What is the expanding role of data in physical security?

The role of data in physical security systems has evolved dramatically in recent years. What was once confined to standalone access control is now part of a broader, integrated approach that leverages data from multiple sources — including video analytics, biometrics and building management systems — to deliver smarter, more adaptive security. Today, data is at the heart of predictive threat detection. By analysing behavioural patterns across systems — such as irregular movements or access anomalies — security platforms can flag potential threats before they escalate. This predictive capability is a significant advancement, shifting security from reactive to proactive. Data integration also enables deeper convergence between physical and cybersecurity. For example, access to sensitive IT resources can now be tied to physical presence. Beyond security, data is driving operational efficiency. When integrated with building management systems, access control data helps optimise lighting, HVAC, and other systems, along with space utilisation. It enables organisations to assess how buildings are used, reduce energy consumption, and even determine whether certain spaces are underutilised — supporting the argument to downsize to save cost.

In today’s hyperconnected world, every component of a smart physical security system generates data. This data is valuable for two key reasons: intelligent decision-making and reporting. Given that many systems are interconnected, intelligent decision-making relies on data that is accurate and delivered promptly. However, a significant challenge involves filtering numerous false alerts. Fortunately, modern AI technology allows for much of this data to be filtered and parsed, identifying actionable insights.

The systems used across an organisation – and those being used in physical security departments specifically – have a massive amount of data they are collecting. In so many cases, this data lives in the individual silos of various pieces of a security ecosystem: access control, threat intelligence, video management systems, etc. What I have seen in working with customers is that these organisations have difficulty getting this device data in a reportable format so they can better understand what they are seeing. A lot of security teams struggle with being able to download or access the vast amount of this data being stored and get it to a place where it is consumable enough that a program manager can look at it and take actionable steps toward improving a security program using the information. That's where I see the role of data being expanded in security. This matters because you can invest in all of the tools in the world, but unless you are able to gain insights into how they are serving your security function – and the business as a whole – you will constantly struggle to prove the investment of new technology is worth it.

Data is rapidly transforming the landscape of physical security. Beyond traditional motion detection, modern smart sensors are now capable of monitoring environmental factors such as air quality, temperature, and airborne contaminants. This evolution enables security systems to play a broader role in overall safety, risk management, and operational awareness. Simultaneously, advancements in storage technology and the increasing affordability of both on-premises and cloud storage have made it possible to retain vast amounts of video data cost-effectively. This abundance of data can now be leveraged through advanced video analytics to conduct large-scale analysis that would be impossible for humans to process alone. The expanding role of data matters because it empowers security teams to move from reactive monitoring to proactive, intelligent decision-making. By extracting deeper insights from physical security deployments, organisations can maximise the value of their investments while creating safer, more resilient environments.

The expanding role of data in physical security systems is fundamentally reshaping how we think about safety, identity, and operational efficiency. Traditionally, access control systems — like card readers or biometric scanners — were viewed as gatekeepers: tools to control who could enter a specific area. But increasingly, these devices are understood not just as gatekeepers, but as data capture points. Every time someone presents a credential, scans a fingerprint, or passes through a biometric scanner, valuable data is generated. That data — when securely encrypted and ethically used — can enhance both safety and intelligence across a facility or network of locations. For example, a biometric reader might still unlock a door, but it can now also confirm an individual's identity across multiple systems: logging into a workstation, checking out equipment, or even verifying medical records in an emergency room when a patient cannot speak. This convergence of identity, access, and data also introduces the potential for predictive intelligence. A facility can detect patterns, understand occupancy trends, or instantly locate individuals when seconds matter.

The future of physical security is undeniably and increasingly data-driven, with a variety of sectors already harnessing the power of quality data for enhanced safety and operational benefits. In healthcare, for instance, video and audio surveillance combined with AI analytics provides valuable and actionable data insights to facilitate faster response times for patients and staff in need. Further, in densely populated cities and towns where effective crowd management is essential for maintaining public safety, cameras with edge analytics can gather data for understanding how people and vehicles move through the area to optimise traffic flows and ensure appropriate law enforcement coverage as needed. Data will only continue to make physical security systems smarter, allowing organisations across industries to strengthen safety measures, better protect critical assets, and streamline operations – with new, value-driving use cases emerging at a rapid pace that'll bring even more opportunities for enhancement. 

