Businesses today hold valuable assets in the form of data, equipment, and people’s trust. This high-tech vault needs more than a lock on the door. It needs a guardian who knows how to manage who has access to enter, exit, and for what purpose.
So, does your organization want to keep unauthorized people out while ensuring your team can work efficiently without constant security checks? The answer lies in investing in an access control system that solves the chaos of tracking who’s coming and going into a building.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global access control market is expected to grow from USD 11.17 billion in 2020 to USD 20.02 billion by 2027. Most importantly, the access control system costs are way less than hiring extra security staff or rekeying locks every time someone leaves the company.
If your current security feels more like a leaky fence than a solid wall, it’s time to upgrade to a smarter and more cost-effective solution. An access control system isn’t just a security upgrade; it’s peace of mind, efficiency, and future-proofing in one package.
What is an Access Control System?
An access control system is an essential element of security systems that regulates who can enter and exit a building. These are found in almost every building, from offices to university campuses, commercial and residential properties, airports and stadiums, manufacturing and healthcare facilities, government organizations, and hotels.
Organizations deploy and install various types of access control systems on building doors at multiple levels and entry points. By controlling user operations and tracking access, they minimize security risks and prevent unauthorized access.
These include:
- Keypads and PIN Entry Systems
- Biometric Systems
- Proximity Cards and Keyfobs
- Turnstiles and Speed gates
- Intercoms and Visitor Kiosks
- Anti-tailgating Systems
- License Plate Recognition (LPR) Systems
- Perimeter Security Systems
- Time-based Access Systems
Here’s how your organization can develop customized electronic security systems tailored to your needs and save huge on access control system costs:
| Type of Organization | Access Control Solutions | Cost Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate offices and financial institutions | Implement tiered access control systems | Save approximately USD 50,000 annually. |
| Healthcare facilities and retail stores | Cloud systems can help manage multiple locations | Reduce hardware costs by up to USD 1,50,000 per year. |
| Educational institutions | integrate student ID systems with RFID card systems | Save on maintenance costs by 25% per year up to USD 30,000. |
| Government and military organizations | Certified open-source software. | Cut licensing costs up to USD 5,00,000 per year |
| Hotels and resorts | build keyless mobile access | Reduce the room costs of keycards and locks by up to USD 1,50,000 annually. |
| Manufacturing facilities | build wireless access points | Reduce wiring for risk zones by 30% up to USD 1,00,000 per year. |
| Residential communities | implement shared intercom-based solutions | Avoid individual installation costs for each apartment by 20% up to USD 20,000 annually. |
| Airports and stadiums | develop modular access control systems, mobile ticketing systems, and wireless systems | Reduce infrastructure costs from USD 5,00,000 to USD 1,000,000 per year |
Build Smarter and Affordable Access Control Systems
Reduce key management and maintenance costs with modern access control to upgrade organizational security.
Different Types of Access Control Systems and Their Costs
Choosing the type of access control system your organization needs depends on its functionality and cost-effectiveness. You should also consider your organization’s size and scope, type of access, security levels, average cost of access control systems, and maintenance and integration needs.
Let’s understand the different types of access control systems your organization can develop with tentative costs for use cases and basic features:
Standalone Access Control Systems
Generally installed at low-security levels, standalone systems are perfect for smaller buildings since they are all installed on the keypad or a key/card reader. They don’t need additional components like routers, alarms, or sensors and operate without a network connection.
Examples: Touchlock systems, proximity readers, magstripe cards, RFID readers, and biometric systems.
Ideal Use Cases: Houses, apartments, storage lockers, sports locations, physically inaccessible areas
Estimated costs: The average cost of access control systems ranges between USD 50 and USD 1000, depending on their type and complexity level.
| Basic standalone keypads | USD 50 to USD 200 |
| Proximity readers | USD 200 to USD 500 |
| Standalone smart locks | USD 150 to USD 400 |
| Intercoms | USD 200 to USD 800 |
| Biometric systems | USD 300 to USD 1,000 |
Networked Access Control Systems
Network Access Control (NAC) systems, also known as network admission control systems, are installed at endpoints to restrict the unauthorized entry of devices and users into private networks and corporate environments. Only authenticated users and authorized devices complying with security policies are allowed to enter.
Examples: personal devices under Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, check-in kiosks, security cameras, and temporary non-employee access.
Ideal Use Cases include university campuses centrally managing dorms and libraries, data centers, airports, and hospitals managing pharmacies and rooms.
Estimated costs range from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000, depending on the type of setup and access points, from small to large enterprises. Installation, configuration, and maintenance costs can be up to USD 15,000.
| Control Panels | USD 500 to USD 2,000 per door, and the user |
| Readers and Locks | USD 300 to USD 1,500 per keycard and door |
| One-time License for on-premise Software | USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 |
Cloud-based Access Control Systems
Cloud-based access control systems allow building or organization users to manage access remotely. The organization hosts the access control software in the cloud using internet-connected devices over a physical server.
Examples: Access management platforms, emergency response systems, identity verification systems
Ideal Use Cases include office buildings, retail stores, multiple-location chains, hospitals, campuses, and airports.
