Genetec Physical Security Trends for 2026: Flexibility, Automation, and Unified Security for New Zealand
Genetec’s outlook for 2026 highlights key shifts in how organisations will deploy and operate physical security systems. These trends carry strong relevance for New Zealand’s airports, councils, critical infrastructure, transport hubs, and multi‑site enterprises seeking to modernise their environments.
The convergence of physical, cyber, and operational technologies means organisations are rethinking how they design, manage, and scale their security systems. Genetec’s predictions point to increased flexibility, intelligent automation, and unified operations as the defining themes for the year ahead.
Hybrid Cloud Becomes the Preferred Model
Discussion around cloud strategy is moving from adoption to flexibility. Organisations will select deployment models—cloud, on‑premises, or hybrid—based on performance, cost, and data residency requirements. Hybrid cloud architectures are expected to dominate in NZ due to connectivity and compliance considerations.
Intelligent Automation Goes Mainstream
Genetec forecasts a shift from hype‑driven AI to practical automation that reduces false alarms, improves monitoring accuracy, and accelerates investigations. For NZ organisations with lean teams and high‑volume environments, intelligent automation provides measurable operational impact.
Responsible and Transparent AI Becomes Mandatory
With AI becoming more common in security workflows, organisations are demanding transparency around data use, privacy, and cybersecurity safeguards. This expectation is especially important for councils and operators accountable to public governance.
Access Control Modernisation Accelerates
Traditional access control is evolving into identity‑centric security. Growth in ACaaS, mobile credentials, and biometrics supports occupancy insights, energy optimisation, and multi‑site management—benefits well‑suited to NZ’s distributed enterprise environments.
Unified Systems Enhance Security and Operations
Genetec expects rapid growth in IoT devices and connected building systems. Unified platforms that combine video, access, IoT, and building management allow faster decision‑making and improved incident response across facilities.
Cybersecurity Becomes Embedded in Every Device
Physical security is now inseparable from cybersecurity. Organisations expect secure interoperability, strong encryption, and robust data residency. As NZ facilities become more connected, secure‑by‑design architectures are essential.
What NZ Organisations Should Do Next
Based on Genetec’s 2026 predictions, organisations should:
• Develop hybrid cloud strategies aligned to performance and sovereignty
• Use intelligent automation to improve monitoring and reduce workload
• Apply transparent, responsible AI governance
• Modernise access control with mobile and identity‑centric systems
• Unify video, access, IoT, and building systems under a single platform
• Embed cybersecurity into every layer of physical security design
If your organisation is planning physical security modernisation in 2026, the Nextro team is available to help align technology, operations, and governance into a future‑ready, unified approach. Contact Nextro today.