Smart, intelligent and intuitive: it’s the new state of physical security. Even traditional devices such as door locks have improved, both as standalone devices and as part of a complete, integrated system.

A look at the physical security industry market continues to forecast confidence and profitability. While other business sectors are proceeding with caution, the security industry is quite the opposite. In the latest Security Market Index from the Security Industry Association, Silver Spring, Md., industry leaders rated business conditions at their highest level. Respondents cited double­-digit growth, record sales and vigorous quoting activity/order intake.

What makes the security industry so resilient and upbeat? Part of the positivity can be attributed to an increased focus on security and safety, while another facet is that technology is creating more opportunities to easily upgrade customers to higher levels of security. 

Locks, for example, are no longer static, isolated components. Instead, they offer varying degrees of monitoring, management and control, which allows systems integrators to tailor the solution to the customer while adding the latest features and functions. 

Come in through the door

The door is the starting point for other applications or interfacing with physical access control software with a single point of visibility into connected solutions across a campus or enterprise. Electric door strikes have monitoring components that do more than secure the door. They can report on the integrity and status of the strike and latch—for example, if the door is left ajar, or shut and engaged properly. When integrated with access control platforms, strikes and locks become even smarter, yielding updates on device operation, system performance and connected backup power. 

Delayed egress, another growing hardware category, can also be integrated to access control for additional data and system responsiveness, creating information-­rich fail-safe and fail-secure openings. 

As intelligence ramps up, door controls can also lead to discussions about mobile access, biometrics and cloud-based technology—all of which are critical to a successful security infrastructure.

Video surveillance has also grown more sophisticated with analytics and artificial intelligence. Analytics can detect specific characteristics, or recognize actions that indicate danger or potential threats. Cameras are becoming detectors, pairing with access control, gunshot detection, environmental and other sensors.

Exploring other possibilities

Smart means more ways to expand systems integration projects. According to the white paper “Smart Spaces: New Opportunities for Custom Integrators” from Parks Associates, Plano, Texas, and sponsored by Nice, Carlsbad, Calif., custom integrators are uniquely positioned to deliver tailored solutions that enhance user experience, optimize operations and increase security across various sectors. 

“The advent of new technology opens a wide field of potential applications and use cases for many industries,” according to the report. “Smart spaces, the use of connected sensors and the internet of things [IoT] within a physical location offer a wide variety of benefits to sectors including industrial settings, municipalities, commercial buildings, schools and educational sites, multifamily housing, hospitality, retail, quick service restaurants and many others. These connected sensors and devices are at their most effective when they are integrated—with each other, with central control planes, and with a unified data repository that allows technologists to harness the full power of the information at hand.”

The study identified these opportunities:

• Education: Schools are increasingly investing in loT technologies to improve operational efficiencies, enhance student learning, increase energy efficiency and manage costs smarter.
• Multifamily housing: The study estimates that 6.75 million units are in larger properties with 50 or more spaces, and these properties are most likely to invest in smart space technologies. In a 2024 Parks Associates study of 300 multifamily owners and operators, nearly 90% reported plans to deploy tested smart technologies in the next 12 months on at least one property they served.
• Hospitality: In hotel settings, the loT offers intelligent access and customized guest experiences. Access control solutions through mobile smartphones or RFID readers allow guests to move safely throughout the property while boosting security and convenience. Smartphones enable remote guest check-in, payment and registration for hotel amenities. Sensors monitor room occupancy and adjust heating, cooling and lighting to regulate and control energy consumption. 
• Quick service restaurants (QSRs): QSRs are using A.I. and the loT to automate time-intensive tasks and offset labor shortages. Solutions include smart thermostats and lighting, environmental monitoring, automated kitchen equipment and digital inventory systems. 

Smart is the new reality for security systems. Intelligent solutions add critical data and information to systems integration projects, helping you stand out to your customers while adding maximum value to your business. 

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