What is the next generation of physical security solutions?

The next generation of physical security will be defined less by hardware and more by how identity is managed and delivered. The industry is moving away from static cards and fixed credentials toward mobile access. Smartphones have become a trusted interface for identity, allowing organisations to issue, revoke, and update access in real time, without the inconvenience of physical badges or manual processes. Mobile credentials also change expectations. Users want access to feel intuitive and familiar, while security teams want stronger assurance and better visibility. That is where biometrics can also come into play, not as a replacement for access control, but as a complementary layer. Using biometrics on the device strengthens authentication without adding operational complexity or slowing people down. Together, mobile access and biometric-backed authentication evolve physical security from a door-centric model to an identity-centric one, aligning physical access with modern IT and cybersecurity practices.

The next generation of physical security solutions is being shaped by AI-powered analytics, edge computing, and the integration of multiple sensors working together to deliver deeper, more actionable insight. Instead of relying solely on traditional video monitoring, organisations can now leverage intelligent devices that detect patterns, understand context, and surface meaningful information in real time. This evolution will significantly enhance how the industry approaches safety and situational awareness. Smart cameras, audio sensors, environmental detectors, and predictive analytics combine to create a more connected ecosystem — one that helps identify potential risks earlier and improves response effectiveness. As AI capabilities continue to advance, ongoing training and education become increasingly important. Empowering partners and end users with knowledge ensures they can fully understand and optimise these technologies. With solutions like Salient’s CompleteView VMS supporting this new wave of innovation, organisations are better equipped to interpret video data and create safer, more informed environments.

Large video models are unlocking security capabilities their developers likely never imagined. Combined with deep learning processing at the edge, video solutions are moving from cameras that simply record to intelligent systems capable of analysing complex behaviors and providing actionable insights in real-time — fundamentally changing the face of security. But many are overlooking IP audio, which can be an even bigger game-changer. Most facilities have more speakers than cameras, and as audio transitions to IP, it enables two-way communication and real-time analytics that detect sounds like gunshots or raised voices. This puts security teams in a position to respond more quickly to potential threats and prevent escalation. The convergence of IP video and audio creates truly intelligent security ecosystems. Organisations building robust IP infrastructure aren’t just upgrading their systems; they’re positioning themselves to transform security from passive monitoring into proactive, intelligent protection that anticipates and prevents incidents before they happen.

Security systems are rapidly shifting from cost centers to revenue drivers thanks to new, intelligent technologies, impacting company bottom lines for the better. This transition redefines ‘return on investment,’ transforming physical security from a static cost center into a dynamic engine for actionable business insight and strategic value.

The next generation of physical security is being defined by what happens at the edge, not just in the cloud. We are entering a phase where cameras and sensors are no longer just capturing video, they are interpreting scenes in real time and turning them into usable intelligence on site. Advances in edge processors, including new architectures coming from leaders like Ambarella, are making it possible to run generative AI directly on the device without relying on cloud connectivity. For operators, this changes the experience entirely. Instead of configuring complex rules or scrolling through timelines, they can interact with systems using natural language. Searching for “person lying down” or “fighting” becomes intuitive and fast. Running these processes at the edge also keeps bandwidth costs down, reduces latency, and keeps sensitive data local. The result is security that is faster to deploy, easier to use, and more aligned with how people work.

Next generation physical security solutions will include autonomous, AI-driven security robots supported by AI-driven apps for remote work area monitoring. They offer 24/7 coverage without fatigue, provide real time sensing (thermal imaging, chemical detection, acoustic anomaly detection) beyond human capabilities, and integration with AI monitoring platforms, sending alerts to humans within seconds. If threat actors see them patrolling in the air and on the grounds, robots would deter many of them because they would know that the area is monitored and recorded. However, there are limitations and risks that must be mitigated. For example, unstructured environments (e.g., stairs) challenge autonomous navigation and could cause security incidents. Also, human judgment is still necessary, and the costs and maintenance can be quite expensive. Furthermore, if strong cybersecurity is not implemented throughout the system, and if privacy risks are not identified and mitigated, the value of such robots could be minimised.

The next generation of physical security solutions will be defined by intelligent, cloud-native platforms that deliver real-time visibility, actionable insights, and complete situational awareness across any environment. While the security systems of old relied on on-site monitoring and reactive protocols, I believe the future must be simpler, smarter, and more scalable systems that work seamlessly across desktop and mobile displays. Whether through facial and license plate recognition, attribute tagging, or smart search, the next generation of physical security solutions will turn video into intelligence, leveraging AI-powered analytics to deliver real-time alerts that help teams see more, know more, and act faster — anytime, anywhere. Enabled by powerful IoT-optimized cameras designed for edge performance and integration, these innovations will reduce complexity and streamline video surveillance, making sure your security system works for you, rather than the other way around.

The next generation of physical security solutions will be defined by a shift to cloud-native platforms and AI-native capabilities, with intelligence embedded across the entire lifecycle — not bolted on after deployment. As AI matures, its value will move beyond analytics alone and toward operational intelligence, helping organisations design, deploy, and manage systems more effectively over time. To take advantage of more unified, data-driven security environments, many organisations will need to retrofit and modernise existing infrastructure. That gap represents a significant opportunity for integrators and manufacturers to guide customers through a phased, practical transition rather than a wholesale replacement. At the same time, integrators themselves will need more connected business and system design software to meet rising expectations. Updating and integrating their own technology stacks will be essential to scale efficiently — from early design and documentation through implementation and ongoing system management — while delivering better outcomes for customers.