Automated Border Control Market Trends

Introduction

In the year 2023, the evolution of the Automatic Border Control Market is strongly influenced by a number of macro-factors. Biometrics and artificial intelligence are improving the accuracy and efficiency of border control systems, thus making them more attractive to governments and authorities. While the regulatory pressures are increasing as countries seek to increase security and at the same time comply with international standards. The increasing demand for convenient and quick travel is forcing governments and companies to adopt more convenient and efficient border control systems. These macro-factors must be understood by the market players to understand the complexity of the market and to seize the opportunities it offers.

Top Trends

1. Increased Adoption of Biometric Technologies
   Governments are increasingly introducing biometrics into their border control, with the United Arab Emirates, for example, using facial recognition at airports. In a recent study, it was estimated that by 2025, more than seven out of ten airports will have adopted biometrics. This development will improve security and will speed up the clearance process, which will result in a better experience for passengers. Future developments may well see the use of more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time identification.
2. Integration of AI and Machine Learning
   Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being incorporated into border control systems to improve decision-making. SITA’s Smart Path solution, for example, is using artificial intelligence to optimize passenger flow. This can reduce passenger processing times by up to 30 per cent, thereby improving operational efficiency. The next step is to use data and predictive analysis to allocate resources more effectively.
3. Expansion of Self-Service Kiosks
   At airports, self-service terminals are becoming commonplace. For example, in Canada they are used for customs declarations. The wait time is reduced by half, and the journey is facilitated. And this is expected to spread to more international airports, reducing staff costs and increasing the flow of passengers.
4. Enhanced Data Security Measures
   With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, border control systems are putting data security at the top of their priorities. Secunet, for example, has developed solutions that are compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation. The increased security of the system leads to greater trust in the system, which is crucial to the acceptance of such systems. Future developments may focus on the use of the blockchain for secure data sharing.
5. Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors
   Public-private associations are now indispensable for the development of advanced border control technology. For example, Accenture works with governments to develop and deploy new solutions. This collaboration can lead to the sharing of resources and knowledge, which in turn can enhance the performance of the systems. In the future, we may see even more joint ventures focusing on research and development.
6. Focus on Passenger Experience
   The main emphasis of the work was on improving the passenger’s experience, with the aim of reducing waiting times and enhancing convenience. For example, Singapore Changi airport has introduced a “seamless” process that reduces the time spent by passengers by 40%. This trend will continue, with the aim of personalizing the experience through the use of big data.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Standardization
   As the automation of border controls increases, compliance with regulations becomes ever more essential. The International Civil Aviation Organization is working on the standardization of biometric data. The aim is to ensure interoperability between systems, which would facilitate travel. But it also increases the risk of a lack of compliance, which in turn might lead to stricter regulations.
8. Rise of Mobile Border Control Solutions
   A mobile border control solution is gaining ground. It can be quickly and flexibly deployed in different locations. Biometric mobile units are being tested in countries such as Australia for remote border areas. This trend can improve border security in underserved regions and lead to the development of portable solutions for greater operational flexibility.
9. Increased Focus on Sustainability
   In the field of border control, companies are also focusing on the environment. For example, Vision-box develops energy-saving systems that reduce CO2 emissions. The focus on the environment can lead to savings and good public relations. In the future, the use of energy from renewable sources may also be used for border control.
10. Adoption of Cloud-Based Solutions
    The cloud-based solutions are gaining ground because of their scalability and flexibility. Companies like IDEMIA are offering cloud services that allow for the real-time processing of data. This trend is likely to result in lower costs for hardware and greater data availability. And the future may well bring about an increased level of security in the cloud to protect sensitive information.

Conclusion: Navigating the Automated Border Control Landscape

In 2023 the Automatic Border Control market will be characterized by a high degree of competition and considerable fragmentation. Both the historical and the new entrants will be vying for a share. The most important regional trends are a stronger focus on advanced technology, especially in North America and Europe where the regulatory framework is increasingly supportive of automation. Strategically, vendors are focusing on enhancing their operational efficiency and end-user experience by using capabilities such as artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability. As the market develops, the ability to tailor solutions to meet regional requirements and end-user expectations will be essential for vendors. The vendors who put these capabilities first will likely become the market leaders and shape the future of Automatic Border Control.