Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com) has added Access Control Market Report 2004 to its data offerings. The firm says growth in the access control market was slow in 2002 and 2003. However, the analysts say high crime levels and the threat of terrorism are encouraging consumers to upgrade access controls systems, which often come in the form of smart card systems.

The firm notes the access control market includes system design, equipment supply, installation and maintenance, and the ongoing sales of new cards and tokens.

Analysts expect the market to show 3 percent to 4 percent annual growth this year through 2008, in terms of constant 2003 prices. Prospects for work in new buildings for this year and 2005 are not favorable in the important commercial and industrial sectors, although growth is expected for public sector non-housing projects, according to the study.

Finally, the researchers say proximity technology continues to show growth but seems to be approaching its peak quickly, since competition is coming from smart cards and hands-free systems.