Modern threats require a modern approach to physical security, one that integrates with IT infrastructure, increases situational awareness and automates responses. Whether leaders know they need to improve safety or are concerned about the limitations of outdated systems, it’s important to understand how physical security technologies have evolved. The cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data analytics have significantly expanded the capabilities available to modern security teams. Together with updated video surveillance, access control, sensor and alarm systems, these advanced capabilities help security professionals see what’s happening in their environments and coordinate a real-time response. The old approach — using physical security systems to investigate a security incident after the fact — has given way to a proactive, forward-looking model that empowers security teams to detect threats before they can escalate into incidents. Through integrated systems and unified platforms, organizations can dramatically enhance their ability to protect people, property and premises.

Modernize your physical security environment with integrated solutions that shift the focus from detection to prevention.

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Modern threats require a modern approach to physical security, one that integrates with IT infrastructure, increases situational awareness and automates responses. Whether leaders know they need to improve safety or are concerned about the limitations of outdated systems, it’s important to understand how physical security technologies have evolved. The cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data analytics have significantly expanded the capabilities available to modern security teams. Together with updated video surveillance, access control, sensor and alarm systems, these advanced capabilities help security professionals see what’s happening in their environments and coordinate a real-time response. The old approach — using physical security systems to investigate a security incident after the fact — has given way to a proactive, forward-looking model that empowers security teams to detect threats before they can escalate into incidents. Through integrated systems and unified platforms, organizations can dramatically enhance their ability to protect people, property and premises.

Modernize your physical security environment with integrated
solutions that shift the focus from detection to prevention.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

The Physical Security Landscape

Physical security technologies have advanced significantly in recent decades. However, many organizations still view physical security as separate from IT, even as the two disciplines are increasingly intertwined. Legacy video and access control systems are difficult to integrate and harder to manage, and they lack advanced features such as AI, automation and analytics. Older tools are also more labor- and time-intensive, so organizations are slower to respond to threats and incidents.

Historically, security systems have fallen under the purview of facilities departments. Updates were infrequent, and video cameras served primarily to support post-incident investigations. Forensic analyses could take days while investigators manually gathered information from multiple cameras. In a modern environment, investigators can query video footage in minutes using AI-powered tools and natural language processing.

Modern physical security infrastructure integrates physical security systems with the IT stack, enabling a shift from reactive hindsight to proactive prevention. Real-time visibility and streamlined workflows make it easier for teams to see what’s happening in their environments and quickly coordinate responses. Smart cameras, access controls and sensors facilitate automated responses, such as building lockdowns, audio deterrents and law enforcement notifications. Cloud-based solutions ensure organizations always have access to the latest features without any IT overhead. All of these capabilities can help security teams reduce the impact of security incidents — or prevent them from happening in the first place.

40%

The percentage of respondents who cite system scalability as a driver for moving to the cloud

Source: Verkada, “ 2024 Verkada Industry Report: State of Cloud Physical Security,” June 2024

While the concepts are simple, transitioning to a strategic posture can be complex. Organizations that have grown through acquisitions or allowed branch security operations to become siloed often suffer from a lack of visibility, standardization and coordination. Experts can help organizations assess their environments, choose the right solutions to address security and business objectives, and implement solutions for optimal ROI.

Modern physical security empowers organizations to achieve higher levels of safety so they can protect what matters most.

Modernize your physical security environment with integrated
solutions that shift the focus from detection to prevention.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

The Physical Security Landscape

Physical security technologies have advanced significantly in recent decades. However, many organizations still view physical security as separate from IT, even as the two disciplines are increasingly intertwined. Legacy video and access control systems are difficult to integrate and harder to manage, and they lack advanced features such as AI, automation and analytics. Older tools are also more labor- and time-intensive, so organizations are slower to respond to threats and incidents.

Historically, security systems have fallen under the purview of facilities departments. Updates were infrequent, and video cameras served primarily to support post-incident investigations. Forensic analyses could take days while investigators manually gathered information from multiple cameras. In a modern environment, investigators can query video footage in minutes using AI-powered tools and natural language processing.

Modern physical security infrastructure integrates physical security systems with the IT stack, enabling a shift from reactive hindsight to proactive prevention. Real-time visibility and streamlined workflows make it easier for teams to see what’s happening in their environments and quickly coordinate responses. Smart cameras, access controls and sensors facilitate automated responses, such as building lockdowns, audio deterrents and law enforcement notifications. Cloud-based solutions ensure organizations always have access to the latest features without any IT overhead. All of these capabilities can help security teams reduce the impact of security incidents — or prevent them from happening in the first place.

While the concepts are simple, transitioning to a strategic posture can be complex. Organizations that have grown through acquisitions or allowed branch security operations to become siloed often suffer from a lack of visibility, standardization and coordination. Experts can help organizations assess their environments, choose the right solutions to address security and business objectives, and implement solutions for optimal ROI.

Modern physical security empowers organizations to achieve higher levels of safety so they can protect what matters most.

