Genetec has released its annual outlook on the state of physical security, identifying cloud flexibility, intelligent automation and modernization of access control as major trends shaping 2026. The company says organizations will focus on solutions that strengthen security operations while improving efficiency across increasingly connected environments.
According to Genetec, the next phase of cloud adoption will center on choice and flexibility. Rather than relying on a single deployment model, organizations are expected to evaluate workloads individually based on performance, cost and data residency requirements. Open architecture solutions, the company says, will allow teams to extend the life of their existing infrastructure while adopting cloud services where they provide the most benefit.
The company expects the discussion around artificial intelligence to shift toward outcome-driven intelligent automation. Genetec says these tools will help automate repetitive tasks, improve monitoring accuracy, support predictive maintenance and extract insights from growing data volumes. The company notes that expectations around transparency, cybersecurity and responsible use will increase as organizations evaluate how AI systems are built and how data is processed and protected.
Genetec also predicts continued modernization of access control as organizations work to upgrade legacy systems and improve operational efficiency. The company says Access Control as a Service adoption will increase as organizations prioritize scalability, easier maintenance and predictable operating costs. Hybrid deployments that combine on-premises and cloud capabilities are expected to grow, along with unified ACaaS and VSaaS solutions.
Mobile credentials and biometrics are expected to continue shaping identity management, offering new ways for users to authenticate and interact with secured environments. Genetec says technologies such as mobile wallets and ultra-wideband will further influence how people access facilities.
The company also anticipates that the number of connected devices will continue to grow as organizations bring together IoT sensors, building systems and security technologies. Genetec says the convergence of IT, operational technology and physical security will support real-time data sharing and more informed decision-making.
According to the company, organizations will look for open, scalable platforms that securely connect a wide range of devices and provide cloud-native and hybrid deployment options with cybersecurity and data residency built in.
