San Jose, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) January 11, 2011
Despite the popular perception that ever-present safety & security needs and rising crime rates, which interestingly tend to escalate during periods of economic downturn, make electronic access control systems market recession proof, the market ironically has shown signs of marked weakening in the midst of steady deterioration in business climate. With most key end-use sectors i.e. banking, financial services, retail (malls, multiplexes), IT sector, construction, and hospitality (hotels & restaurants) collapsing like a pack of cards, growth patterns have been largely distorted. The forced delay in launch of new retail projects such as malls, chain retailers and franchise outlets, as a result of distortions in economic variables, such as, drying up of debt markets, lack of capital investments, and deep corporate budgets cuts, have eroded market opportunities for EACS.
The meltdown of the construction industry, as reflected in the general weakness in new office, commercial and residential building projects, rising vacancy rates, construction delays and sharp falls in the number of applications for new building permits, and government scaling back of infrastructure-related projects have also played instrumental roles in negatively impacting new equipment order influx rates for EACS. For instance, although a very valuable addition to security infrastructure, the importance of electronic access control systems has temporarily been overshadowed as building owners focus squarely on surviving the crisis. In addition, widespread postponements, cancellation of upgradation security projects and delays in scheduled system replacements in existing facilities, have resulted in sharp declines in replacement demand.
However, a transient disruption in the economic climate like the recent recession is not likely to leave an indelible mark on the market, as prevention of authorized access and detection of perpetrators will always remain vital in the overall security arrangements. Although the tough economic climate has squeezed new orders for EACS, the focus on safety and security among organizations, government agencies and general public continues to remain unchanged, as security coverage is closely tied to safety of human life and asset protection in infrastructure facilities and residential and commercial centers.
With recession now at its tail end, the market will witness a quick resurgence of demand fundamentals, such as increase in commercial and residential building construction, improvements in disposable spends, and increase in infrastructure investments, which will help drive the EACS market in the post recession period. Growth in the market, which was hitherto frustrated by capital shortages, reduced personnel, and unemployment, is forecast to rebound as liquidity issues and financial hardships begin to ease. Technology developments such as development of more advanced, and higher value access control systems and efforts to integrate new advanced features and capabilities such as hybrid and wireless installations to the already installed access control systems, will also generate substantial demand for EACS market over the next few years.
As stated by the new market research report, US continue to remain the largest regional market. Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing regional market waxing at a CAGR of about 3.7% over the analysis period. Growth in this market will be essentially driven by factors such as fast paced economic development in emerging countries such as China and India, increase in foreign investments, rise in the number of new business establishments and increase in crime rates. By product, Card-Based Electronic Access control systems market continues to be the largest product segment, holding a lions share of the global market. Smart cards represent the largest revenue contributor to the card-based EACS market. Audio and Video-Based Electronic Access Control Systems market is the fastest growing product segment, waxing at a CAGR of about 6.8% over the analysis period
Major players in the marketplace include Aiphone Co. Ltd., ASSA ABLOY AB, BIO-key, International Inc., DigitalPersona Inc, Gunnebo Ab, Hirsch Electronics Corporation, Honeywell Access Systems, Ingersoll Rand Recognition Systems Inc., Linear LLC, Imprivata