Modernize your physical security environment with integrated
solutions that shift the focus from detection to prevention.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Physical Security: By the Numbers

43%

The percentage of organizations that are moving toward a hybrid model of on-premises and cloud-based physical security solutions

Source: Genetec, “State of Physical Security 2025,” December 2024

23%

The percentage of end users who want analysis and visualization tools that enable them to use security data strategically

Source: Genetec, “State of Physical Security 2025,” December 2024

82%

The percentage of organizations that say artificial intelligence-based video analytics will have a moderate to major impact on their approach to physical security

Source: Verkada, “ 2024 Verkada Industry Report: State of Cloud Physical Security,” June 2024

Physical Security: By the Numbers

43%

The percentage of organizations that are moving toward a hybrid model of on-premises and cloud-based physical security solutions

Source: Genetec, “State of Physical Security 2025,” December 2024

23%

The percentage of end users who want analysis and visualization tools that enable them to use security data strategically

Source: Genetec, “State of Physical Security 2025,” December 2024

82%

The percentage of organizations that say artificial intelligence-based video analytics will have a moderate to major impact on their approach to physical security

Source: Verkada, “ 2024 Verkada Industry Report: State of Cloud Physical Security,” June 2024

Physical Security Modernization Trends: AI, Cloud and Access Control

Integrated solutions and unified platforms improve situational awareness and increase efficiency. While legacy systems served to detect and record incidents, advanced solutions aim to stop incidents from occurring or escalating by leveraging real-time detection, enhanced contextual analysis and faster response time — all designed to keep people, property and premises safe.

CLOUD MANAGEMENT: Cloud-managed and -hosted systems have changed financial and consumption models. Software as a Service facilitates ongoing updates while reducing or eliminating the hardware needed to maintain and support edge capabilities. Cloud solutions also offer advanced analytics and make it easier to scale and manage systems as an organization grows.

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION: Integration of core systems — video surveillance, access control, visitor management, alarms and sensors — is the foundation for advanced capabilities. Integration with mass communication and identity management systems expands capabilities further. Integration with business systems, such as retail point-of-sale solutions, yields intelligence that can support an array of operational improvements.

UNIFIED PLATFORMS: Unified platforms facilitate real-time information sharing and decision-making by ensuring that the right people have the right information at the right time. Features may include mapping interfaces, mobile app integration and customized operating procedures. The ability to quickly coordinate a response is crucial, especially in complex locations such as arenas and manufacturing plants.

DATA ANALYTICS: Integrated systems facilitate data analysis that helps leaders optimize physical security and support business objectives. However, only 44% of physical security departments and 55% of IT departments have access to physical security data. Analytics, advanced reporting and visualization tools help teams make the most of valuable data assets.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: AI advances continue to expand the capabilities of physical security platforms. For example, increased computing power at the edge permits algorithms and alerts to run on cameras without requiring data transfers to a server. Notably, these capabilities are now available at a cost that makes them affordable to many organizations.

Solutions and Services for Physical Security

Modern physical security alleviates challenges that arise with outdated hardware and software, such as excessive manual processes, difficulty centralizing and sharing real-time information, and slower reactions to security incidents. Many legacy systems are difficult, if not impossible, to integrate, which prevents organizations from leveraging advanced capabilities such as cloud-based management. Disparate solutions are also more difficult and expensive to manage and maintain.

Elevating physical security can involve unified, all-in-one platforms that provide centralized control and visibility, as well as integrated systems connecting multiple tools. Video intelligence, access controls, sensors and alarm systems are the primary platform capabilities, often with built-in AI and analytics. One advantage of a unified approach is the creation of a shared, real-time data set that allows for timely intervention through automated detection, alerting and response.

While the concepts are simple, updating a real-world environment can be complex. Organizations often benefit from an expert partner who can assess existing tools, recommend solutions aligned with security and business objectives, and support the deployment of new solutions.

VIDEO INTELLIGENCE: Traditionally, investigators have relied on video surveillance systems after an incident has occurred, and their equipment would yield results that weren’t always useful. Aging cameras and infrastructure delivered poor-quality images and audio, making it difficult to obtain critical information. Intelligent video equipment, however, is designed to collect and analyze the data almost as quickly as it’s ingested. This kind of modernized video can leverage analytics and AI for advanced detection and identification of objects, behavior, movement and more. It can also track, detect and predict traffic patterns. In 2025, 66% of end users said they would prioritize updates to video surveillance and/or access controls. For instance, organizations are replacing legacy systems with newer cameras that offer enhanced quality, simpler management and AI-powered analytics.

ACCESS CONTROL: Access control systems have evolved dramatically in recent years, making them a crucial component of modernization. End users report that they are planning investments in tools that not only restrict unauthorized access but also support features such as biometrics and identity management, visitor management, smart locks and keys, and mobile credentials. When integrated with video surveillance systems, access control systems enhance security by improving visibility and visitor management, more effectively preventing unauthorized access, and automating lockdown and safety procedures.

Cloud-based solutions can help organizations derive more value from video surveillance and access controls: 59% say that sharing video footage and incident information is easier on a cloud-based system, and 57% say access control credentialing and management are easier.

