Modern physical security alleviates challenges that arise with outdated hardware and software, such as excessive manual processes, difficulty centralizing and sharing real-time information, and slower reactions to security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.

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.