With the growing number of schools in the United States with video surveillance, electronic access control and other traditional security systems, the number of potential “greenfield” projects for suppliers falls. Declining numbers of new security system installations will lead to slowing market growth over the next five years.
Even so, security manufacturers are looking to implement the following new security technologies to improve school safety, which would also help reignite market growth:
1. Facial recognition technology
Many of the video surveillance systems currently used in schools are not actively monitored and also rarely lack any form of effective automated response. Adoption of facial recognition technology would allow the surveillance system to proactively search for potential threats, and alert school administrators and security staff about unrecognized individuals in the building.
Unfortunately, affordable facial recognition technologies are often unable to adequately recognize the number of faces in a typical school; plus, these systems can place a large strain on a school’s information technology network.
2. Logical and physical security identity management integration
I ntegrating the school’s access control database with a higher authority logical database – for example, a student directory – would allow the access rights of former staff, and students who have been expelled or already graduated, to be removed automatically.
However, access control providers may find it difficult to get permission to access student records and other sensitive data. Education administrators may also be uncomfortable with possibly creating a potential avenue of cyberattack.
3. High-security classroom doors with multipoint looking systems
Higher-grade doors would create a far more effective barrier between students and potential attackers, creating numerous safe spaces throughout the building in emergencies.
It’s also true, though, that purchasing thousands of doors would be expensive. Fire regulations often dictate that key entrances and exits remain fail-safe during emergencies. Locking and unlocking doors multiple times would also disrupt teaching.
4. Weapons checks using metal detectors or x-ray machines at school entrances
Using metal detectors or x-ray machines at entrances along the school perimeter makes bringing weapons into the school much more difficult. However, schools often have multiple entrances, which means each school would require multiple detectors or x-ray machines – both of which are expensive. The school would also 
need to hire additional security staff to operate each machine. Securing entrances in this manner would also mean long queues would form after breaks and lunchtime, reducing the free time of students and staff.
Access control intelligence service
Entering its fourth full year, the IHS Markit Access Control Intelligence Service provides primary analysis of the equipment market, plus thorough investigation of key technology trends affecting the industry. Current topics of focus include mobile access, logical and physical identity management integration, adoption of biometric technology and security system convergence.