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SENSORS: Sensors detect potential risks and alert physical security teams to changes in the environment. They integrate seamlessly into security platforms and complement video surveillance by providing real-time alerts and monitoring in areas that cameras cannot cover or where they would not be appropriate. In addition to detecting intrusion, movement and vibration, such devices can track indoor air quality and environmental conditions, detect smoking or vaping in restricted areas, and alert to gunshot or duress sounds using sophisticated algorithms. Sensitive facilities such as utility buildings and transportation centers may employ light detection and ranging sensors. Placed strategically throughout a facility, LIDAR sensors use laser pulses to create a real-time picture of an environment so teams can track movements.

ALARMS: Traditional intrusion and burglar alarms systems rely on hardwired sensors and are prone to false alarms and user error. Modern alarms, integrated into a physical security platform, can use AI-assisted visual verification to reduce false alerts and provide valuable contextual information that helps security teams and law enforcement respond effectively to incidents in progress. For 85% of physical security leaders, integrating alarms and other primary monitoring tools into a centralized systems is “very important” or “extremely important.” Organizations are also augmenting camera and door alarms with audio alerts, such as a loud noise or recorded message, to deter intruders and alert authorized personnel that a breach or incident has occurred nearby.

SERVICES: Common obstacles to modernization include budgetary concerns; lack of internal skills and expertise; and fragmented, outdated systems. In addition, stakeholders may have differing perspectives on security risks, needs and technologies. Alignment among IT, physical security, facilities, corporate and branch leadership is essential to implementing both the right solutions and the change management strategies to support them.

CDW can help, offering a broad portfolio of solutions, a dedicated physical security practice providing nationwide services and support, and a comprehensive set of IT capabilities to ensure solutions are fully operational. From selecting the right platform to integrating and deploying new tools and training end users, CDW can support every step to ensure organizations establish the best protection for their environments.

Getting Ready To Modernize

Leaders should evaluate the existing physical security environment with an eye toward capabilities, limitations and pain points, coverage gaps, and scalability. For example, organizations with a history of acquisitions often have fragmented systems that impede day-to-day workflows. Those with a global presence may lack overarching visibility into security solutions and capabilities. Understanding and visibility are essential to charting a clear path toward modernization.

INVENTORY: To effectively manage physical security systems, teams need a clear understanding of what they have. They can then address vulnerabilities, replace outdated or ineffective tools, and plan upgrades.

RISKS: To effectively prioritize risks, leaders must identify all of the potential concerns in each environment: What actions do they want to detect? What threats do they need protection against?

OBJECTIVES: Planning for physical security should analyze needs for deterrence, intervention and forensics across three primary systems: video surveillance, access control and sensors. This helps leaders identify gaps and ensure that security investments support desired outcomes.

GAP ANALYSIS: This starts at the perimeter and moves inward. For instance, are cameras properly placed to detect the right types of activities? Is camera quality sufficient to support investigations?

What Modernized Physical Security Looks Like

Integrated systems and centralized platforms let teams increase visibility, incorporate more data inputs and leverage automation for faster, more effective responses.

INTEGRATED USE CASES: Advanced physical security capabilities allow for broader and more diverse use cases than traditional tools do. In an access-controlled space, video analytics tied to access control systems can compare entries against badge swipes to prevent unauthorized “tailgating.” In schools, a surveillance camera that detects a weapon can prompt an automatic lockdown of an area and initiate verification, mass communication and law enforcement notification, quickly coordinating a real-time response. In healthcare settings, advanced security protects employees and patients — for example, enhancing oversight for patients at risk of falls. Event venues employ physical security solutions for queue management, crowd analytics and real-time alerts that give security teams the data and visuals they need to respond quickly to threats in large, complex facilities.

BUSINESS OUTCOMES: Modern capabilities help organizations derive business value from their physical security investments. Retailers can reduce theft by enabling loss prevention teams to compare camera metadata with point-of-sale data to investigate card-not-present transactions and other potentially fraudulent activities. Organizations can also benefit from physical security system data, using data-driven insights to understand customer behavior, streamline visitor management and improve operational efficiency. Moving from reactive reviews to proactive detection and response also increases the efficiency of physical security operations, making it easier for lean teams to improve building safety and neutralize threats more quickly. Automation and cloud-based management make physical security more cost-effective by helping organizations reduce manual processes and allowing them to scale as needed.

REDUCED COST AND COMPLEXITY: Unified systems reduce the expense that organizations would otherwise face in upgrading obsolete equipment piece by piece, often with no assurance that these systems can be easily integrated. Simplified environments are easier and less expensive to manage from an IT perspective, and they can significantly reduce the work hours that teams spend on forensics and incident response. Rather than spending hours or days reviewing video footage manually, for instance, investigators can use conversational speech to find the material they need in minutes. In addition, cloud-based solutions allow for automatic software updates to ensure organizations always have access to the newest features — again, without requiring manual processes or any physical touchpoints with devices.