To 2026las top physical security trends They will, according to the forecasts of the physical security software company for companies Genetec, be related to the possibilities of choice regarding the cloud, automation, access controls and connected systems. They are the following:
1 – Choice and flexibility will define the next phase of cloud adoption
In 2026, talks on cloud adoption They will reach a higher level of maturity. The organizations will give priority to solutions that offer flexibility and scalability in deployment. Instead of committing to one deployment model, companies will evaluate each workload based on performance, cost, and data residency requirements. They will then choose the environment that best suits their operational needs. Whether on-premises, in the cloud or hybrid.
Open architecture solutions will offer end users the freedom to choose the devices and applications that best support their operations. This approach will extend the life of existing infrastructure, and allow cloud services to be adopted where they add the most value.
Vendors that offer full-range deployment options and broad interoperability between environments will be best positioned to meet these expectations. Unlike proprietary systems, which limit choice and create a lock-in system, open solutions offer a more adaptable path that supports flexibility and long-term management autonomy.
2 – AI goes from expectation to intelligent automation
Next year, the debate will shift from AI and LLM advertising to practical and results-oriented Intelligent Automation (AI) solutions that streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enable faster, more effective decisions.
AI will increasingly automate repetitive tasks, improve monitoring accuracy, support predictive maintenance, and extract meaningful insights from growing volumes of data. Rather than adopting the technology for its own sake, users will focus on features that truly improve daily operations, such as intelligent search to speed investigations, reduce false alarms, and strengthen situational awareness. Besides, a As the market matures, expectations regarding the transparency and responsible implementation of this technology will increase.
Users will demand clarity about how it is used, how systems are built, and how data is collected, processed and protected. They will also expect vendors to prioritize cybersecurity and ensure that AI functions are deployed in a secure, controlled and responsible manner. Organizations will move away from innovation per se to delivering measurable, reliable and meaningful results driven by intelligent automation.
3 – Access control modernization will accelerate
He Access control will remain a top priority as organizations modernize legacy systems and focus on maximizing ROI. The value of access control is expanding beyond locking and unlocking doors to deliver measurable business outcomes, such as energy efficiency, occupancy management, and deep insights into operational processes.
The adoption of Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) will accelerate as organizations prioritize easier maintenance, greater scalability, and predictable operating costs. Companies will prefer hybrid deployments that combine on-premises and cloud capabilities. Unifying ACaaS and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) will further improve visibility and streamline management between locations.
Mobile credentials and biometrics will continue to transform identity management, offering greater convenience and security while decentralizing ownership of identity data. As mobile wallets and ultra-wideband technologies become commonplace, users will gain greater ease and flexibility in authenticating and interacting with secure environments and facilities.
4 – Connected systems will bring intelligence and efficiency to security operations
In 2026, the number of connected devices will continue to increase as organizations integrate IoT sensors, building systems and smart devices into unified security and operations platforms. Bringing this information together in one place will give teams a clearer view of what’s happening in their facilities and help them respond faster and with more confidence.
The convergence of IT, operational technology and physical security will accelerate, enabling real-time data sharing as well as smarter decision making. End users will want open, scalable platforms that securely connect diverse devices and deliver both operational and security value.
As the landscape becomes more complex, organizations will look for guidance on how to deploy the right technologies and manage them effectively. The standouts in this area will be those who can securely unify diverse devices, offer cloud-native and hybrid cloud options, and integrate cybersecurity and data residency into their design.
