Genetec’s State of Physical Security 2026 — What it means for Nextro’s clients in New Zealand & Australia
The latest Genetec “State of Physical Security 2026” report confirms what we at Nextro see every day in New Zealand and Australia: physical & electronic security is no longer just about cameras and locks – it is an enterprise-wide function that’s being redefined by technology, data, and collaboration.
Key Shifts: Security as Strategy, Not Just Protection
- The report shows a growing industry consensus that physical security should be treated as a strategic business enabler, not just a cost-centre.
- Organisations globally are increasingly replacing legacy, standalone systems with unified, integrated platforms — combining video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, IoT and analytics under one roof.
- In 2025, over 70% of respondents surveyed said they now run unified or integrated physical security systems.
For businesses in New Zealand and Australia (many of whom rely on complex sites, critical infrastructure, or multi-facility operations) this shift opens major opportunities. Rather than layering bolt-on systems, there is growing value in building holistic security platforms that support operational efficiency, compliance, and resilience.
IT + OT + Security: The Convergence Has Arrived
One of the strongest trends identified in the report is the rising influence of IT departments in physical security decision-making. This signals that physical and electronic security are becoming part of the broader technology fabric of organisations.
- This convergence means security systems now generate mission-critical data and must be treated with the same rigour as IT systems – in terms of architecture, resilience, and governance.
- As your trusted security and network partner across NZ and Australia, Nextro is well placed to help you deploy converged solutions: tying together network, cybersecurity, OT, and physical security under one coherent strategy. This is exactly how we approach design and deployment.
Cloud, AI & Data: The New Currency of Security
The report highlights how organisations are pivoting from just “protecting” to “understanding”. They are using security data, analytics, and intelligence to support decision-making, productivity, and operational/business outcomes.
- Hybrid-cloud deployments and cloud-enabled security infrastructure are gaining traction. They offer scalability, flexibility, and remote management possibilities.
- Meanwhile, AI and analytics are no longer optional add-ons: interest in AI-driven video analytics, automated event detection, and predictive security is rising sharply.
- As security data becomes an asset, handling it responsibly (with strong data practices, clear operational goals, and alignment across departments) becomes essential. The report warns that technology must be deployed with intention and purpose.
For Nextro’s clients, this underscores the value of our integrated approach: combining robust network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and physical security – while helping organisations responsibly leverage data and analytics to improve safety, operations, and ROI.
Market Realities & What 2026 Will Bring
The report also makes some practical forecasts and identifies industry-wide headwinds that will resonate locally:
- Economic pressures and shifting priorities mean many organisations will favour upgrades that deliver long-term value over flashy new features. More projects will focus on value-driven, pragmatic solutions.
- Workforce constraints remain a challenge, which means demand for managed, outsourced, or unified security services will continue to grow, especially in complex or resource-constrained environments.
- The role of vendors and integrators is evolving: clients increasingly want value partners. That is providers who offer not just hardware, but ongoing support, strategic guidance, and integrated services.
For Nextro, this validates the approach we have taken over the last five years: delivering end-to-end managed services, integrating multiple layers of security (physical, cyber, network), and offering proactive support — not just installation, but living, breathing security solutions for the long term.
What This Means for NZ and Australian Organisations — Nextro’s View
- Think strategic, not tactical. If you haven’t already, reassess your physical security infrastructure: are you investing only in “locks and cameras,” or building a unified platform that delivers operational insight, resilience, and integration with your IT systems?
- Leverage convergence – but do so with care. As security, IT, and operations merge, data governance, privacy, and cross-department processes become critical. A trusted partner, like Nextro, can help you design with intention.
- Plan for long-term value. In uncertain economic climates, choose solutions that balance cost, risk, and flexibility. Favour hybrid-cloud, managed services, and scalable architectures that grow with your organisation.
- Embrace AI and analytics – but stay grounded. Advanced analytics can deliver big gains, but only when paired with clean data, good practices, and clear operational use-cases.
At Nextro, we believe the future of security in New Zealand and Australia lies in unified, intelligent, data-driven, and managed solutions – and the findings of the Genetec 2026 report reinforce this. If you’re rethinking your security posture, upgrading legacy systems, or planning for smarter, more resilient operations – now is the time to get in touch with Nextro to start the conversation