Emerging physical security technologies: A strategic opportunity for ScanSource partners
The physical security world is changing fast—and that’s good news for ScanSource partners who are ready to lead the way. From AI-powered analytics to mobile credentials, the industry is shifting toward systems that don’t just record incidents but anticipate and prevent them.
Ahead of our 2025 Partner First conference, ScanSource surveyed our physical security partners to learn where they see the most opportunity. The results were clear: our partners are eager to adopt next-generation solutions that blend intelligence, automation, and connectivity. These aren’t just exciting ideas—they’re the technologies shaping the future of security.
A clear signal from the market
The global physical security market is expanding rapidly, driven by new demands for remote access, data integration, and proactive protection.
What partners are saying
Our survey results reinforce what the market is already signaling: a shift from reactive systems to connected, intelligent ones.
Top technologies of interest:
How these technologies are transforming the industry AI-powered analytics
Artificial intelligence is helping systems move from reactive to proactive. By detecting anomalies in real time, AI-driven analytics enable predictive alerts, reducing the need for manual monitoring. “At this point, much of it is still buzzwords,” says Brian James, VP, Security Sales at ScanSource, “but we’re starting to see solutions that truly deliver predictive analytics. Over time, these technologies will automate threat detection and reduce reliance on human monitoring. We’re already seeing analytics enhance situational awareness and decision-making. For partners, this evolution means moving beyond product sales toward intelligent services that add measurable value.
Cloud-based management and storage
Cloud technology is transforming how security systems are managed. Centralized, remote platforms allow teams to monitor multiple sites, apply updates automatically, and scale deployments easily. “For cloud solutions, it’s all about remote access, management, and scalability,” says James. “They can also reduce labor costs with remote updates and maintenance.” As the market continues to shift toward subscription-based Software-as-a-Service and Hardware-as-a-Service models, partners have a new opportunity to generate recurring revenue and strengthen customer relationships.
Smart sensors and IoT integration
Smart sensors expand visibility beyond video and access control. They detect environmental factors—motion, sound, vibration, temperature—that enrich the overall security picture. James notes, “Smart sensor technology is an area of strength. It gives us new ways to monitor changes and identify potential risks before they escalate.” Integrating these sensors with AI systems creates a network that not only responds to events but learns from them.
Mobile credentials and biometrics
Security is becoming more personal and seamless. Replacing physical keycards with mobile credentials and biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or facial recognition enhances both convenience and security. This move toward touchless access—accelerated by post-pandemic preferences—aligns with growing expectations for integrated identity management.
Where the biggest opportunities lie
The top growth areas—video surveillance and access control—remain the foundation of physical security. However, layering AI, cloud management, and mobile identity solutions on top turns these systems into connected intelligence platforms. Partners who integrate these capabilities can offer smart, scalable, and service-driven solutions that strengthen customer loyalty and drive recurring revenue. The future of security isn’t about adding more devices—it’s about connecting them in meaningful, data-driven ways.
Five practical next steps for partners
At ScanSource, we help partners deliver complete technology solutions that combine hardware, software, and services. Whether you’re focused on video surveillance, access control, cloud management, or AI analytics, we provide the supplier relationships, training, and resources you need to bring these solutions to market quickly and effectively. With the global physical security market expected to reach $216.43 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research), there’s never been a better time to innovate and expand. Hardware still matters—but intelligence, connectivity, and automation are the new differentiators. Together, we can move from traditional security to intelligent security, from installations to managed services, and from one-time projects to long-term partnerships.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out to your ScanSource sales representative to explore available suppliers, training programs, and pilot opportunities that can help you grow in this evolving market.
Ahead of our 2025 Partner First conference, ScanSource surveyed our physical security partners to learn where they see the most opportunity. The results were clear: our partners are eager to adopt next-generation solutions that blend intelligence, automation, and connectivity. These aren’t just exciting ideas—they’re the technologies shaping the future of security.
A clear signal from the market
The global physical security market is expanding rapidly, driven by new demands for remote access, data integration, and proactive protection.
