Security industry embraces mobile credentials, biometrics and AI

Issue 1 2025 AI & Data Analytics, Access Control & Identity Management, Integrated Solutions

As organisations navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, security leaders are making strategic shifts toward unified platforms and emerging technologies, according to the newly released 2025 State of Security and Identity Report from HID. The comprehensive study gathered responses from 1800 partners, end users, and security and IT personnel worldwide, and reveals a significant transformation in how businesses are approaching security, with mobile credentials and artificial intelligence emerging as key drivers of innovation.

"The security industry is at a pivotal moment where the integration of modern technology with existing infrastructure is no longer optional—it's imperative," said Ramesh Songukrishnasamy, Sr. VP of Engineering at HID. "The fact that 73% of security leaders now prioritise software-driven unified solutions shows we've moved beyond traditional silo approaches. Organisations are demanding platforms that can scale with their needs while providing actionable intelligence."

Key findings from the report include:

A shift away from traditional access methods: The rapid rise of mobile credentials, with 61% of security leaders identifying their proliferation as a top trend, signals a significant shift away from traditional access methods. Nearly two-thirds are either deploying or planning to deploy mobile solutions. Concurrently, demand for biometric technologies such as fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition is on the rise: about 35% of respondents currently use biometric technology, while 13% plan to, indicating significant growth potential in this segment.

Growing demand for unified security management solutions: As organisations diversify security technology today, many security leaders (67%) are making moves to adopt software-driven security solutions, citing that unifying multiple data collection methodologies would be “somewhat” or “very important” (73%) to their organisation.

Strong preference for open platforms that facilitate seamless integration: Interoperability has become synonymous with progress across the security industry over the last few years, and the trend continues as more than half of security professionals reported open solutions as being “extremely” or “very” important to their organisations.

Strategic focus on converging platform solutions: Nearly two thirds of organisations and 73% of integrators and consultants report a shift toward software-driven security solutions that bridge physical and digital functions like video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection into a more unified platform.

Significant channel transformation: The security channel is undergoing significant transformation driven by digital innovation. While 77% of channel partners believe they are adapting well to these changes, growing end-user demand for AI, cloud solutions, IoT integration, and advanced analytics is reshaping service expectations. To thrive, the channel must continuously evolve and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the market and keep pace with digital transformation within the security sector.

Accelerated adoption of AI agents to enhance security: AI agents are being rapidly adopted to enhance security operations. Use cases are proliferating across access control, identity management, video, and security management platforms. Key benefits cited include improved efficiency and speed of security processes (50%) and enhanced real-time data analysis capabilities (47%).

Emphasis on sustainability in security decision-making: Sustainability is still a key factor in security decision-making, with 75% of security leaders now factoring it into their solution selection process. However, sustainability is not the most critical factor when selecting new solutions as security and cost-effectiveness are still the highest priority for 80% of integrators and consultants.

The full report includes additional global data and further analysis, and is available here.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Identity, Security & Access Alliance focuses on intelligence and integration
SMART Security Solutions Ideco Biometrics BoomGate Systems Bosch Building Technologies Technews Publishing Integrated Solutions Surveillance Access Control & Identity Management
The Identity, Security & Access Alliance (ISAA) hosted several launch events in Johannesburg in August, showcasing the participating companies’ technical solutions with a primary focus on the solutions made possible by integrating high-quality systems to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Read more...
Make BIG and COMPLEX small and manageable
neaMetrics Suprema AI & Data Analytics Surveillance Integrated Solutions
Traditional CCTV and access systems often operate separately, creating gaps in visibility and efficiency. TRASSIR and Suprema have partnered to develop an integrated platform that improves security, operations, and situational awareness.

Read more...
Get the AI fundamentals right
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
Much of the marketing for CCTV AI detection implies the client can just drop the AI into their existing systems and operations, and they will be detecting all criminals and be far more efficient when doing it.

Read more...
SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg
Arteco Global Africa Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Axis Communications SA neaMetrics Editor's Choice Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
SMART Security Solutions hosted its annual SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg in July, welcoming several guests, sponsors, and speakers for an informative and enjoyable day examining the evolution of the surveillance market.

Read more...
The global generative AI market surpassed $130 billion in 2024
News & Events AI & Data Analytics
According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm, Berg Insight, the Generative AI (GenAI) market grew substantially in 2024, experiencing triple-digit growth rates in all three major segments: GenAI hardware, foundation models, and development platforms.

Read more...
Questing for the quantum AI advantage
Infrastructure AI & Data Analytics
The clock is ticking down to the realisation of quantum AI and the sought-after ‘quantum advantage’. In many boardrooms, however, quantum remains mysterious; full of promise, but not fully understood.

Read more...
IoT-driven smart data to stay ahead
IoT & Automation Infrastructure AI & Data Analytics
In a world where uncertainty is constant, the real competitive edge lies in foresight. Businesses that turn real-time data into proactive strategies will not just survive, they will lead.

Read more...
Nice unveils MyNice Smartgo
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Nice SA has announced the release of MyNice Smartgo, a compact access automation solution, designed specifically for the South African market, combining an easy-to-install device with a user-friendly smartphone application.friendly smartphone application.

Read more...
SA businesses embrace GenAI, but strategy and skills lag
News & Events AI & Data Analytics
South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, but most are doing so without formal strategies, dedicated leadership, or the infrastructure required to maximise value and minimise risk.

Read more...
Eagle Eye Precision Person & Vehicle Detection
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
Eagle Eye’s new Precision Person & Vehicle Detection feature detects people and vehicles at long distances with high accuracy and is especially designed for customers who actively monitor for intruders

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.