From protection to intelligence: how security systems are powering smart operations

Once viewed solely as tools for guarding premises and protecting assets, security systems are now being woven into the operational fabric of modern businesses. As technology converges, so too do formerly distinct domains - physical security, cybersecurity, and increasingly, operational technology. For systems integrators, this shift represents both a challenge and a unique opportunity to redefine their value in a rapidly changing market.
 
According to Boudewijn Pesch, Vice President of Japan and Asia Pacific Channel Sales at Verkada, the next evolution of security convergence is well underway - and it’s no longer just about safety.
 
“The connected, smart building is no longer a concept - it’s a reality that is enabling organizations to gather data and insights for use cases far beyond traditional safety and security,” Pesch said in an interview with asmag.com. “Security solutions like AI-powered cameras, access control systems, and environmental sensors can augment and support other infrastructure, like point-of-sale systems or manufacturing equipment.”
 
This emerging trend marks a major turning point in how organizations deploy and utilize security systems. Instead of being isolated functions, these technologies are becoming integrated sources of real-time intelligence that help optimize operations, improve customer experiences, and increase workplace efficiency.

Security meets operational technology

Traditionally, operational technology (OT) referred to the hardware and software that monitors and controls industrial equipment, HVAC systems, lighting, and other non-IT infrastructure.
 
But as the Internet of Things (IoT) gains ground in commercial and industrial environments, OT is converging with information technology (IT) systems - and now, with security systems as well.
 
In this new architecture, video surveillance cameras, access control systems, and environmental sensors are no longer just security assets; they are data points that can interact with other building systems. For example, occupancy sensors integrated with HVAC systems can help regulate climate control based on real-time room usage. Video analytics can provide retailers with customer behavior insights that shape store layouts. In factories, footage can help trace the exact moment and location 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, to quickly search for footage when chips, dents, or dings may have occurred.”

A strategic shift for integrators

For security integrators, this convergence signals a shift in both scope and responsibility. It’s no longer enough to offer point solutions that address single problems. Today’s clients expect interoperability, centralized control, and business intelligence - all built on secure and privacy-compliant platforms.
 
“This is an incredible 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 educating stakeholders on how to interpret and act on the insights provided by integrated systems. Increasingly, integrators are expected to play the role of solution architects, helping clients move beyond reactive security to proactive decision-making.
 
Cloud platforms play a pivotal role in enabling this transformation. Because they are inherently 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 isn’t just about technology - it’s about outcomes. Businesses are increasingly using security infrastructure as part of their data strategy. In retail, for example, video analytics can reveal customer dwell times, identify high-traffic zones, and even help prevent inventory shrinkage. In offices, access logs can inform energy-saving policies or ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.
 
The hospitality sector is also reaping the benefits. Hotels are using occupancy sensors and access control systems to automate lighting and climate control, reducing energy costs while enhancing guest comfort. Meanwhile, healthcare providers are integrating security systems with nurse call and patient monitoring systems to improve response times and accountability.
 
Each of these scenarios underscores a fundamental truth: 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 future-focused mindset. That means staying current with cloud technologies, gaining fluency in both security and IT domains, and understanding the business logic of various industries.
 
Pesch emphasizes that integrators who proactively adapt will be best positioned to thrive. This includes not only deploying systems but engaging in strategic planning with clients to design integrated environments that evolve alongside 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 foundational pillars of 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 such as GDPR and SOC 2 becomes a differentiator rather than a burden. Cloud-based platforms that natively support these compliance requirements provide a strategic advantage—offering peace of mind to organizations that must navigate both regulatory and reputational risks.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

Despite the promise, the path forward is not without its hurdles. Legacy systems, budget constraints, and siloed departments can all impede integration efforts. Resistance to change - especially in large, traditionally-structured organizations - can also slow progress.
 
Yet the direction of travel is clear. As buildings become smarter and business operations more data-driven, security infrastructure will be expected to do more than 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 represents a once-in-a-generation 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.