The convergence of IT and physical security offers organizations unprecedented opportunities to manage risks and unlock operational value.
One Security Vision, Three Strategies
Physical and digital security are increasingly converging — and this is no coincidence. The transition to IP-based systems and the adoption of cloud technology make physical security increasingly dependent on IT infrastructure. At the same time, the data generated by physical security systems is a goldmine for operational insights. Yet, both teams often continue to work in silos, with different priorities, cultures, and competencies. The white paper proposes three strategies to bridge this gap: expanding physical security with IT knowledge, integration under a broader SecOps function, or making IT responsible for physical security.
Each strategy has its advantages and challenges. For instance, physical security with its own IT expertise remains in control but may lack knowledge about which IT skills are crucial. A SecOps approach ensures centralized risk management but may face resistance. IT as the main responsible party offers network and data advantages but often lacks knowledge of fieldwork and threat assessment.
Unification as a Lever
Regardless of the chosen strategy, the white paper advocates for unification: bringing together systems such as video surveillance, access control, and license plate recognition on one platform. This simplifies collaboration, increases situational awareness, and makes data easier to interpret and share. A single unified interface helps reduce alarm fatigue and increases operator efficiency.
Moreover, unification strengthens privacy and cybersecurity measures through centralized policies, such as encryption, access rights, and logging. By treating physical security as an integral part of a global IT architecture, risks can be mitigated more effectively.
Physical Security as a Value Generator
The convergence transforms physical security from a cost center into a source of business value. Through data visualization, patterns in incidents can be recognized, processes optimized, and other departments can be fed with insights. Think of space utilization, visitor flows, or sustainability — all domains in which physical security data unlocks new opportunities.
Are you facing the challenge of better aligning IT and physical security? Then be sure to download the white paper, offered by Genetec, and discover which strategy best suits your organization. Because true resilience only emerges through collaboration.