Survey of more than 7,300 professionals reveals:
- Physical security has evolved into a strategic business function, strengthening IT collaboration and decision-making
- Interest in adopting AI more than doubled among end users since last year
- Organizations want flexibility to deploy workloads on premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid model
Genetec has released its sixth annual State of Physical Security Report, revealing how physical security is evolving into a strategic business function that supports stronger collaboration, improved decision-making, and long-term organizational outcomes.
Based on insights from more than 7,300 physical security professionals worldwide, the 2026 report highlights a sharp rise in interest in AI, growing demand for flexible deployment models, and a stronger emphasis on vendor stability and trust.
Physical Security Becomes a Business Enabler
The report shows that physical security is no longer viewed solely as a protective layer. Instead, organizations increasingly see it as an enterprise capability that contributes to broader operational and business objectives.
“As security becomes more tightly woven into the broader fabric of the enterprise, it is emerging as a genuine enabler of business outcomes,” said Christian Morin, Vice President of Product Engineering at Genetec.
“It helps organizations work more cohesively, respond more effectively, and stay focused on long-term goals.”
Modernization Accelerates Through Unified Systems
Organizations are actively modernizing their physical security environments to support this shift. More than 70% of respondents report using unified or integrated systems, while 60% say their primary motivation for replacing legacy technology is to integrate new capabilities. An additional 51% cite access to new features as a key driver.
These findings point to a growing preference for platforms that connect video, access control, analytics, and other systems to deliver greater operational insight and efficiency.
Vendor Stability Emerges as a Top Priority
Long-term vendor viability is becoming a decisive factor in technology selection. Seventy-three percent of end users rank vendor stability and long-term viability as a key consideration, surpassing product performance (45%) and price (43%).
This trend reflects a desire for trusted partners that can support multi-year modernization strategies and provide consistent innovation as security requirements evolve.
AI Adoption Grows, With a Focus on Practical Value
Interest in AI has more than doubled among end users since last year’s report. For the first time, AI ranks alongside access control and video surveillance as a top project priority for 2026.
Organizations see AI as a way to improve alarm management, accelerate investigations, and reduce noise in complex environments. However, 70% of respondents also express concerns about AI design, data usage, and transparency, highlighting the need for clear guidance and responsible implementation.
Hybrid Cloud Defines the Future of Security Infrastructure
Cloud adoption continues to expand, driven by benefits such as automatic updates, faster deployment, and simplified maintenance. At the same time, organizations prefer hybrid models that allow them to choose which workloads run on premises and which move to the cloud.
This flexibility is shaping how physical security infrastructure will be designed and managed in 2026 and beyond.
2026 Outlook
The report outlines key priorities for 2026, including access control modernization, cybersecurity initiatives, increased use of analytics, and regional trends that can help organizations plan future investments.
Genetec is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for more than 25 years. Its solutions help enterprises, governments, and communities secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and respecting privacy. Genetec delivers industry-leading solutions for video management, access control, and ALPR, all built on a unified, open architecture with cybersecurity at their core. The company also offers intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions.
https://security.world/enterprise-physical-security-trends/
https://www.genetec.com/a/physical-security-report
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Genetec 2026 State of Physical Security Report?
It is Genetec’s annual global report analyzing trends, priorities, and challenges in physical security based on a survey of more than 7,300 industry professionals.
2. Who participated in the 2026 physical security survey?
Participants included end users, system integrators, channel partners, consultants, and manufacturers from organizations of all sizes across six global regions.
3. What are the key trends identified in the report?
Major trends include increased strategic importance of physical security, rising interest in AI, preference for hybrid cloud deployments, and greater emphasis on vendor stability.
4. Why is AI gaining importance in physical security?
Organizations see AI as a tool to improve alarm handling, speed investigations, and reduce operational noise, while still demanding transparency and responsible use.
5. Where can the full 2026 Genetec report be accessed?
The full report is available for download directly from Genetec’s website.