Flexibility will mark the next stage of cloud adoption
The adoption of cloud solutions will move beyond the binary approach. Organizations will focus on platforms that offer flexibility in deployment models and scalability. Instead of committing to a single architecture, they will evaluate each workload based on performance, costs, and data residency requirements. The result will be a more pragmatic approach: on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments, depending on the operational needs of each case. In this context, open architecture solutions will play a key role, as they allow users to choose devices and applications without being tied to closed ecosystems. This model not only protects existing investments but also facilitates cloud adoption where it truly delivers value. Manufacturers capable of offering true interoperability and comprehensive deployment options will be better positioned than those that rely on proprietary and rigid systems.
Supplier stability becomes a decisive factor
As organizations modernize their infrastructures, the vendor's reliability and continuity are becoming critical selection criteria. According to Genetec's 2026 State of Physical Security report, 73% of users consider the vendor's long-term viability the primary decision factor, even above product performance (45%) or price (43%). Buyers are looking for technology partners capable of developing multi-year modernization plans, ensuring operational continuity, and maintaining consistent product development in increasingly complex environments. Trust in the vendor's longevity is now as important as technical capabilities.
Connected systems and security data as a source of operational intelligence
The growing number of connected devices, sensors, and building systems is offering new opportunities for security departments to deliver value beyond traditional protection. Many organizations are looking to integrate these technologies into unified environments capable of transforming events, environmental data, and device activity into actionable insights. Users will demand platforms that can integrate IoT and smart building technologies, scale across multiple locations, and combine cloud and on-premises capabilities without compromising performance. Cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance with data residency regulations will be essential requirements.
Security data will drive business decision-making
Physical security systems are no longer used solely for incident response. Departments such as HR, IT, operations, legal, and facility management are increasingly using this data to analyze people flows, optimize space utilization, improve regulatory compliance, and fine-tune operational processes. Video analytics, access control logs, and sensor data enable organizations to understand behavioral patterns, manage occupancy, correlate presence with operational performance, and even analyze customer habits. By 2026, organizations will evaluate systems not only for their protective capabilities but also for the business intelligence they can generate.
AI is evolving towards intelligent automation
Artificial intelligence is evolving toward practical applications in intelligent automation. In Genetec's report, AI is considered a top investment priority for 2026, doubling the interest compared to the previous year. Security teams are looking to move beyond marketing hype and adopt tools that improve operational efficiency: intelligent searches to accelerate investigations, automatic event classification to reduce false alarms, and advanced analytics to increase monitoring accuracy. The goal is to free operators from repetitive tasks and allow them to focus on decisions that require human judgment. At the same time, expectations will rise. Users will demand greater transparency in data use, better information protection, and ethical and responsible AI implementation. Clarity about how the technology works and what real value it delivers will be key.
Access control will accelerate its modernization
Access control will remain a strategic priority as organizations replace legacy systems and seek to maximize return on investment. Its value is no longer limited to simply opening and closing doors, but extends to energy efficiency, occupancy management, and operational insights. The adoption of Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) will grow due to its ease of maintenance, scalability, and predictable operating costs. Hybrid deployments (combining on-premises and cloud capabilities) will be the most in-demand. The convergence of ACaaS and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) will improve visibility and simplify management in multi-site environments.
Operator experience will influence solution choices. Organizations are placing greater emphasis on operator experience. Platforms that facilitate the daily work of security teams will have an advantage. Centralized work management and operations applications will enable the coordination of incidents, dispatches, and tasks from a single environment, improving response consistency and investigation effectiveness.
Regulatory compliance demands are increasing. The expansion of cloud computing and AI is accompanied by increased regulatory obligations. Forty percent of report participants cite compliance as the primary reason for replacing legacy systems. Frameworks such as NIS2, ISO, GDPR, and various regional cybersecurity and data protection regulations are redefining market expectations. Security teams will seek solutions with built-in privacy protections, advanced auditing capabilities, and tools that facilitate regulatory compliance without resorting to complex manual processes. Transparency and continuous updates will be key differentiators among providers.
A more flexible, connected, and people-centric 2026. These trends reflect a more strategic and pragmatic industry. The cloud will be adopted judiciously. AI will be evaluated based on results, not promises. Access control will expand its operational impact. Connected systems will generate actionable intelligence. And security data will be integrated into business decision-making. In this scenario, organizations will move toward platforms that enable security teams to operate with greater clarity, confidence, and efficiency.
