2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report finds interoperability, cloud connectivity and AI are reshaping long-term controller strategies
Mercury Security, a global provider of open-architecture access control hardware and an HID brand, has released its 2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report, highlighting how cybersecurity requirements, interoperability, cloud adoption, and emerging technologies are influencing long-term physical access control strategies.
Based on a global survey of 561 physical security and cybersecurity professionals—including access control administrators, systems integrators, installers, and end users—the report found that 78% of respondents consider the controller important or critical to their physical access control system (PACS) strategy, up from 72% in 2025.
The increase reflects the expanding role of controllers within security environments as they connect more devices, systems, and applications. Organizations are placing greater importance on infrastructure that can address current requirements while supporting new capabilities over time.
Cybersecurity Gap Remains
Cybersecurity represents one of the clearest gaps between respondents’ requirements and their existing infrastructure.
Thirty-two percent of respondents said cybersecurity features are missing from their current controller systems, up from 21% in 2025.
At the same time, 74% reported that cybersecurity and IT coordination have become more complex to manage, while 86% said their organizations actively work to stay current with changing cybersecurity and data protection standards.
“Organizations recognize the cybersecurity risks facing connected access control systems, but the infrastructure in place isn’t always keeping pace,”
said Steve Lucas, Vice President, Sales, Mercury Security.
“As they look to modernize, users also want to protect existing investments. That makes interoperability increasingly important and puts more weight on choosing controller platforms that can address current security requirements while providing the flexibility to support what comes next.”
Interoperability Influences Purchasing
Interoperability was identified as a critical factor in controller procurement by 69% of respondents, while 82% said backward and forward compatibility is important to future infrastructure planning.
The findings indicate a preference for gradual modernization that protects existing investments while providing flexibility to adopt new capabilities over time.
Mobile credentials are also influencing purchasing decisions. Half of respondents are already using or planning to adopt mobile solutions, while 46% ranked mobile credential integration among the trends driving controller purchases.
Cloud Demand Outpaces Deployment
Cloud connectivity ranked among the leading factors influencing controller purchases, cited by 56% of respondents, up from 50% in 2025.
However, only 41% reported that their controllers are currently cloud-enabled, while 26% said cloud enablement is missing from their existing systems.
The findings indicate that interest in cloud capabilities is growing faster than current infrastructure can support.
AI Adds New Infrastructure Requirements
The report also highlights growing interest in AI and advanced security capabilities.
Behavioral analysis and anomaly detection increased from 44% in 2025 to 56% in 2026. Facial recognition was cited by 60% of respondents, while predictive security and threat prevention was cited by 50%.
As these applications develop, processing power, storage, connectivity, cybersecurity, and integration architecture are becoming increasingly important considerations in controller selection.
More than 39% of respondents are also exploring or have adopted edge computing within their security ecosystems.
Meanwhile, 41% have integrated controller data with building occupancy and utilization programs, demonstrating how access control infrastructure can increasingly support applications beyond traditional door control.
Controllers Become Long-Term Infrastructure
Taken together, the findings show that controller selection is evolving from a hardware purchase into a longer-term infrastructure strategy.
Organizations are balancing immediate priorities such as reliability and cybersecurity with the need to support future technologies, integrate with surrounding systems, and modernize without replacing infrastructure all at once.
Mercury Security develops open-architecture access control hardware and controller platforms. Founded in 1992, the company has more than 8 million controllers installed worldwide and operates as an HID brand. Visit Mercury Security
HID develops trusted identity solutions for physical and digital access. The company serves organizations across sectors including government, education, healthcare, finance, and industry, and operates in more than 100 countries. Visit HID
Internal Links:
https://security.world/category/access-control/
https://security.world/enhancing-building-security-through-integrated-access-control-solutions
External Links:
Mercury Security
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does Mercury Security’s 2026 report examine?
The report examines trends influencing access controller strategies, including cybersecurity, interoperability, cloud connectivity, mobile credentials, AI, and edge computing.
2. How many professionals participated in the survey?
The report is based on responses from 561 physical security and cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
3. What percentage identified cybersecurity features as missing?
Thirty-two percent of respondents said cybersecurity features are missing from their current controller systems, compared with 21% in 2025.
4. How important is interoperability to access controller purchasing?
Sixty-nine percent identified interoperability as a critical factor in controller procurement, while 82% said backward and forward compatibility is important to future infrastructure planning.
5. How is cloud connectivity affecting controller strategies?
Cloud connectivity was cited by 56% of respondents as a factor influencing controller purchases, while 41% said their controllers are currently cloud-enabled.