Genetec has released its outlook for the physical security industry in 2026. It points to a year shaped by flexible cloud choices, practical AI adoption, and rising demand for connected, secure systems. The Genetec 2026 outlook suggests a market moving away from rigid models and hype, and toward solutions that deliver real operational value.
Cloud Choice
A key shift will be in how organizations approach the cloud. Instead of choosing a single path, enterprises will mix on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups based on cost, performance, and data rules. This signals a steady move toward open architectures that support older infrastructure while allowing teams to add cloud services where they make the most difference. For providers, the message is clear: choice is no longer optional.
Practical AI
AI’s next chapter shifts from headlines to Intelligent Automation. Companies will seek tools that cut false alarms, improve monitoring, and speed up investigations. They will automate repetitive tasks, freeing operators to focus on decisions that require human judgment. At the same time, users will ask tougher questions about transparency, data use, and cybersecurity. The industry must show how AI works, not just promise what it could do.
Unified Security
Access control, long considered a basic security layer, is set for its own transformation. Modern systems will support broader goals such as energy savings, occupancy insights, and operational efficiency. Access Control as a Service is expected to rise as firms seek easier maintenance and flexible scaling. Mobile and biometric credentials will continue reshaping identity management as wallets and new wireless technologies gain ground.
Finally, the surge in connected devices will demand unified platforms that blend IoT sensors, building systems, and security tools. As IT and physical security converge, organizations will look for systems that are open, scalable, and designed with cybersecurity at their core. The underlying message for 2026: security leaders will win by offering clarity, choice, and real-world value in an increasingly complex environment.
