Smart access control and intercom systems are becoming vital for modern security and convenience. By replacing traditional methods with digital, automated solutions, they help manage access, improve monitoring, and reduce risks. Whether in homes, transport hubs, borders, or large sports venues, these systems ensure safer environments while offering greater efficiency and ease of use.
This blog particularly focuses on how these smart systems are changing the face of home security, public transport systems, border monitoring, and sports venues, through the implementation of disruptive digital technologies. Recently, we have published a more detailed report about the deployment of smart access control systems across various applications including intercoms and doorbells, prisons, amusement parks, border monitoring, and others. If you want to read the report, please click here: Access Control & Intercoms: 502 million connected devices by 2034, generating USD2.8 billion in revenue.
Smart access control systems are modern tools that control who can enter or leave a building or certain area. They use technology like mobile apps, fingerprints, or online dashboards. Unlike regular keys or cards, they give better security and convenience by allowing remote access and real-time monitoring.
These smart systems are being increasingly deployed in various applications. Let’s see how:
Smart access control systems are vital for modern home security, offering greater protection and convenience than traditional locks and keys. Many homes now have wireless intercoms to communicate and monitor visitors via videos. Using biometrics, PIN codes, RFID cards, or mobile apps, they ensure only authorised entries. These systems also send real-time alerts and enable remote monitoring, making it easy to manage access for family, guests, or service providers. Case in point, in its ambitious project, Future Park Istanbul, Turkish constructor, Hiper Gayrimenkul Group deployed Yale smart locks in 1,700 apartments. These locks enable residents to open their front door via the smart home system, with a secure PIN or RFID smart card, and without using a physical key.
Moreover, online shopping has surged in years, increasing the risk of package theft. This trend is also driving the adoption of smart video doorbells, which use wireless connectivity to link with homes, smartphone apps, and smart speakers.
Public transport bodies often suffer heavily from fare evasion. In fact, in 2022-2023, the Indian Railways caught 36 million passengers and collected USD259 million in fines. While this figure may sound impressive, it should be kept in mind that the Indian Railways heavily depend on manual ticket checking by TTEs (travelling ticket examiners) which is both expensive and time consuming. Moreover, many public transport stations witness heavy footfall, especially in developed cities around the world. For instance, in Tokyo, there are two subway operators: Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. While Tokyo Metro has an average daily ridership of 6.84 million passengers, Toei caters to 2.85 million passengers daily. Quickly checking tickets for such huge passenger volume is challenging, making smart access gates the need of the hour. These gates support RFID, barcodes, NFC, and card readers, allowing customers to validate tickets and enter directly without long queues, thereby saving time, improving fare collection, and reducing paper use (enhancing sustainability). For instance, in February 2025, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) reported that in the last quarter, revenue increased by 16%, due to increased paid rail ridership, resulting from modernising fare gates at rail stations and increased enforcement. Another August 2025 news reported that a new GBP2.1 million (USD2.83 million) new automatic ticket gates on the Tyne and Wear Metro is now under way. It added that over 1.3 million passengers a year will use the new ticket gates at Regent Centre station, staffed by Metro’s customer service team to curb ticketless travel and enhance safety, especially for women and girls.
Why is border monitoring and control even required?
Therefore, various governments are increasingly investing in smart border monitoring technology to prevent illegal activities and ensure security for travellers. Case in point, microprocessor-embedded e-passports are increasingly emerging and as of May 2025, 178 countries now offer e-passports. These systems have resulted in automated identity verification (which reduces manual document checking and reduced waiting time for goods and passengers waiting to enter a country. It also enhances the quality of checking at major entry points, preventing illegal entry of both contraband and people alike. Moreover, these smart access systems also enable better surveillance, which assist border agencies to better monitor movement patterns and overstays. For instance, in June 2025, the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge connecting San Diego with Tijuana International Airport has introduced facial recognition, integrating CBP’s biometric screening into its operations. With this deployment, CBX becomes the latest US-Mexico land border facility to use facial biometrics, aiming to speed up traveller processing while enhancing security at the port of entry.
A growing concern for stadium operators is fans attempting to enter without valid tickets, which can lead to overcrowding, security risks, and revenue loss. For example, on 28 May 2022, during the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool, Liverpool supporters suffered a near-disaster (primarily due to chaotic organisation by the government), and the police and stewards had to abandon the checkpoints completely, allowing everyone to walk up, straight to the stadium. Thousands of Liverpool supporters and many locals among them were allowed to enter the stadium, with no checks for security and valid tickets.
To counter such situations, many stadiums are now installing access control systems (that are often integrated with surveillance cameras) which validate tickets through electronic gates, turnstiles, or biometrics. These systems not only block unauthorised entries but also provide a frictionless check-in experience for genuine fans. Some countries have also started passing regulations to deal with such situations. Case in point, in the UK, the House of Commons recently cleared a legislation, under which, football fans who enter or attempt to enter matches in England and Wales without a ticket face a ban and convicted fans would also face a fine of up to £1,000 (USD1,350). In addition, access gates enable real-time monitoring of attendance, helping stadiums anticipate post-match crowd surges and improve overall crowd management.
Smart access control systems are transforming security across homes, transportation modes, borders, and sports venues. At home, they replace traditional locks with biometrics, mobile apps, and smart video doorbells to deter intruders and prevent package theft. In public transport, they ensure smoother passenger flow, reduce fare evasion, and promote sustainability. Border agencies are adopting e-passports and automated verification to curb illegal entries and enhance surveillance. Even sports venues are deploying access gates to secure locker rooms, restrict unauthorised access, and improve crowd management. Together, these innovations ensure safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. As cities grow smarter and more connected, access control stands at the core of building secure, seamless, and sustainable environments.
