Organizations will focus on flexibility, responsible AI, and unified connected systems to strengthen security and operational performance
Genetec Inc. has outlined key industry trends that will shape how organisations approach infrastructure, automation, and resilience throughout 2026.
Choice And Flexibility Define Cloud Adoption
In 2026, cloud adoption will move beyond a one-size-fits-all strategy. Organisations will increasingly assess each workload based on performance, cost, and data residency needs, selecting deployment models that best fit operational requirements — whether on-premise, cloud, or hybrid.
Open architecture solutions will empower end users to select devices and applications that align with their operational goals. This flexibility extends the lifespan of legacy infrastructure while allowing targeted integration of cloud services. Vendors offering deployment diversity and interoperability will lead the market, while rigid proprietary systems will continue to lose relevance.
Intelligent Automation Replaces AI Hype
The industry is transitioning from AI speculation to outcomes-driven intelligent automation (IA). These solutions will streamline workflows, enhance monitoring accuracy, and accelerate decision-making through automation of repetitive tasks and predictive maintenance capabilities.
Features such as intelligent search will accelerate investigations, reduce false alarms, and improve situational awareness. By minimising manual overhead, IA enables operators to focus on strategic decision-making grounded in human judgement.
Transparency and ethical implementation will become critical. Users will demand clarity on how AI systems are trained, how data is managed, and how security is maintained — with vendors expected to prioritise responsible deployment and cybersecurity governance.
Access Control Modernisation Gains Momentum
Modernising access control systems will remain a top priority as organisations seek enhanced ROI and operational outcomes. Access control now supports business intelligence, energy efficiency, occupancy monitoring, and compliance objectives.
Adoption of Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) will accelerate, driven by scalability, predictable costs, and streamlined maintenance. Hybrid deployments combining ACaaS and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) will provide unified visibility and centralised management.
Mobile credentials and biometric technologies will continue redefining identity management, enabling decentralised identity ownership and enhancing convenience while maintaining strict security protocols.
Connected Systems Drive Operational Intelligence
The expansion of IoT sensors and smart building systems will fuel the next phase of integrated security platforms. Unified systems will deliver a holistic view of facility operations, enabling faster response times and improved decision-making accuracy.
The convergence of IT, operational technology, and physical security will drive real-time data exchange and scalable platform adoption. End users will demand secure, open systems capable of delivering both operational and protection value at scale.
As environments grow more complex, organisations will seek partners that deliver cloud-native infrastructure, embedded cybersecurity, and scalable unified platforms built for long-term resilience.
Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has transformed the physical security industry for over 25 years. Its portfolio includes video management, access control, ALPR, intrusion detection, intercom systems, and digital evidence management — all built on unified open architecture and cybersecurity-first design principles.
https://security.world/enhancing-building-security-through-integrated-access-control-solutions/
https://www.genetec.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the top physical security trends for 2026?
Flexibility in deployment models, intelligent automation, access control modernisation, and unified connected systems are shaping the industry.
Why is intelligent automation replacing traditional AI approaches?
Because IA focuses on measurable outcomes such as workflow automation, predictive maintenance, and real-time situational awareness instead of theoretical capability.
How will access control systems evolve?
Access control will extend beyond door security to support business intelligence, energy optimisation, and identity management through cloud-based solutions.
What role will connected systems play?
Unified IoT-driven platforms will provide centralised visibility, enabling faster response, accurate decision-making, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Source: genetec.com
https://security.world/genetec-predicts-physical-security-trends-for-2026/