• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

My TechDecisions

  • Best of Tech Decisions
  • Topics
    • Video
    • Audio
    • Mobility
    • Unified Communications
    • IT Infrastructure
    • Network Security
    • Physical Security
    • Facility
    • Compliance
  • RFP Resources
  • Resources
  • Podcasts
  • Project of the Week
  • About Us
    SEARCH
Compliance, Facility, IT Infrastructure, Network Security, News, Physical Security

Why Security Technology Convergence is Crucial to Future-Proofing the Workplace

When it comes to maintaining the security of workplace IT and technology systems, a holistic approach to physical and cybersecurity can help teams create a more robust security posture.

June 28, 2022 Andi Krebs Leave a Comment

Cyber technology security lock on screen, network protection
ChaiwutNNN/stock.adobe.com

Today’s commercial technology stacks are increasingly leveraging IoT and the cloud to make managing businesses more efficient: people are more reliant on technology in order to use, access, and manage their offices. This trend holds true for workplace security systems, too. Now, we’re seeing higher mobile credential adoption for commercial access control systems, increased migration to cloud-based providers, and Statista predicts that there will be over 70 billion IoT-connected devices globally by 2025. 

However, more systems doesn’t always mean better security. And with more passwords, logins, and network-connected technologies at play, expect to see an uptick in hacking attempts and security risks. In fact, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) identified 10 common cybersecurity vulnerabilities linked to physical security weaknesses. When it comes to maintaining the security of workplace IT and technology systems, a holistic approach to physical and cybersecurity can help teams create a more robust, efficient, and future-proof security posture.

What is security convergence, and why does it matter? 

When it comes to physical security and cybersecurity strategies, many companies still structure these teams and technology stacks as separate entities, managed entirely independently of one another. But by bringing them together, also known as security convergence, IT and security teams work in collaboration, with shared goals and datastreams. 

Migrating to this holistic approach can be a big undertaking, but that’s where technology plays a role. Cloud-based IT and security technologies are generally more interoperable, and primed to function as an interconnected system, giving teams a broader view of security network activity.

While some on-premises systems support integration and offer cloud-connected options it’s important to understand any limitations of your existing system when it comes to establishing a truly future-proof IT and security stack. Because speed is critical to identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities, an efficient, interoperable security technology stack that addresses both cyber and physical security as a single system is a powerful tool in future-proofing the workplace. 

The impact of security technology convergence for business IT

In any business organization, change is inevitable. The need for organizations to be able to adapt quickly to new standards and expectations is crucial to success. A future-proof security technology system is one that provides all the necessary protection and features now, but is also ready to support the newest features and functionalities (preferably with easy and automatic updates) to address new vulnerabilities and challenges. Converged technology systems help create a more future-proof environment in three key ways: 

  • Collaboration between systems and teams
    With more hybrid and remote work happening across industries, technology plays a vital role in keeping disparate teams informed and focused. Convergence takes a more proactive approach to security, giving teams the ability to detect potential problems before they occur, rather than reacting after the fact. Being able to identify and address issues remotely is essential in today’s IT landscape. Investing in mobile-ready and cloud-based systems allows remote teams to respond as needed, without sacrificing productivity or convenience. 
  • Opens the door for automations and smarter operations
    A future-proof technology stack should help teams work smarter, not harder. When considering a converged security technology infrastructure, interoperability is one of the most important factors to consider. If existing systems can’t communicate with each other, or are not compatible with the new systems you plan to implement, there will be redundancies, lag time in reponses, and more frustration among staff. New cloud technologies that leverage inter-system automations can help streamline day-to-day operations, such as running reports, freeing up teams to focus on what’s most important. AI technology is also a great way to do more with less investment, helping staff pinpoint potential vulnerabilities before they become a larger problem.
  • Combined data streams for improved business insights
    One of the most overlooked benefits of security technology convergence is all of the data that is now at your fingertips. With connected, cloud-based security systems, data can be aggregated from across different technologies, making for more informed decision-making and improved analytics. With combined data from a commercial door entry system, video analytics software, identity services, and cybersecurity reports, technology managers can more easily identify trends in usage and activity. Leveraging AI business analytics tools can also help improve the accuracy and efficiency of audits over time.  

