ASSA ABLOY’s latest Wireless Access Control Report signals a market that’s coming of age, where digital and mobile solutions are rapidly becoming the standard.
Fueled by the increasing adoption of wireless technology, a growing focus on sustainability, and the rise of cloud services, organizations are now prioritizing intelligent integrations and seeking clear returns on investment. This shift aims to solidify access control’s vital role in creating smart, secure, and efficient buildings for the future.
In a first for the six editions of this biennial report, ASSA ABLOY’s market survey reveals a significant milestone: wireless systems (whether fully or partially implemented) have surpassed traditional wired-only setups among those managing access digitally.
The report dives deep into the survey results, presenting data in figures and tables alongside expert analysis. It’s based on feedback from nearly 500 professionals across security, facilities management, and IT, all of whom play a role in purchasing or administering physical access control. Notably, almost half of the respondents identified as “security/facility manager.”
Faster adoption of mobile solutions
The predicted boom in mobile credentials and mobile access management has arrived. The 2025 Report indicates that just over a quarter of organizations surveyed (26%) are actively planning for future mobile deployments.
This marks a significant acceleration from the previous report in 2023, where 39% were in the planning stages, highlighting the market’s rapid maturation. Fully mobile credential environments now account for 17% of all respondents, more than tripling the rate observed in 2023. “We’re also seeing a notable decrease in respondents who believe mobile access isn’t a viable option for them,” notes Richard Sharp, VP & Head of Product Unit Wireless Locks, DAS at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Mobile digital access is now firmly established.”
“Many early adopters have already made the transition: mobile digital access is a reality today, not just a future possibility,” Sharp adds. “Customers who have already embraced mobile access solutions like SMARTair, CLIQ, or the ABLOY CUMULUS cloud platform are already reaping the rewards of operational agility, convenience, security, and sustainability that mobile access offers.”
As organizations modernize their security infrastructure, digital access is becoming the norm, with a clear preference for mobile credentials. Convenience and enhanced security are the primary drivers behind this adoption.
Sustainability more important than ever
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings consume approximately 30% of global energy. The new ASSA ABLOY Report confirms that end-users and security professionals are actively seeking ways digital access can contribute to reducing unnecessary energy consumption. In fact, for 27% of respondents, sustainability is the leading factor when evaluating technology investments to improve access management.
“For many organizations across diverse sectors, sustainability is evolving from a supporting role to a strategic imperative,” says Richard Sharp. “Wireless systems, which minimize the need for extensive cabling and complex infrastructure, are often considered a ‘greener’ alternative. Battery-powered and energy-harvesting devices typically consume significantly less energy than their wired counterparts.”
“We’re also witnessing a surge in demand for green building solutions and documentation like Environmental Performance Declarations (EPDs), which contribute to various green certification schemes, including BREEAM, LEED, and WELL, all of which we support.”
Important upgrades in cyber-security knowledge
The previous ASSA ABLOY Report identified significant knowledge gaps between physical and cyber-security professionals. When presented with four key regional laws and directives critical to both cyber and physical security, 55% of survey respondents were unfamiliar with them. Only 12% of respondents in the 2023 survey felt fully prepared for the implications of cyber-security legislation.
“The situation has improved over the past two years, although the new Report does highlight some remaining challenges,” says Richard Sharp. “With NIS2 coming into effect and obligations under the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act rapidly approaching, this remains an area where close collaboration between customers and manufacturers is essential.”
In his commentary for this section of the Report, cyber-security governance expert Andy Watkin-Child of Veritas GRC emphasizes: “Cyber security is quickly becoming a regulated risk for companies, either directly or indirectly, requiring boards to address cyber-security risk management or risk civil and/or criminal penalties.”
The Wireless Access Control Report 2025 also explores the growth of cloud/ACaaS solutions, the increasing popularity of biometrics, and other emerging trends in digital access. To download your free copy, visit www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/campaigns/wac-report-2025