EAC Trends for 2026

The new year brings new projections for the future, as security companies, associations and professionals come together to report on the latest physical security trends for 2026 and beyond.

One of the big themes this year is how technology is redefining physical security, which is not just for protection of people and assets, but is an “enterprise function supporting resilience and business value,” according to the Genetec State of Physical Security 2026, which also highlights an industry embracing innovation, aligning more closely with IT, and investing in modernization.

“Security is becoming a strategic function,” said Christian Morin, VP, Product Engineering for Genetec in the report. “When systems deliver intelligence alongside protection, they empower enterprises to innovate, adapt, and lead in an era of constant change.”

Some key points from the Genetec report include:

·         Cloud adoption in the form of hybrid models is gaining momentum, as organizations look for flexible, scalable solutions.

·         Unified and integrated systems will continue to dominate, enabling holistic security management and better decision-making.

·         Interest in AI adoption has doubled among end users, driving demand for advanced analytics and automation tools that improve operational efficiency.

·         While workforce challenges persist, training programs and automation are being introduced to bridge capability gaps.

·         Collaboration between IT, security, and solution providers — including channel partners and manufacturers — is central to navigating new risks, enhancing decision-making, and turning security data into actionable insight.

Looking ahead, the report indicates that organizations are prioritizing investments that modernize their physical security systems and offer long-term value, noting, “End users increasingly seek strategic partners who can provide not just technology, but expertise, trust, and stability in a dynamic industry. The industry has entered a new era of disruption and opportunity.”

This year’s survey results indicate a “fundamental shift in how physical security departments operate, invest, and deliver value. Operations are now being reshaped as technology drives new ways of working and stronger decision-making. As a result, physical security is becoming a more enterprise-focused function that is critical to ensuring safety while contributing to organizational success. Physical security technology is no longer about individual tools. Survey findings point to a shift in how physical security systems are deployed and valued. Previously independent components (such as video management and access control systems) are combined to help with operator efficiency.”

The survey indicates this evolution goes beyond core systems to include data visualization and tools that enhance operations, and value is now being assessed by how these systems help users and organizations achieve more. Advanced capabilities such as video analytics, intrusion, and perimeter protection are expected to be built in, rather than added on.

Focusing on the access control infrastructure, survey results indicate that the top reason for replacing legacy technology (cited by 60% of respondents) is to integrate systems with new technology, as users are seeking “interconnected, modern solutions that can deliver greater value. Channel partners and manufacturers also report that their customers are prioritizing upgrades to get access to new capabilities and gain more value from existing investments. “There is growing demand to update or replace core systems, which allows users to take advantage of new integrations, features, and connected capabilities such as AI-powered investigations or remote monitoring.”

Cloud-First Mentality

Cloud-based access control is an area that has accelerated greatly since the pandemic, with more use cases driving adoption.

“Cloud infrastructure is powering technology evolution at scale, and the physical security industry is no exception,” researchers noted. “Cloud appliances and edge devices are transforming how security is deployed and maintained. These components simplify connectivity across multiple applications and sites, support easier scaling, and improve agility through automatic software updates, remote diagnostics, and reduced technician visits. The physical security industry is undergoing a phase of accelerated innovation, fueled by advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the growing sophistication of how organizations operate. As these innovations reshape the industry, organizations are reevaluating their perspectives on system integrators and manufacturers.”

The survey shows customers now place more value on long-term alignment and vendor stability, as customers expect partners to bring design and deployment expertise, deliver solutions that maximize value, and reduce total cost of ownership. End users also expect manufacturers to act responsibly and collaboratively and to offer practical, forward- looking solutions that meet their needs and position them for success.

“Cloud or on-prem, or a mix of both? The right deployment depends on your organization’s size, security environment, and priorities,” said Despina Stamatelos Director, Product and Industry Marketing Genetec. “That’s why deployment choice matters.”

Traditionally focused on reliability and risk mitigation, the report points out that the physical security industry has been cautious in adopting new capabilities, noting, “The pandemic marked a turning point, accelerating the adoption of cloud-based solutions to maintain operations and continuity. Technology is now viewed as a strategic enabler that drives greater efficiency and agility in responding to emerging threats. Leaders are no longer debating innovation but deploying it to maximize long term value and shape the industry’s future. This generational change reflects the growing belief that new technologies are essential to protecting people and assets.”

Software Controls the Hardware

As software and cloud solutions have dominated the security landscape, hardware providers are reinventing their role to avoid becoming “commoditized peripherals,” according to the 2026 Security Industry Association (SIA) Megatrends report (see article on page 36).

“If AI is the brain, the hardware that wins is hardware that gets information across the blood brain barrier between hardware and AI,” said Devin Love, Vice President, Global Software Platforms, Allegion.

As the SIA report points out, hardware remains the “lifeblood of the industry, producing the critical data that software and AI depend on to deliver value, which means hardware must evolve beyond simple sensing to become intelligent, integrated and indispensable. Manufacturers are embedding software and AI-lite analytics directly into devices, transforming them from passive endpoints into active contributors within a system of systems. Cameras, for example, are no longer just video sensors — they now combine audio, motion detection and environmental monitoring. This multi sensor approach satisfies AI’s hunger for rich, contextual data.”

