Modernising retail security: Key findings by Genetec

20 Aug 2026

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Retailers view physical security as essential for modernisation and operational efficiency beyond loss prevention.
60% of retailers enhance operations using physical security data to improve efficiency and safety.
Retailers modernise by leveraging existing technology, focusing on AI, and upskilling staff.

Genetec Inc., a prominent name in the realm of enterprise physical security software, has unveiled important discoveries from its 2026 State of Physical Security Report, focusing on the retail sector. The report, based on global inputs from retail professionals, reveals a shift in how retailers perceive physical security. It is now increasingly seen as pivotal to enhancing operations, ensuring employee safety, and facilitating modernisation, rather than solely as a loss prevention tool.

Retailers continue to grapple with standard security issues but are also exploring how physical security data can inform better decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and maximise the return on technology investments.

Beyond traditional metrics

There's a clear move beyond traditional loss prevention measures, with many retailers harnessing physical security data for broader business improvements. Over 60% of retail professionals indicated that enhancing operational efficiency within the security department is their main goal for using security data. An identical percentage prioritised safety and security improvements. Furthermore, 55% of respondents viewed compliance as crucial, and 48% are leveraging security data to enrich both customer and employee experiences.

Instead of completely overhauling their systems, retailers are opting for measured modernisation

The enthusiasm for AI and analytics is tempered by the reality that many retailers are prioritising the upgrade of outdated systems before expanding their technology bases. The report highlights ageing security infrastructure (40%), the need for enhanced staff training (38%), difficulties in talent attraction (37%), and obsolete IT infrastructure (33%) as prevailing challenges influencing modernisation strategies in the retail environment.

Modernisation with existing resources

Instead of completely overhauling their systems, retailers are opting for measured modernisation. Looking forward, 54% plan to optimise existing technologies for emerging issues, 51% hope to employ AI to refine security processes, and 48% are exploring new security systems for particular applications.

Scott Thomas, National Director for Signature Brands at Genetec, commented, “Physical security is becoming a strategic business asset for retailers, extending well beyond traditional loss prevention. The retailers that will see the greatest return on their security investments are those that treat modernisation as an ongoing strategy rather than a one-time project. By building on existing infrastructure while introducing new capabilities, they can adapt to changing business needs without sacrificing the value of past investments.”

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Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, releases retail-specific findings from its 2026 State of Physical Security Report. Based on responses from retail professionals worldwide, the research shows retailers increasingly view physical security as a business function that supports operations, employee safety, and modernisation efforts—not solely loss prevention.

While retailers continue to manage everyday security challenges across stores, many are expanding how they use physical security data to improve decision-making, increase operational efficiency, and get more value from existing technology investments.

Traditional loss prevention metrics

Retailers are increasingly looking beyond traditional loss prevention metrics and using physical security data to improve broader business outcomes. More than 60% of retailers identified improving operational efficiency within the security department as a primary objective for security data, while an equal percentage said improving safety and security was a top priority. More than half (55%) cited compliance, and nearly half (48%) said they are using security data to improve the customer and employee experience.

Despite growing interest in AI and analytics, many retailers remain focused on modernising aging environments before expanding their technology footprint. The report found aging physical security infrastructure (40%), training and upskilling staff (38%), attracting and hiring talent (37%), and aging IT infrastructure (33%) ranked among retailers' biggest operational challenges. These challenges are influencing how retailers approach modernisation.

Leverage existing technology

Rather than replacing entire systems, retailers are pursuing measured modernisation strategies. Looking ahead, 54% of retailers plan to leverage existing technology to address new challenges, 51% intend to use AI to streamline security processes, and 48% plan to evaluate new security systems for specific use cases.

“Physical security is becoming a strategic business asset for retailers, extending well beyond traditional loss prevention,” said Scott Thomas, National Director for Signature Brands at Genetec. “The retailers that will see the greatest return on their security investments are those that treat modernisation as an ongoing strategy rather than a one-time project. By building on existing infrastructure while introducing new capabilities, they can adapt to changing business needs without sacrificing the value of past investments.”

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