Estimated costs: The cost of an access control system per door ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 50,000 for small businesses and large establishments.
| Door Hardware | USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 |
| Integrations | USD 500 to USD 2,000 |
| Smart Locks and Readers | USD 200 to USD 1,000 |
| Control Hubs | USD 300 to USD 1,500 |
Mobile-based Access Control Systems
Mobile-based access control systems grant access to restricted areas using mobile devices as credentials. Eliminating the need for physical keys or fobs, they offer centralized remote control over an organization’s building security by sending an unlock code from smartphones to the cloud server.
Examples: Mobile key management apps, access scheduling platforms, visitor management systems, and emergency lockdown apps.
Ideal Use Cases: Hotels, co-working spaces, residential communities, parking facilities, educational institutions
Estimated costs: Costs range from USD 3,000 TO USD 50,000 for small and large setups.
| Smart locks and access hubs | USD 500 to USD 1,500 |
| Mobile app and cloud integration | USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 |
| Setup installation and maintenance | USD 1,500 to USD 6,000 |
Biometric Access Control Systems
Biometric access control systems use a user’s physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, retinas, palms, face, voice, DNA, and veins. Since these traits are unique to every person, they cannot be copied, enhancing the security, authentication, authorization, and accuracy of identities.
Examples: Multi-factor authentication systems, attendance and workforce management, data analytics and reporting, and visitor management.
Ideal Use Cases: High-security offices, government buildings, data centers, airports
Estimated costs: The cost of biometric access control systems ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 for basic to advanced setups.
| Scanners, control panels, and locks | USD 5,000 to USD 12,000 |
| Management platform and APIs | USD 10,000 to USD 30,000 |
| Installation and maintenance | USD 3,000 to USD 15,000 |
Factors Influencing the Cost of Access Control Systems
Each access control system cost plan should begin by analyzing the unique security needs, physical space, and installation size and researching which hardware fits the best. Let’s understand how these factors affect the costs:
Hardware Components
How it Impacts the Costs: The control system your organization chooses to install determines the average cost of the access control system per door at each secured area of a facility.
For example, card readers are more affordable, costing up to USD 500, than biometric systems, which range up to USD 3,000. Similarly, basic exit devices like push bars are more affordable, ranging up to USD 300, than multi-door controllers, which can cost up to USD 2,000.
Software and Licensing Fees
How it Impacts the Costs: Off-site smart technologies for managing systems will also heavily influence the costs of access control systems. Replacing the expensive on-premises servers with new wiring infrastructure will impact the costs depending on the devices, users, and locations.
For example, mobile-enabled devices with multi-factor authentication and cloud-based controllers will have lower upfront costs but more subscription fees. Recurring costs for hosting servers and updating software will cost up to USD 50 per user per month.
Installation Costs
How it Impacts the Costs: The installation costs will vary depending on the number of doors and the type of credential readers. Narrower spaces and thinner walls with angled lobbies will need specialized hardware.
For example, the locking system of an access control system per door, whether wireless or electromagnetic, will also influence the costs. Additional entry points will also need a UPS for power backup, which may cost USD 1,000, and wireless equipment may cost USD 5,000 for larger facilities.
Maintenance and Scalability
How it Impacts the Costs: Maintaining access control systems over time requires owners and security teams to consider the number of people requiring access and the levels of security clearance needed.
For example, consider the capacities of current and future card readers and access systems to store and manage the unique credentials of current staff members and new hires. Cloud-based applications to manage IoT-enabled devices like surveillance cameras and alarm systems would cut down on maintenance costs in the future.
7 Key Benefits Justifying the Investment
Access control systems offer numerous ways to organizations looking to upgrade their security and replace traditional key entry systems. With automated control, organizations can safeguard assets, protect confidential data, and limit accessing specific areas. Let’s understand how they benefit:
Enhanced Security
Access control systems allow organizations to enhance their security over the long term. They allow them to add new access cards, update credentials for certain areas, and change access dates and times.
Popular Systems: Multi-factor authentication and encrypted credential technology by HID Global and video surveillance and intrusion detection by Honeywell Pro-Watch.
Improved Access Management
Organizations can easily restrict and manage access to who comes and exits a building, ensuring that everyone knows their arrivals and departures. By adding mandatory credentials required to enter high-risk zones, the average cost of access control systems will increase. Still, it will also increase security in the event of thefts, fires, and accidents.
Popular Systems: Mobile-based digital credential encryption access by Kisi Access Control and centralized control of multiple facilities by LenelS2 OnGuard.
Compliance With Regulations
Access control systems make it easy to comply with industry regulations and standard procedures related to data security and physical access to data. The systems also keep any information related to employees and customers confidential and secured in the servers exercising restricted access.
Popular Systems: Salto Systems offers geo-fencing features for accessing specific zones, and Suprema BioStar 2 offers anti-spoofing technology for safety against biometric fraud.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Access control systems simplify organizational operations across multiple locations by customizing the access levels and defining granular access permissions. They also automate and optimize workflows by integrating with existing systems for uninterrupted access.
Popular Systems: Facial recognition systems for airports by NEC Corporation and fingerprint systems by Anviz for small businesses.
