Jaroslav Barton points to increased interoperability as a key trend.

“It means that different access control systems are not used for sole purpose of the access control only, but being integrated into different smart building systems, smart building solutions. But also with other security systems like CCTV or fire alarm systems”, he says.

Seamless solutions

Digitalisation and cyber security are other key trends highlighted by Jaroslav Barton. Looking ahead, he believes that digitalisation and a wider range of digital solutions will define the next generation of access control.

“And with advances in AI, we may see more advanced biometric solutions in the future. I believe the ultimate goal – for access control companies as well as users – is to have a fully seamless access control solution” he says.

More interviews to follow

The Security Technology Trends 2026 series was produced between October and December 2025 and includes interviews with Alexander Holmström, Executive VP EMEA/APAC & Global Revenue Operations at Acre Security; Kettil Stenberg, Group CEO, Heras Group; James McHale, CEO, Memoori; Stefan Albertsson, CEO, Addsecure; and Jaroslav Barton, Director of Product Marketing, Physical Access Control, at HID Global.