Genetec report reveals changing role of security industry

Technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions, Genetec, has shared the findings of its state of industry report.

The report is based on insights from over 2,000 physical security leaders from all around the world and looks at how the role of physical security continued to evolve in 2021 as organisations adapted to changing conditions.

The changing role of physical security  

Physical security continues to evolve from being seen as a tool for mitigating risk, to playing a much more significant role in organisations’ digital transformation.

The survey showed that more than 69% of respondents described physical security and related data as “mission-critical”. Larger organisations in particular are increasingly seeing value in the data gathered by their physical security systems, with over 46% saying they use their security systems as a way to “improve overall business efficiency, productivity and asset optimisation.”

Several respondents commented that they intend to invest in data management solutions to advance or improve the functionality of their physical security environment in the coming 12 months.

The survey revealed that 36% of organisations are investing in unified solutions to enable the ease of maintenance, visibility, and data collection across all their systems to improve functionality and operations. This compares to 31% 2020.

51% of respondents also said they had invested in video analytics to improve the functionality of existing deployments and digitally transform their business processes.

Pervez R. Siddiqui, Vice President, Offerings and Transformation at Genetec Inc., argues: “Before the pandemic, physical security’s role in business intelligence and operations was already growing, but, over the last two years, it has proven to be a strategic asset in coping with a variety of challenges.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, organisations will content with three undercurrents; changes in the physical dimension of work as workspaces evolve into hubs for collaboration and cohesion, workflow automation of the mundane in a bid to drive productivity and retention, and board-level interest in achieving operational resilience through integrated risk management.”

An accelerated move to the Cloud

Cloud-based solutions became invaluable during the pandemic with restricted access to physical sites. The survey showed that 45% of larger organisations (with over 1,000 employees) have already adopted cloud solutions, a significant increase compared to 26% in 2020.

94% of respondents also said they have plans to deploy cloud or hybrid cloud solutions in the long term.

Christian Morin, Vice-President, Product Engineering and CSO at Genetec Inc., says: “The adoption of cloud and hybrid cloud solutions is rapidly accelerating in the security industry.

“While many physical security departments were hesitant to consider cloud connected solutions in the past, they now better understand the benefits these solutions can bring and how it can help them to better utilise their resources to achieve their respective business goals.”

Access control investment rising

When asked about the type of solutions they were planning to invest in to advance or improve their physical security environment in the next 12 months, 52% of respondents picked access control.

Thibaut Louvet, Director, Access Control Product Group, at Genetec Inc., comments: “Legacy access control systems use outdated technology that leaves them vulnerable to cyber threats and can cause damage beyond the door. So, it’s reassuring to see that organisations are taking the necessary stems to mitigate their access control systems to modern, cyber secure access control systems.”

Register today for IFSEC 2023

16-18 May 2023, ExCeL London | IFSEC 2023: Recognising the past, embracing the future

Join thousands of likeminded security and risk professionals at IFSEC 2023 in May, as the UK's largest and longest running security event looks ahead to what's next in the sector as it celebrates its 50th birthday. This year will see the launch of the IFSEC distributor network, while London's new Elizabeth Line makes travel to the venue easier than ever!

You’ll find hundreds of leading exhibitors from the physical and integrated security sector, showcasing all the latest in video surveillance, access control, intruder detection, perimeter protection and software solutions. Join the community and secure your ticket today!

Secure your FREE ticket today!