Several shifts are shaping how physical security is designed, implemented and supported today, particularly around integration, access control, coordination with IT and long-term service expectations.
New from Genetec, the 2026 State of Physical Security Report provides a current view of how organizations are managing these changes. Based on input from more than 7,000 professionals, findings show a move toward connected systems and closer alignment with IT.
Physical security is becoming part of a connected system
The report talks about how physical security systems are now deployed as connected environments. Organizations are combining video surveillance, access control and other systems to improve visibility and coordination, with more than 60% already operating unified or integrated systems and many replacing legacy technology to enable that connectivity.
This shift shows up in how projects are planned and executed. Here at IML Security, we work to ensure that physical infrastructure can support how those systems function together. In practice, that often means retrofitting existing doors and hardware, aligning new installations with broader system requirements and planning for how systems will expand over time.
Access control is at the center of system design
Access control plays a central role by linking physical entry points with identity, permissions and system activity, with capabilities such as mobile credentials, biometrics and centralized management becoming more common.
The 2026 State of Physical Security Report notes that “customers are increasingly expecting security systems not only to protect but also to deliver operational insights and business value.” That expectation depends on how well the physical layer supports the system. Doors, locks, readers and key systems determine how access control works in practice, which makes installation and configuration a critical part of system performance and IML Security is well-positioned to support the shift to a connected infrastructure.
As system performance becomes more dependent on how these components work together, product selection also becomes more important. Not all systems perform equally in real-world conditions, and some newer options, including biometric solutions, can present challenges if they are not properly matched to the environment or implemented correctly. At IML Security, we evaluate and test the products we recommend to help ensure they perform reliably within each facility’s specific requirements.
Physical security and IT are working together
Genetec also shares in their report that “IT is embedded in the physical security conversation,” reflecting how closely these functions are now aligned. IT teams are involved in system selection, deployment and ongoing management, driven by shared infrastructure, network requirements and data considerations.
As a result, physical security projects are carried out within a broader technical environment. Hardware installations, access control systems and remote capabilities all need to align with IT standards and network architecture. This requires coordination during planning, installation and ongoing support, particularly as systems are updated or expanded.
Working within this structure means understanding both the physical and technical requirements of a system. At IML Security, we coordinate physical security measures with IT teams, align with network requirements and support secure system configurations as part of delivering and maintaining a functional environment.
Organizations are choosing long-term partners
The new report indicates that organizations are prioritizing partners who can provide ongoing support and guidance, not just individual products. Physical security systems are updated, expanded and integrated over time, and providers are expected to support that progression.
Installations are not static. Hardware is maintained, capabilities are updated and new features are added as needs change. Supporting that environment requires consistency across locations, familiarity with existing systems and the ability to plan for future updates. At IML Security, preventative maintenance programs are designed to support that ongoing lifecycle.
If you’re evaluating how your current systems fit into this shift, we can help you assess where things stand and what to plan for next. Reach out to us!