- The market was valued at $113.24 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $120.83 billion in 2025, growing at a 7.2% CAGR through 2032 (Fortune Business Insights).
- Another study projects $147.36 billion in 2024, reaching $216.43 billion by 2030 with a 6.5% CAGR (Grand View Research).
What partners are saying
Our survey results reinforce what the market is already signaling: a shift from reactive systems to connected, intelligent ones.
Top technologies of interest:
- 73.52% – AI-powered analytics
- 51.16% – cloud-based management and storage
- 41.90% – smart sensors
- 41.39% – mobile credentials and biometrics
- 77.63% – video surveillance
- 70.44% – access control
- 25.45% – intrusion detection
- 9.51% – fire detection
How these technologies are transforming the industry AI-powered analytics
Artificial intelligence is helping systems move from reactive to proactive. By detecting anomalies in real time, AI-driven analytics enable predictive alerts, reducing the need for manual monitoring. “At this point, much of it is still buzzwords,” says Brian James, VP, Security Sales at ScanSource, “but we’re starting to see solutions that truly deliver predictive analytics. Over time, these technologies will automate threat detection and reduce reliance on human monitoring. We’re already seeing analytics enhance situational awareness and decision-making. For partners, this evolution means moving beyond product sales toward intelligent services that add measurable value.
Cloud-based management and storage
Cloud technology is transforming how security systems are managed. Centralized, remote platforms allow teams to monitor multiple sites, apply updates automatically, and scale deployments easily. “For cloud solutions, it’s all about remote access, management, and scalability,” says James. “They can also reduce labor costs with remote updates and maintenance.” As the market continues to shift toward subscription-based Software-as-a-Service and Hardware-as-a-Service models, partners have a new opportunity to generate recurring revenue and strengthen customer relationships.
Smart sensors and IoT integration
Smart sensors expand visibility beyond video and access control. They detect environmental factors—motion, sound, vibration, temperature—that enrich the overall security picture. James notes, “Smart sensor technology is an area of strength. It gives us new ways to monitor changes and identify potential risks before they escalate.” Integrating these sensors with AI systems creates a network that not only responds to events but learns from them.
Mobile credentials and biometrics
Security is becoming more personal and seamless. Replacing physical keycards with mobile credentials and biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or facial recognition enhances both convenience and security. This move toward touchless access—accelerated by post-pandemic preferences—aligns with growing expectations for integrated identity management.
Where the biggest opportunities lie
The top growth areas—video surveillance and access control—remain the foundation of physical security. However, layering AI, cloud management, and mobile identity solutions on top turns these systems into connected intelligence platforms. Partners who integrate these capabilities can offer smart, scalable, and service-driven solutions that strengthen customer loyalty and drive recurring revenue. The future of security isn’t about adding more devices—it’s about connecting them in meaningful, data-driven ways.
Five practical next steps for partners
- Pilot AI and smart systems – Test analytics tools in low-risk environments to showcase measurable ROI, such as reduced false alarms or faster response times.
- Invest in training – Build your team’s expertise in cloud deployment, analytics configuration, and security best practices.
- Educate end users – Demonstrate how AI and cloud solutions improve efficiency, scalability, and return on investment.
- Bundle and differentiate – Package solutions like video, analytics, cloud storage, and mobile access into unified service offerings.
- Stay ahead of the curve – Track trends in edge AI, 5G/6G, and digital identity platforms, ensuring security and privacy remain central to every deployment.
At ScanSource, we help partners deliver complete technology solutions that combine hardware, software, and services. Whether you’re focused on video surveillance, access control, cloud management, or AI analytics, we provide the supplier relationships, training, and resources you need to bring these solutions to market quickly and effectively. With the global physical security market expected to reach $216.43 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research), there’s never been a better time to innovate and expand. Hardware still matters—but intelligence, connectivity, and automation are the new differentiators. Together, we can move from traditional security to intelligent security, from installations to managed services, and from one-time projects to long-term partnerships.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out to your ScanSource sales representative to explore available suppliers, training programs, and pilot opportunities that can help you grow in this evolving market.