Growing cybersecurity gaps, cloud adoption, interoperability, and AI are influencing access controller investments as organisations modernise physical security infrastructure for connected environments.
Physical access controllers are increasingly becoming connected computing platforms rather than standalone door-control hardware. A new global survey indicates that organisations are placing greater emphasis on controller cybersecurity, interoperability, cloud connectivity, and support for emerging technologies as access control systems become more integrated with broader IT and building infrastructure.
The findings come from Mercury Security’s 2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on responses from 561 physical security and cybersecurity professionals, including system integrators, installers, administrators, and end users. Cybersecurity is one of the most significant gaps identified in existing access-control infrastructure. 32% of respondents said cybersecurity features are missing from their current controller systems, compared with 21% in 2025.
The challenge is becoming more complex as physical security systems increasingly interact with enterprise IT networks and connected devices. Around 74% of respondents said coordinating cybersecurity and IT requirements has become more complex, while 86% said their organisations are actively working to keep pace with changing cybersecurity and data-protection standards. The controller itself is also gaining strategic importance. 78% of respondents consider the controller important or critical to their physical access control system (PACS) strategy, up from 72% in 2025.
Interoperability is becoming a key consideration as organisations seek to modernise existing installations without replacing all infrastructure simultaneously. 69% identified interoperability as a critical procurement factor, while 82% said backward and forward compatibility is important for future infrastructure planning. Mobile credentials are contributing to this shift. Half of respondents are already using or planning to adopt mobile access solutions, while 46% identified mobile credential integration as a factor influencing controller purchases.
Cloud connectivity is another area where demand is running ahead of current infrastructure. It was cited by 56% of respondents as a purchasing consideration, up from 50% in 2025. However, only 41% currently have cloud-enabled controllers, while 26% reported cloud enablement as a missing capability. This indicates an opportunity for controller platforms that support cloud-connected management while allowing organisations to retain existing access-control infrastructure.
Emerging AI-enabled security applications are also influencing controller architectures. Behavioural analysis and anomaly detection increased to 56% from 44% in 2025, while facial recognition reached 60% and predictive security and threat prevention stood at 50%. More than 39% of respondents are exploring or have adopted edge computing in their security ecosystems. Meanwhile, 41% have integrated controller data with building occupancy and utilisation systems. For access-control hardware vendors, these developments point towards controllers requiring stronger cybersecurity, processing capability, connectivity, interoperability, and integration support. The controller is increasingly becoming a long-term infrastructure component connecting physical security with cloud, AI, edge computing, and smart-building systems.