The SIA study notes that standards-based architectures, open APIs and unified data models are “critical to unlocking this potential, enabling interoperability and seamless integration. The future favors hardware that delivers actionable insights, supports digital twins and interacts dynamically with buildings. Point solutions will lose relevance, while powered sensors and edge devices become essential for AI-driven security ecosystems.”

Ultimately, the report outlines how hardware’s value will be measured by its ability to feed clean, normalized data into platforms that enable automation, analytics and intelligent decision making.

“The security data by itself can be valuable, but what becomes more so is when you bring it into other data from the organization or external data and be able to make decisions and do risk assessments,” notes Hans Kahler, chief operating officer, Eagle Eye Networks, who adds that there is a real opportunity to build new business models that leverage the value of data.

The following are some key takeaways from “Security Hardware Layer is Reinvented,” which is No. 2 on the SIA megatrends list:

·         Hardware is reinventing itself with embedded software and AI-lite analytics.

·         Devices must deliver rich, multi-sensor data to satisfy AI’s growing needs.

·         Standards, APIs and unified data models unlock hardware’s full potential.

·         Point solutions will decline; integrated systems of systems will dominate.

·         Hardware’s future value lies in enabling AI-driven automation and insights.

Access Control Lifecycle Changing

The No. 10 SIA megatrend, “Security Technology Refresh Cycles Accelerate,” examines how technology advances are changing the way end users look at investments in access control. For decades, security technology was treated as a long-term investment and if a device installed 10 or 15 years ago still worked, it often stayed in place.

“Past refresh cycles were sporadic — video upgrades came with better image capture, and access control modernized as software moved to the cloud,” according to the report. “The philosophy surrounding security infrastructure is undergoing a radical shift. Historically, security hardware was viewed as a static ‘set it and forget it’ investment. Today, that ‘run-to-fail’ mindset is vanishing, replaced by an accelerated refresh cycle that mirrors the more rapid cadence of the IT world. Today, the pace has changed dramatically. A major macro-level refresh is underway, driven by cybersecurity demands, AI adoption and IT oversight. Outdated operational technology — security systems, building automation and smart sensors — now represent a serious vulnerability. IT leaders are scrutinizing these devices because unsecured endpoints can enable lateral attacks across networks. Corporate IT’s influence has also reshaped refresh expectations.

“While IT is traditionally operated on a three- to five-year cycle, security is now aligning with similar timelines (although not as fast as common refresh rates on devices like PCs). The rise of AI and automation is accelerating this trend, as organizations seek analytics-driven solutions and edge computing capabilities. “

As Peter Boriskin, CTO, Americas, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, points out in the report, it is important to understand when technology is ready for the market.

“We map the tech readiness level to see how close to implementable and securable it is,” he explains. “Can we test it? Can we work with it? Is the technology there, and are the tools to work with it there? Is it even possible to work with this technology yet? And then failure modes analysis — what’s the worst thing that could happen right now as you implement a technology? Could it be insecure? Could it create security gaps? Ask these questions as you consider when technology is ready.”

Expanding Reach and Capabilities

SIA’s megatrend No. 3, Security Solutions Lose their Borders, looks at how security is no longer confined to physical protection as it expands into a holistic ecosystem that integrates building systems, IT infrastructure and operational technologies.

“Buyers now seek multi-use technologies that deliver operational insights alongside security benefits,” according to the report. “This convergence spans software, cameras, sensors, access control, fire safety, HVAC, lighting and utilities — creating unified platforms that enable intelligent control across cyber and physical domains. The benefits are transformative: predictive maintenance, situational awareness, mass communication, operational efficiency and sustainability. Real-world examples include integrated responses in data centers, where cameras validate alerts from environmental sensors, and campus environments where AV systems, lighting and access control collaborate for emergency response. These integrations redefine security’s role, positioning it as a driver of resilience and efficiency.”

The SIA report also examines how organizational structures are evolving, as some firms consolidate building and security technologies under one group, while others create tech-focused teams within security departments to unlock added value.

“Our industry’s boundaries are rapidly vanishing,” said Tara Dunning, Vice President, Converging Technology, Wesco, in the report. “Convergence across all technology stacks allows us to provide unified insights and control across the business ecosystem, which leads to safer, more efficient, more sustainable and more resilient enterprises.”

With all this technology at our fingertips, manufacturers, service providers and security pros are expanding their reach, creating a much more connected infrastructure, not only system-wide but also as a security industry.

As SIA points out in its Evolving Security Landscape report, “The rise of as-a-service (aaS) business models, powered by the ubiquitous cloud infrastructure provided by big tech, has fundamentally altered the paradigm for global service delivery. Platforms like AWS and Azure have democratized the ability to establish a global footprint, making it technically and financially feasible for small and mid-sized companies to serve customers almost anywhere in the world.”

This technological shift has also introduced a new competitive dynamic, the report noted, as newer physical security technology entrants offering cloud native and/or artificial intelligence-driven solutions have “led a disruptive charge, increasingly bypassing the traditional integrator channel. These companies choose instead to sell their advanced solutions directly to end-users, exhibiting more control over the final customer relationship.”

As these reports and studies examine, we are just beginning to understand the potential for electronic access control.