Genetec has outlined its top predictions for the physical security industry in 2026, highlighting cloud flexibility, responsible AI adoption and increasingly unified systems as the main forces shaping organisational security strategies.
The company said cloud adoption will shift beyond basic migration towards greater choice and workload-by-workload evaluation. Organisations are expected to adopt hybrid models that balance cost, performance and data residency needs, while open-architecture platforms will allow them to extend the life of existing systems without risking vendor lock-in.
Genetec predicts that artificial intelligence will move firmly into the realm of intelligent automation, with organisations seeking tools that deliver measurable operational improvements rather than experimental or hype-driven features. Intelligent automation is expected to reduce false alarms, support predictive maintenance, speed up investigations and allow staff to focus on tasks requiring human judgement. Transparency, cybersecurity and clear data-handling practices will become essential requirements for any AI deployment.
Access control is also set for significant modernisation. Genetec expects Access Control as a Service to gain momentum as organisations prioritise scalability and simplified maintenance. Hybrid deployments that integrate on-premises systems with cloud capabilities will be in demand, while mobile credentials and biometrics will continue reshaping identity management as technologies such as mobile wallets and ultra-wideband become mainstream.
As more connected devices enter workplaces, Genetec said unified security and operations platforms will become increasingly important. Integrating IoT sensors, building systems and smart devices will give organisations clearer situational awareness and support faster, more confident decision-making. The convergence of IT, operational technology and physical security will require scalable, open systems designed with strong cybersecurity and clear data-residency controls.
Genetec said industry leaders will be those offering secure, hybrid-ready platforms capable of connecting diverse devices while delivering both operational efficiency and security benefits.
The company, headquartered in Montreal and serving more than 42,500 customers worldwide, said its predictions reflect the practical priorities of organisations seeking resilience, transparency and long-term flexibility in an evolving security landscape.
