As organizations modernize their physical security systems, access control infrastructure is taking on a more strategic role. Mercury Security, a global provider of open architecture access control hardware and an HID brand, has released its 2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report, highlighting how cybersecurity requirements, cloud adoption, interoperability, and emerging technologies are influencing infrastructure decisions.

Based on a global survey of 561 physical security and cybersecurity professionals, the report found that 78% of respondents consider controllers important or critical to their physical access control system (PACS) strategy, up from 72% in 2025.

Cybersecurity remains a key concern. Around 32% of respondents said their existing controller systems lack cybersecurity features, compared with 21% in 2025. Meanwhile, 74% reported that coordination between cybersecurity and IT teams has become more complex, even as 86% said their organizations actively work to keep up with changing cybersecurity and data protection standards.

Interoperability And Cloud Adoption Shape Decisions

The report found that 69% of respondents consider interoperability critical when purchasing controllers, while 82% view backward and forward compatibility as important to future infrastructure planning. These priorities reflect organizations’ efforts to modernize systems while protecting existing investments and maintaining flexibility for future upgrades.

Cloud capabilities are also influencing purchasing decisions. Cited by 56% of respondents, cloud connectivity rose from 50% in 2025 as a factor driving controller purchases. However, only 41% said their controllers are currently cloud-enabled, while 26% reported that cloud enablement is missing from their existing systems.

Mobile credentials are another consideration, with half of respondents already using or planning to adopt mobile solutions and 46% identifying mobile credential integration as a purchasing driver.

Emerging Technologies Expand Access Control Capabilities

The growing use of AI and advanced analytics is adding new requirements to security infrastructure. The report found that 60% of respondents cited facial recognition, while 56% identified behavioral analysis and anomaly detection, up from 44% in 2025. Predictive security and threat prevention were cited by 50%.

Beyond traditional door access, more than 39% of respondents are exploring or have adopted edge computing, while 41% have integrated controller data with building occupancy and utilization programs.

According to Steve Lucas, Vice President of Sales at Mercury Security, organizations are seeking infrastructure that addresses current cybersecurity risks while allowing them to protect existing investments and accommodate future capabilities.

Overall, the report highlights how access controller selection is increasingly tied to long-term planning, with organizations weighing reliability, cybersecurity, integration, and the flexibility to adopt emerging technologies over time.