Scalability for Future Growth
Organizations can easily add control panels, readers, and locks as they expand, providing support for unlimited users and access points. Cloud-based solutions can easily connect with IoT and AI for advanced security and growing access logs.
Popular Systems: Envoy systems offer health and safety protocols, such as health screening and touchless sign-in.
Real-time Monitoring and Reporting
Setting up keyless entry systems removes the need to worry about who enters which building. With real-time monitoring, it’s easier to simply deactivate the card and assign new ones to easily track all activity in and out of the building with detailed logs.
Popular Systems: ADT systems offer integrative security features for video surveillance and burglary alarms.
Cost Savings Over Time
Over time, organizations can save huge costs on access control systems by replacing security personnel. They can be easily integrated with lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems, saving energy costs.
Popular Systems: SimpliSafe integrates with a professional monitoring system to dispatch police automatically in case of an emergency.
Impact of Access Control System Features on Cost
Whether your business is small or large, securing the premises should be the top priority. Once you have selected the type of access control system, planning, selecting, and implementing its features according to the budget is a primary concern for security teams. Here’s how the features impact the costs:
Biometric Authentication Capabilities
Biometric authentication includes main features like fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning for personalized access.
How it Impacts: Scanners and cameras are significantly expensive, and maintenance due to wear and tear is also expensive. Processing and storing biometric data would also increase costs.
Expect to spend around USD 3,000 to USD 25,000 per access point.
Integration With Other Systems
When integrating the access control systems with other existing systems, surveillance cameras, fire and alarm systems, and HR tools must be compatible.
How it Impacts: These integrations can increase the average cost of access control systems but save in the long term with centralized management.
Expect the costs to range from USD 1,000 to USD 50,000 per system and complexity.
Remote Access Functionality
Remote functionality includes cloud features and managing mobile apps to control and monitor access.
How it Impacts: They have lower one-time setup costs but have subscription fees per year. However, mobile access decreases the expenditure towards physical security.
Approximate costs for software licenses can range from USD 500 to USD 7,000, and mobile access points can range from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000.
Customization and Scalability Options
Customized access control systems include features such as adding new users, access points, and tailored permissions.
How it Impacts: These can increase initial access control system costs, but future upgrades are cheaper and customized according to the user volume and zone-based permissions.
Estimate the costs from USD 5,000 for small-scale systems and up to USD 1,50,000 for multiple location setups.
Ready to Amplify Security and Cost Savings?
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Tips for Reducing Access Control System Costs
Reducing implementation costs of access control systems requires careful assessment of your business security needs. One of the best ways to do this is not to do it alone; consult a professional software development team that is an expert in installing and configuring them.
If you want to know how much an access control system costs and want to reduce them, here are some tips our experts at Moon Technolabs recommend:
Compare Multiple Vendors
Compare thoroughly what you’re getting in the long run and ask for a breakdown of features and costs. Some vendors offer compatibility with more than one form of access control, allowing you to choose between keycards and two-factor authentication.
Choose Scalable Solutions
Follow a risk-based approach to identify the most high-impact risks so that resources can be allocated accordingly to control the organization’s access requirements. You can choose to install biometric options in high-priority areas like server rooms, research labs, and other areas that can be installed with basic card readers.
Opt for Cloud-based Systems
If you’re a startup, you can choose to invest in cloud-based systems and eliminate the need to install expensive on-premises servers. To save on access control system cost per door, begin with a minimal setup for the main entrance and storage rooms, paying only about USD 500 per month instead of USD 10,000 for hardware costs.
Utilize Government Incentives or Grants
Local authorities and governments offer grants and deductions aiming to promote workplace safety, data compliance, and protection. You can apply for region-specific grants like the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) and Federal Energy Tax Credit and save up to 30% on project costs.
Perform Regular Maintenance to Avoid Major Repairs
Negotiating discounts and saving access control system costs can help you prioritize choosing vendors with maintenance plans that require minimal upkeep. You can also work with an app development company to customize your maintenance package with support for additional warehouses.
How Does Moon Technolabs Deliver Affordable Access Control Solutions?
If your business is facing challenges in selecting, integrating, and scaling access control systems to deploy effective solutions, Moon Technolabs is here to help.
Partnering with a specialized access control system development company ensures that budget constraints, system complexity, and compatibility don’t become an obstacle. Here’s how we help:
- Tailored Solutions: Systems designed to match business needs and budgets.
- Integration Expertise: Compatibility with existing hardware and software.
- Scalability: Solutions that grow with your business.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Advanced tools for instant security insights.
- Cost Efficiency: Smart hardware and cloud-based options for long-term savings.
Get in touch to build the perfect access control system for your business today and take the first step toward securing your business!
Conclusion
Access control systems have emerged as essential investments for businesses seeking to enhance the security of their buildings by controlling who gets access. They streamline operations and ensure businesses can save costs by securing their premises effectively.
If you want to choose the right access control system for your specific business needs and budget, there’s no better time than now! Collaborate with a trusted access control development company that can evaluate your business’s security and operational challenges.
Contact us today to explore customized solutions with modern access control technologies.
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