Web-Based Control Enables Optimization and SavingsThe commercial Physical Security and Access Control (PS-AC) systems for buildings market suffered like most other industries during the economic downturn, but it appears the market is on the path towards recovery. Although business suffered in 2008 and 2009, supplier revenues began to rebound in 2010, and the global market outlook appears to be promising.
With advancements in microprocessor technology, the proliferation of intelligent hardware and software, and the advent of IP based systems; the design, structure, and capabilities of PS-AC systems are being reshaped by technology.
Today, the PS-AC industry stands at a crossroads. Most existing systems are basic analog based electrical systems and these still make up the majority of the installed base. However, the majority of projects that are being designed and commissioned today utilize digital architecture, IP based communications, and web accessibility to increase the breadth and capabilities of these systems.
Despite the obvious benefits of intelligent systems, adoption of these new PS-AC systems are uneven across the different regions, and growth in this segment is strongly correlated with the health of new construction markets.
Integrated Systems
There is also a strong trend towards the integration of once disparate systems, such as video surveillance, access control, incidence response, and others, by progressive customers. By integrating these systems, users can leverage the natural synergies that exist between them to create a more robust security and access control system. Suppliers that develop all of these systems on one platform allow information to be exchanged seamlessly between the systems. ARC firmly believes the market is headed in this direction and the more appropriate questions are; “how long will it take?” and “what can be done to most effectively leverage these changes?”
