Instead of committing to a single deployment model, companies will evaluate each workload based on performance, cost, and data residency requirements. They will then choose the environment that best supports their operational needs, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid approach.
Open architecture solutions will give end users the freedom to choose the devices and applications that best support their operations. This approach will extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure by enabling the adoption of cloud services where they provide the most value. Vendors that offer comprehensive deployment options and broad interoperability across environments will be best positioned to meet these expectations. Unlike proprietary systems that limit choice and create a lock-in system, open solutions offer a more adaptable path that supports long-term flexibility and management autonomy.
AI Moves from Hype to Intelligent Automation.
By 2026, the debate will shift from hype surrounding AI and LLM to practical, results-oriented Intelligent Automation (AI) solutions that streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enable faster, more effective decision-making. AI will increasingly automate repetitive tasks, enhance monitoring accuracy, support predictive maintenance, and extract meaningful insights from growing data volumes.
Rather than adopting the technology for its own sake, users will focus on features that truly improve daily operations, such as intelligent search to expedite investigations, reduce false alarms, and strengthen situational awareness. By optimizing response and reducing manual workload, AI allows operators to focus their time and energy on critical tasks and decisions that require human judgment.
As the market matures, expectations for transparency and responsible implementation will rise. Users will demand clarity on how AI is used, how systems are built, and how data is collected, processed, and secured. They will also expect vendors to prioritize cybersecurity and ensure that AI capabilities are deployed securely, responsibly, and in a controlled manner. Organizations will move away from innovation for its own sake and toward delivering measurable, reliable, and meaningful results driven by intelligent automation.
Access control modernization will accelerate.
Access control will remain a top priority as organizations modernize legacy systems and focus on maximizing ROI. The value of access control is expanding far beyond simply opening and closing 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 simpler maintenance, greater scalability, and predictable operating costs. Businesses will favor 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 across 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 more commonplace, users will gain greater ease and flexibility in authenticating and interacting with secure environments and facilities.
Connected systems will bring intelligence and efficiency to security operations. Over the next year, the number of connected devices will continue to grow 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 across their facilities and help them respond faster and with greater confidence.
The convergence of IT, operational technology, and physical security will accelerate, enabling real-time data sharing and smarter decision-making across sites. End users will want open and scalable platforms that securely connect diverse devices and deliver both operational and security value.
As the landscape becomes more complex, organizations will seek guidance on how to deploy the right technologies and manage them effectively. The leaders in this field will be those who can securely unify diverse devices, offer cloud-native and hybrid options, and integrate cybersecurity and data residency into their design.
