Mercury Security, a global leader in open architecture access control hardware and an HID brand, recently released its 2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report. According to TahawulTech, the report reveals how changing cybersecurity requirements, interoperability needs, cloud adoption, and emerging technologies are placing greater emphasis on the role controllers play in long-term physical access control strategy.
The report, based on a global survey of 561 security and cybersecurity professionals, found that 78% of respondents consider the controller critical to their physical access control system strategy, an increase from 72% in 2025. Cybersecurity is a significant concern, with 32% reporting missing cybersecurity features in their current systems, up from 21% last year. Interoperability is also a key purchasing factor, with 69% identifying it as critical.
Mobile credentials are gaining traction, with half of respondents already using or planning to adopt them. Cloud connectivity is in high demand, cited by 56% of respondents, though only 41% currently have cloud-enabled controllers. Advanced capabilities like AI-driven behavioral analysis and facial recognition are also influencing controller selection, with 56% and 60% of respondents, respectively, citing them. The findings indicate a shift towards viewing controller selection as a long-term infrastructure strategy, balancing immediate needs with future technological integration.
Source: TahawulTech
