Genetec surveyed more than 7,300 experts from all over the world for its new annual report – and the results clearly show that physical security is changing. It is developing from a pure protective instrument into a business-relevant area that supports decision-making processes, makes risks transparent and underpins strategic goals. What is particularly noticeable is that the security department is moving closer together with information technology. Systems are standardized, data sources are linked and responsibilities are expanded.
Physical security is evolving from protection to driving business results
The role of physical security is gaining strategic importance in companies. It is no longer seen as just an operational protective layer, but as a source of valuable insights for the entire business operation. Security data is used to optimize processes, analyze risks and strategically align processes. Companies are increasingly viewing security as an integral part of their organizational structure – a trend that is improving the responsiveness and coherence of entire teams, according to Genetec product manager Christian Morin.
Increasing modernization with increasing demand for unified systems
Modernizing existing security infrastructure is the most important project for many companies. More than 70 percent already rely on standardized or integrated systems. 60 percent plan to replace outdated technologies in order to be able to connect their platforms to new solutions. 51 percent cite access to advanced functions as an additional driver. Behind this is the desire to break down silos and increase the value of existing investments. A uniform situation picture becomes the key to effective security strategies.
The long-term solidity of the provider is the central selection criterion
Companies are paying more attention than ever to ensuring that providers are economically stable and deliver reliable technologies in the long term. 73 percent of end users see the manufacturer’s profitability and consistency as the most important decision criteria. Product performance and price follow at 45 and 43 percent respectively. These figures illustrate the increasing importance of sustainable partnerships that support multi-year modernization programs and continuous development.
Interest in artificial intelligence is increasing, but teams want practical benefits
Artificial intelligence will be one of the most important areas of modernization in 2026. Companies’ interest in AI-based security applications has more than doubled year-on-year. Functions that prioritize alarms, speed up investigations or evaluate noise are particularly valued. At the same time, concerns remain: 70 percent of those surveyed are concerned about transparency, data use and the traceability of the algorithms. Providers are therefore under pressure to provide clear guidelines and comprehensible AI models.
Hybrid cloud is preferred and will determine the future of security infrastructure
The cloud is playing a growing role in the operation and maintenance of security-related systems. Automatic updates, simplified deployment and reduced maintenance are key benefits. In the future, many companies will want to decide flexibly, depending on their requirements, which workloads will be operated locally and which will be moved to the cloud. The hybrid approach therefore dominates strategic planning for 2026.
Forecast for 2026
The report clearly shows where we are headed: modernization of access control, greater prioritization of cybersecurity and increasing use of analytics will set the agenda. This is supplemented by detailed regional results and concrete recommendations for action that support companies in their strategic orientation.
The full report is available to download and provides a comprehensive look at physical security developments in 2026.