The use of biometrics for physical access control is not new. Since the early 1970s, biometrics has been used to secure some of our most high-security buildings. Before the introduction of biometrics on smartphones, it was probably the first thing that came into a person’s mind when asked about the use of biometrics. It seems that every Mission Impossible film has a scene where Ethan Hunt spoofs a biometric access system to get at top secret material (mask detection anyone) In one famous scene in “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation”, we even see an attack on a gait recognition system (not by Ethan Hunt but by Benji Dunn).
Fast-forward to 2026 and biometric technology in physical access control is everywhere and not just confined to protect access to high-security buildings and rooms. I can order a fingerprint-enabled door lock or padlock for under $50 from Amazon. The availability of easy-to-install and reliable biometric-enabled access control solutions across all sectors is revolutionizing the way in which we access buildings. Added to the availability of affordable biometric access control hardware is easy-to-use software that can manage enrolment, access control, and visitor management. Visitors to offices no longer have to queue at reception for their visitor badge or sticker but can enrol at home or enroute and simply walk through the gate or turnstile. In some cases, you don’t even need a gate or a turnstile. Taking a leaf out of border control, biometric corridors for access control can remove the need for expensive gates or turnstiles.
In our recently published market analyst and forecast report covering the market for biometric physical access control we determine that biometrics for physical access control is increasingly a vital part of the physical access control systems (PACS) toolbox. Suppliers and adopters are increasingly adding biometric technology to their PACS to improve security and convenience.
Goode Intelligence’s investigation of biometric physical access control has discovered a number of major trends driving the adoption of biometrics in this market that include:
- Biometrics as strong second factor. Predominantly augmented card-based physical access control systems. The combination of access control card and a biometric enhances security and convenience and helps prevent access cards being used by non-authorised users (stolen or lent).
- Tighter integration with other physical security applications including surveillance and safety especially when face is the modality used. Modern face biometric PACS can detect and prevent tailgating as the camera can be monitoring this activity.
- Smartcard integration (fingerprint sensor integrated into biometric card).
- Face becoming the dominant biometric modality replacing fingerprint biometrics.
- The emergence of palm biometrics as a significant modality for biometric physical access control.
- Merger of physical and logical access control either using a biometric smartcard or with biometric-only.
- Biometric corridors replacing physical gates. An opportunity using technology proven in border control to replace the need, and cost, of installing and maintaining physical gates and turnstiles.
- Biometrics becoming the dominant PACS technology in emerging markets in particular APAC and LATAM. In these markets, face is predominant biometric modality.
The future for biometric physical access control is positive and as such Goode Intelligence is forecasting that by 2031 the market will be generating over $16.31 billion in revenue making it a significant market for biometric technologies.
The 215-page report is the most detailed and comprehensive guide to the market for biometric physical access control published to date exploring the adoption of biometric technology for physical access control in major sectors including office, residential, government, healthcare, education, transportation, and technology.
It investigates the current global adoption with market analysis including key drivers and barriers for adoption, regulation and technology standards, interviews with leading stakeholders, technology analysis with review of key biometric technologies and profiles of companies supplying biometric systems for physical access control.
Biometric modalities covered include fingerprint, face, retina, iris, palm, and finger-vein.
It includes regional and global market forecasts for users (segmented by sector and biometric modalities), devices, and revenue for the six-year period from 2026 to 2031.
This report is now available to purchase. For more information visit the report page: https://www.goodeintelligence.com/report/biometric-physical-access-control-market-technology-analysis-forecasts-2026-2031/
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