up to
20% of the revenue in smart build-
ing systems. Technologies such as
facial recognition and secure access
control systems are becoming
increasingly crucial, particularly in
commercial buildings.
IoT in smart commercial
buildings
The Internet of Things (IoT) plays
a critical role in smart commercial
buildings, with IoT solutions ena-
bling real-time data collection and
automation to enhance building
operations. According to Memoori,
the global IoT market for smart
commercial buildings reached
approximately $53.5 billion in
revenue in 2023, and this figure is
expected to grow at a compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of
13.7% through 2028. This market
spans IoT hardware, software, and
services, and as smart buildings
mature, the installed base of IoT
devices is projected to nearly dou-
ble by 2028.
Intelligent access control
One of the most exciting devel-
opments in the security sector is
the evolution of access control
systems. The use of mobile access
cards or biometric identifiers,
modern systems are now capable
of providing seamless and secure
entry to buildings. These systems
integrate with IT infrastructure,
automating access control based
on time, employee schedules,
or even energy-saving strategies.
The transition from proprietary,
locally manufactured systems to
open-standard, cloud-based solu-
tions is well underway, driven by
regulatory demands for enhanced
cyber security, particularly from the
European Union (EU).
This shift toward open plat-
forms is creating new opportunities
for international manufacturers
to penetrate markets previously
dominated by domestic players,
signaling a significant change in
the landscape of access control
technology.
Access control
A $14.3 billion market
The global market for access
control products rebounded after
a pandemic-related dip in 2020.
With an annual growth rate of
10% in 2021 and 2022, the mar-
ket reached $14.3 billion in 2023.
According to Memoori, hardware
sales dominate this market, gener-
ating approximately $10.8 billion,
followed by software and creden-
tials sales. Access control systems
are moving toward more integrated
and user-friendly solutions, with
innovations like mobile access,
biometric identification, and IoT
integration driving growth.
Access control as a service
(ACaaS)
Cloud-based Access Control as a
Service (ACaaS) is transforming
how security systems are man-
aged. The global ACaaS market
is projected to grow from $1.34
billion in 2024 to $3.06 bil-
lion by 2029, with an impressive
CAGR of 17.9%. This growth is
driven by urbanisation, increasing
demand for centralised security
management, and the adoption
of subscription-based models that
foster recurring revenue for security
providers. ACaaS enables com-
panies to manage global security
operations from a single location,
offering enhanced efficiency and
cost savings.
Strong growth in
the IAM market
The Identity and Access Manage-
ment (IAM) market is also expand-
ing rapidly. According to Fortune
Business Insights, the global IAM
market was valued at approxi-
mately $16.5 billion in 2023 and is
expected to grow to $57 billion by
2032, with a CAGR of 15%. This
growth is fueled by the rise in cy-
ber attacks, the increasing adoption
of cloud-based technologies, and
stringent regulatory requirements
across industries. IAM systems are
pivotal in securing digital identities
and ensuring that access to critical
systems is tightly controlled.
Security at the forefront
As smart buildings and cities be-
come more sophisticated, identity-
based security solutions, including
IAM and access control systems,
are taking centre stage. With their
ability to enhance both physical
and digital security, these systems
are integral to the future of smart
infrastructure. As technology
continues to evolve, so too will
the demand for advanced security
solutions that can keep pace with
the increasingly interconnected
world of smart buildings and
smart cities.
In conclusion
The convergence of smart build-
ings, IoT, identity management
systems, and access control is con-
tributing to a transformative shift
in the security landscape. With
the market set for strong growth,
identity-based technologies will
remain at the forefront of the
next generation of smart, secure
environments.
As smart buildings and cities continue to emerge,
identity management and access control solutions
have become foundational elements of these ad-
vanced ecosystems.
A perfect match for smart buildings
IAM and access control technology:
The convergence of smart buildings, IoT, identity management systems, and access
control is contributing to a transformative shift in the security landscape.
Special Feature: Access Control & Smart Buildings
Editor: Lennart Alexandrie