Securing New Ground: 5 Themes Identified For 2023

The overarching message at this year’s Securing New Ground conference was the importance of embracing change. There is no doubt that the landscape of the security industry continues to evolve in response to new technology, customer demands, and the escalation of threats. Five issues specifically emerged as major themes for consideration for both integrators and customers:

1.) Artificial Intelligence: AI has officially arrived. Where once we yearned for more data, we now have so much that we struggle to fully process it. AI solutions can integrate with tools already used to optimize workflows by analyzing, enhancing, and synchronizing a wide variety of data types. Ultimately, AI enables the user to sift through data much more efficiently, reducing dependence on human resources and optimizing response times. Whereas video technology is widely integrated with AI enhancements to improve workflows, access control is not far behind. The cloud will support the ability to scale, which is critical to facilitating methodical advancement in technology adoption.

2.) Cyber: Cyber threats have escalated across all verticals, and the financial and reputational risks are growing in significance. With cyber criminals becoming increasingly intelligent, the issue of cybersecurity is pervasive, but it cannot be addressed in isolation. Effective response requires that physical and cyber security be managed in tandem. This begins with an assessment of customer tolerances as well as a focus on device hardening practices and risk management. Cybersecurity services can subsequently be implemented to protect devices and networks, deploy quickly, and have a real-time dashboard to help lower operating costs and increase uptime.

3.) Staffing: Staffing is one of the biggest concerns for the industry’s customer base. The issue was cited by panelists at the conference, who represented a cross-section of different industry and educational backgrounds. As one speaker noted, a recent poll of security professionals has revealed that staffing concerns are as impactful as supply chain issues and economic challenges. Customers are having a difficult time staffing to meet their security needs, which makes the role of the integrator that much more important. Integrators need to consistently bring more to the table from a technology perspective in order to support both security and operational efficiencies.

4.) Supply chain: Supply chain issues are currently prevalent across most industries. Fortunately, recovery seems to be underway and the CHIPS Act has been put in place to address the situation. One speaker at SNG cited the Recurring Revenue Model as his preferred model noting that one should, “never waste a good crisis”, but rather shift the focus to operational excellence and optimization. With this in mind, adaptability will prove critical to ensuring success in the upcoming year.

5.) PropTech: Property technology is currently a key focus within the real estate sector, growing at a rate of 16% per year in the U.S. Further, its intersection with security technology is becoming increasingly evident. Within facilities, security systems are foundational to the success of other systems, with access control and visitor management affecting occupancy management and amenities. Moreover, the customer, tenant, and user experience is becoming an industry driver and competitive differentiator, and the concept of a frictionless experience is gaining more traction.