News Poll: AI automation, analytics peak interest in 2026

YARMOUTH, Maine — Which trends do integrators believe will influence their businesses in the year head? The majority of respondents to an SSN News Poll (57.14%) said it’s the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered video analytics and smart cameras.

Rounding out the trends of interest are the expansion of cloud and hybrid security platforms, the convergence of cyber and physical security, and the rising interest in mobile credentials and biometric access control.

Need to reduce op-ex

Poll respondents anticipate financial hiccups in 2026, with the majority prioritizing increasing investments in software, analytics and integration (42.86%) at the same time as reducing spending due to project delays and economic conditions (42.86%).

“We'll be looking closely at what can be automated using AI to reduce operating costs,” wrote one respondent.

Only slightly more than a quarter of respondents indicated that they believe their customers will shift spending toward cybersecurity and IT integration in 2026.

AI, all the time

As for their top priority in 2026, 57.14% of respondents agreed they will be building expertise in AI, cloud and/or data analytics. Expanding revenue through managed services, recruiting and retaining trained staff, and strengthening partnerships were also popular priorities (28.57%).

“AI-powered analytics and managed services will be paramount for the future of our industry,” said Nick McAmis, president/CEO of Sentry Security Solutions, Fort Worth, Texas. “As threats become more sophisticated and response expectations rise, organizations need solutions that can analyze data in real time, identify risks proactively, and assist in streamlining decision-making.”