Data from physical security systems is no longer just for incident response. Video management, access control, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and other connected devices generate a continuous stream of information that can deliver valuable operational insights. Data analytics can reveal patterns, like recurring door alerts or parking bottlenecks, and help address root causes before they become problems. By integrating security data with other systems, such as IoT sensors or point-of-sale records, organisations gain richer context to improve efficiency, customer experience, and safety. For example, traffic flow data from ALPR can guide staffing or signage changes in real time, while occupancy analytics help manage compliance and space use. A unified, open physical platform makes it easier to centralise and share this intelligence across departments, turning security from a cost centre into a source of business value.

Data now plays a central role in how we manage physical security systems, especially in large or expanding enterprises. Historically, organisations relied on a series of isolated tools and alerts, which have evolved into a connected, real-time picture of operations as security needs have evolved over time. Modern, integrated security management platforms can bring together feeds from access control, video, sensors, and other systems, helping operators make faster, more informed decisions based on a constant stream of security data from otherwise disparate systems. Instead of being buried under endless notifications and data streams, teams can focus on the activity that truly needs attention in the moment. This shift matters because security is no longer just about having tools; it's about using the information we have wisely and in real time. When systems talk to each other and data becomes more digestible for security personnel, teams gain the clarity they need to act with purpose and speed. In high-pressure moments, that data can make all the difference.

Data’s expanding role in physical security starts with making operators more effective. AI-enabled, edge-processing cameras now capture detailed metadata in real time, so operators can zero in on events that matter. This not only improves speed, reduces bandwidth costs, and strengthens cybersecurity, but also creates a wide-ranging collection of business intelligence. The richer and more descriptive the data turns out to be, the easier it is to filter out noise, prioritise critical incidents, and respond proactively to important events. Generative AI takes it a step further by allowing operators to use free text search to build customised searches. For the C-suite, this same data is also a gold mine for operational insight: optimising staffing, streamlining logistics, or predicting maintenance. Open-platform architectures and containerised AI apps make it possible to evolve these capabilities over time without costly upgrades. Put simply, physical security data is becoming a strategic asset for informed decision-making at every level.

Data is no longer just a byproduct of physical security systems — it’s the driver. Every camera, sensor, and door badge creates information that, when pulled together, can tell a bigger story. Instead of reacting only when alarms go off, security teams can spot unusual patterns early, cut down on false alerts, and respond with more confidence. The real power comes when video, access logs, and IoT devices are connected; suddenly you have a clear, real-time view of what is happening across the site. That doesn’t just tighten security, it also helps with compliance, resource planning, and even smoother day-to-day operations. In short, data is turning security from a defensive cost centre into a proactive advantage for organisations.

As we continue to gather more and more data, it becomes impossible to comprehend it all and make it meaningful and relevant to the decisions we need to make in our operations. Finding more sophisticated ways to structure and summarise this information in a way that is easier for operators and other responders to understand and respond is crucial. The addition of new types of sensors can be combined with existing sensor feedback (visual and radar, for example) to provide a more dynamic and multi-dimensional view of an event. This also results in an Increased quality of detection and quality of validation of the alarms, reducing false positives.

Data is the lifeblood of PACS as part of an increasingly interconnected ecosystem designed for maximum performance, greater security, and user convenience. Two-thirds of security leaders are moving toward adoption of software-driven security solutions, according to a 2025 HID survey, with 73% citing the importance of unifying multiple data collection methodologies. This shift is driving greater emphasis on vendor-agnostic platforms, helping standardize data payloads across devices and environments and extending usability to include real-time communication and status alerts. As systems become more integrated via cloud or direct connection, the quality and quantity of data will increase. Leveraging AI and machine learning can transform this into higher-quality insights and more responsive systems, without compromising on security - making it critical to work with partners who have deep expertise in secure data integration and advanced analytics. Traditional value-added partners that pivot to unify and aggregate will hold a decisive advantage over competitors who keep data locked away in silos.