Market analyst MSI is forecasting substantial growth in the UK's access control systems sector.
Its latest report (analysing the period from 1996-2000) suggesting that a substantial 20% growth by 2005 – in real terms – is very much on the cards.

The basis for MSI's assertion is that technological developments will continue apace, thereby increasing the range and enhancing the quality of systems available to the end user. In particular, the use of colour audio/video entry systems is expected to rise, while on-line systems are expected to show the strongest growth rates between 2001 and 2005.

Ultimately, the UK market for access systems is dependent on a number of factors, including prevailing crime levels and the ever-increasing need for identification in industry, commerce and Government. Other considerations include economic factors, possible integration with other security systems and overall trends in the construction market.

Without doubt the access control systems market is becoming a mature sector of the electronic security systems sector, which should engender wider user acceptance, falling prices and lower barriers to entry. As the market becomes more competitive, the channels for distribution chosen by access control systems manufacturers will become increasingly important.

Modest growth of the market during 1999 and a decline in 2000 was attributable, suggests Plimsoll, to the increasing market and the threat of the Millennium Bug having been addressed.