Why the Future of Physical Security is in the Cloud
There is a continual shift from the traditional, on-premises physical security systems to cloud-native platforms. Overall, this is changing the way organizations manage and secure their environments.
In the past, physical security systems have traditionally depended on on-site servers, network video recorders (NVRs), and fixed infrastructure like hardwired cameras, access control panels, and monitoring stations. In fact, in 2024 State of Physical Security reported that only 33% of physical security systems were housed entirely on premises, with the other two-thirds using cloud or hybrid cloud.
While this was a foundation, physical security also had its limitations. One of the issues was inflexibility. Once a system was installed, it was difficult to make changes – like adding cameras, moving equipment, or adding sites. Plus, the initial investment and the ongoing maintenance were expensive, and traditional systems often weren’t able to grow with an organization. When agility, remote management, and cost-efficiency are important, these limitations have become increasingly challenging.
Cloud-native platforms are solving these issues – let’s explore.
What is a cloud-native physical security platform?
A cloud-native physical security platform is built only for the cloud, which means there are no on-site servers or complex hardware. It handles it all, including video storage, access control, analytics, and system management.
Unlike cloud-connected or hybrid systems, which link cloud features with traditional hardware, cloud-native platforms are designed for remote access, updates, and scalability. Since cloud-native platforms operate fully in the cloud, they are a flexible, cost-effective, and future-ready solution for physical security.
Why cloud-native platforms matter now?
With hybrid workforces, organizations need remote access and real-time management from anywhere. At the same time, multi-location businesses need a way to manage all sites without the difficulty of dealing with separate systems.
With cloud-native platforms, businesses have the ability to stay more responsive and secure. Without the need for on-site servers, new locations can be brought online faster. Even more helpful is the ability to centralize data across all sites. Video footage, access logs, alerts, and analytics are all stored and accessible in one place, so security teams have a unified view. This makes it easier to get data and make accurate decisions – fast.
Main benefits of cloud-native platforms
For physical security teams, cloud-native platforms offer significant benefits to the way they work.
1. Remote monitoring and real-time alerts
Security teams can monitor all locations from anywhere, receive instant alerts, and respond to incidents without being on-site. As a result, this improves efficiency and response time.
2. Faster software updates and maintenance
With cloud-native platforms, updates happen automatically in the background, so there’s no downtime or manual patching. Instead, organizations are always running the latest features and security protections.
3. Predictable costs with subscription models
Cloud-based systems usually follow a subscription pricing model, which means fewer upfront capital expenses and easier budgeting easier with predictable costs.
4. Integration with other cloud tools
Modern platforms integrate with cloud-based HR systems, building automation, and identity management tools, which helps teams manage across departments even better.
For example, if a national retail chain with multiple store locations was using traditional NVR-based systems, it would make it difficult for the central security team to monitor activity, update software, and respond to incidents across locations.
But with a cloud-native physical security platform, cameras and access control devices can be deployed with less on-site infrastructure, and video feeds and security data from all stores can be centralized in the cloud.
Bringing it all together: Cloud-first infrastructure + security workforce management
Just as cloud-native platforms have improved security, cloud-based workforce management solutions are changing how security teams are deployed, monitored, and supported.
Trackforce connects these two areas, as it joins modern infrastructure with smarter, more efficient security operations management.
Benefits of Trackforce’s cloud-based platform:
- Real-time scheduling and deployment: Instantly assign security guards across multiple locations based on availability and real-time needs.
- Mobile patrol tools: Security teams are equipped with mobile apps for check-ins, route tracking, and instant communication. Not only does this help with accountability, but it also improves response times.
- Centralized command: No need for multiple systems as teams can manage incident reports, task lists, and timekeeping from just one unified platform. Check out the Command Center for more information on how you can reduce response times with a centralized view.
- Better visibility: Managers and clients can access dashboards, reports, and analytics for more transparency and oversight.
Move to cloud-based today
From infrastructure to personnel management, cloud-native platforms offer the agility, visibility, and scalability modern security teams need to stay ahead.
Is your security built for today’s challenges…and tomorrow’s growth?
Discover how Trackforce can help you improve security workforce management across every site – and all in the cloud!
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