Questions to ask before updating your business’s security technology

There are many different security system integrators and technology providers in the market, but not all of them offer future-proof or the right customized solutions for your business.

Before you start investing in all-new security technologies for your business, it’s important to take a look at what you currently have, and if it’s working.

Ask yourself these five questions to determine what security technology systems need to be updated, and how to plan a successful migration to a converged security strategy:   

  1. Where are there redundancies across teams and processes, and can they be streamlined with convergence?
  2. Where is there a lack of visibility, or gaps within the existing security systems? 
  3. Can the current system support cloud-based operation with remote functionality?
  4. Do existing systems have the capability to support the integration and automation necessary to address security gaps or redundancies? 
  5. How scalable are your current solutions, and do they have the ability to adapt quickly should your security needs change?

​​Andi KrebsAndi Krebs is the lead copywriter for Openpath Security, a leading provider of mobile and cloud-based access control solutions for business and commercial spaces. Andi covers commercial and business security solutions with a focus on touchless technology and access control. With more than 8 years of experience across a range of industries including ecommerce, business, and tech, Andi has a keen eye for identifying upcoming security trends and intuitive software solutions for the commercial real estate and enterprise market.

 

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our digital newsletters!

Tagged With: Automation, Hybrid Work, Remote Work, Security, security strategy, technology plans

Related Content:

  • Cloud, SASE, Aryaka How the Cloud is Redefining Media Production and…
  • Singlewire Software mass notification interview Singlewire Software on Mass Notification Solutions
  • URI catchbox 1 Catchbox Plus: The Mic Solution That Finally Gave…
  • Engaging virtual meeting with diverse participants discussing creative ideas in a bright office space during daylight hours Diversified Survey: Workplace AV Tech is Falling Short,…

Free downloadable guide you may like:

  • Practical Design Guide for Office SpacesPractical Design Guide for Office Spaces

    Recent Gartner research shows that workers prefer to return to the office for in-person meetings for relevant milestones, as well as for face-to-face time with co-workers. When designing the office spaces — and meeting spaces in particular — enabling that connection between co-workers is crucial. But introducing the right collaboration technology in meeting spaces can […]

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Downloads

Practical Design Guide for Office Spaces
Practical Design Guide for Office Spaces

Recent Gartner research shows that workers prefer to return to the office for in-person meetings for relevant milestones, as well as for face-to-fa...

New Camera Can Transform Your Live Production Workflow
New Camera System Can Transform Your Live Production Workflow

Sony's HXC-FZ90 studio camera system combines flexibility and exceptional image quality with entry-level pricing.

Creating Great User Experience and Ultimate Flexibility with Clickshare

Working and collaborating in any office environment today should be meaningful, as workers today go to office for very specific reasons. When desig...

View All Downloads

Would you like your latest project featured on TechDecisions as Project of the Week?

Apply Today!

More from Our Sister Publications

Get the latest news about AV integrators and Security installers from our sister publications:

Commercial IntegratorSecurity Sales

AV-iQ

Footer

TechDecisions

  • Home
  • Welcome to TechDecisions
  • Contact Us
  • Comment Guidelines
  • RSS Feeds
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin

Free Technology Guides

FREE Downloadable resources from TechDecisions provide timely insight into the issues that IT, A/V, and Security end-users, managers, and decision makers are facing in commercial, corporate, education, institutional, and other vertical markets

View all Guides
TD Project of the Week

Get your latest project featured on TechDecisions Project of the Week. Submit your work once and it will be eligible for all upcoming weeks.

Enter Today!
Emerald Logo
ABOUTCAREERSAUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERSYour Privacy ChoicesTERMS OF USEPRIVACY POLICY

© 2025 Emerald X, LLC. All rights reserved.