HID Global acquires Access-IS

AUSTIN, Texas—HID Global announced that it has acquired Access-IS, a provider of miniaturized reader devices that combine a number of key technologies ideal for mission-critical environments.

Access-IS’s technology and solutions broaden HID Global’s technology portfolio, accelerate its vertical market expansion, and add new product offerings that help meet customers’ evolving needs for integrated, digitized solutions.

“Access-IS solutions are a good fit for HID,” HID Global CEO Björn Lidefelt said in that announcement. “Strategically aligned with both our existing Extended Access Technologies business and HID’s transport and ticketing solutions in our Identification Technologies business, Access-IS will enhance HID’s industry leadership while positioning us for growth in a variety of attractive markets. HID and Access-IS share a similar purpose to embed trust in physical products as a bridge to the digital world.”

From barcode reading and image processing for document scanning to NFC and EMV for mobile ticketing, Access-IS has brought to market a range of devices that have been deployed worldwide in major cities and countries across a number of key verticals including finance, transportation and government.

The company extends HID’s technology and product portfolio with proven solutions deployed worldwide:
•    More than 100 million transactions processed through Access-IS products daily and its installed base includes over 20,000 systems used in public transportation and ticketing around the world.
•    More than 50,000 users of its identity and security solutions (e-Passport, e-ID and e-driver’s license readers for government and commercial applications).
•    Installations in over 200 airports, including 20 of the top 30 airports in the world, and used by many of the world’s top airlines.

In addition to building upon Access-IS’s existing vertical markets, HID will leverage the company’s technology to fuel further expansion, and EMV contactless payment readers from Access-IS will broaden HID’s offering in the financial sector and other markets.  

Access-IS was founded in 1985 and is based in Reading, UK. With 120 employees serving customers in over 200 countries, the Access-IS team has a strong core competency in enabling quick, accurate and reliable identification and payment in integrated solutions. This expertise complements HID’s know-how in driving innovation that ensures the safety and security of people and places around the world, especially in mission-critical environments.

Access-IS is now a Business Unit within HID’s Extended Access Technologies’ Business Area, which is led by Steve Currie, Vice President and Managing Director.