Security Systems Evolve: From Guarding to Guiding Business Decisions

Security systems, once confined to guarding property, are now integral to how modern businesses operate. The lines between physical security, cybersecurity, and operational technology are blurring, presenting systems integrators with both a challenge and a chance to redefine their worth in a fast-evolving market.

According to Boudewijn Pesch, Vice President of Japan and Asia Pacific Channel Sales at Verkada, the next wave of security convergence is here, and it’s about more than just safety.

“The connected, smart building is no longer a futuristic idea – it’s a reality,” Pesch told asmag.com. “Organizations are now able to use the data they gather for much more than just traditional safety and security. Security solutions, like AI-powered cameras, access control systems, and environmental sensors, can enhance and support other systems, such as point-of-sale systems or manufacturing equipment.”

This trend marks a major shift in how organizations use security systems. Instead of being isolated, these technologies are becoming integrated sources of real-time insights that optimize operations, improve customer experiences, and boost workplace efficiency.

Security Meets Operational Technology

Operational technology (OT) traditionally referred to the hardware and software used to monitor and control industrial equipment, HVAC systems, lighting, and other non-IT infrastructure.

But with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) in commercial and industrial settings, OT is merging with information technology (IT) systems, and now, with security systems as well.

In this new setup, video surveillance cameras, access control systems, and environmental sensors are more than just security tools; they’re data points that can interact with other building systems. For example, occupancy sensors linked to HVAC systems can regulate climate control based on real-time room usage. Video analytics can give retailers insights into customer behavior, helping them optimize store layouts. In factories, footage can pinpoint exactly when and where an assembly error occurred.

“Heat mapping analytics from security cameras can help organizations analyze foot traffic patterns to optimize building layouts, improve space utilization, and enhance customer or employee experiences,” Pesch explained. “Or, on an assembly line, it can quickly locate footage of when chips, dents, or dings may have occurred.”

A Strategic Shift for Integrators

For security integrators, this convergence means a change in both scope and responsibility. It’s no longer enough to offer simple solutions to individual problems. Clients now expect interoperability, centralized control, and business intelligence, all built on secure and privacy-compliant platforms.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for integrators to not only provide the platforms and solutions that enable this kind of easy integration,” Pesch said, “but also to support their customers in implementing those integrations.”

That support includes everything from technical configuration to teaching stakeholders how to interpret and use the insights from integrated systems. Integrators are increasingly expected to act as solution architects, helping clients move from reactive security to proactive decision-making.

Cloud platforms are key to this transformation. Because they’re flexible and scalable, cloud-based security systems can be updated, integrated, and accessed more easily than on-premise systems. This has significant implications for both usability and regulatory compliance.

“Thanks to the ease of use that cloud systems provide, more users can access and leverage video footage in a safe and privacy-respecting way,” Pesch said.

This ease of access is crucial in environments where multiple stakeholders need timely visibility, from security personnel to HR managers to operations teams.

Business Outcomes Beyond Security

The shift toward smart, connected systems is about more than just technology – it’s about results. Businesses are increasingly using security infrastructure as part of their data strategy. In retail, for example, video analytics can reveal how long customers linger in certain areas, identify high-traffic zones, and even help prevent theft. In offices, access logs can inform energy-saving policies or ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.

The hospitality sector is also benefiting. Hotels are using occupancy sensors and access control systems to automate lighting and climate control, reducing energy costs while improving guest comfort. Healthcare providers are integrating security systems with nurse call and patient monitoring systems to improve response times and accountability.

Each of these scenarios highlights a key point: when security technologies are connected and contextualized, they become engines of operational intelligence.

Preparing for the Next Phase

As convergence accelerates, integrators must adopt a forward-thinking approach. This means staying up-to-date with cloud technologies, becoming fluent in both security and IT, and understanding the business needs of various industries.

Pesch emphasizes that integrators who proactively adapt will be best positioned to succeed. This includes not only deploying systems but also engaging in strategic planning with clients to design integrated environments that evolve with the business.

“There’s a lot more to be done beyond just installation,” he noted. “It’s about continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and helping customers unlock new use cases they hadn’t even considered.”

To stay competitive, integrators must also ensure that security and privacy remain fundamental to any solution. As video and sensor data becomes accessible across departments, safeguarding access, ensuring encryption, and maintaining audit trails will be essential.

This is where compliance with frameworks like GDPR and SOC 2 becomes a differentiator, not a burden. Cloud-based platforms that natively support these compliance requirements offer a strategic advantage, providing peace of mind to organizations that must navigate both regulatory and reputational risks.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the promise, the path forward has its challenges. Legacy systems, budget constraints, and siloed departments can all hinder integration efforts. Resistance to change, especially in large, traditionally structured organizations, can also slow progress.

Yet the direction is clear. As buildings become smarter and business operations become more data-driven, security infrastructure will be expected to do more than just secure doors and monitor video feeds. It will be called upon to deliver value across departments, support ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, and enable real-time decision-making.

For integrators, this is a unique opportunity to redefine their role. Those who embrace convergence will find themselves not just securing facilities, but securing their place in the future of enterprise technology.