GSX 2024: 5 Security Trends Shaping the Future of Facility Management

Attending GSX 2024 was an incredible experience. Seeing so many passionate professionals from across the security industry come together to showcase cutting-edge solutions and share insights was inspiring. The energy at the conference was contagious—every booth, presentation, and conversation highlighted just how much innovation is happening in the security industry.   

Throughout the event, five key trends shaping security technology's future stood out. These trends set the stage for the future, and I'm excited to dive into each one. 

1. Harnessing Data and Analytics for Proactive Security: Making Informed Decisions Faster 

It was clear that the industry is shifting toward a more proactive approach, where data isn't just collected for record-keeping but actively used to drive security strategies. I noticed a strong focus among companies on how their solutions leverage data to enhance decision-making. 

The emphasis was on speed and precision—how quickly we can make informed decisions when every second counts. Emerging technologies have opened doors for organizations to collect, analyze, and act on data in ways that were not possible just a few years ago. It's no longer about waiting for incidents to happen and then responding; it's about anticipating and preventing issues before they occur.   

For many large organizations, having access to real-time data is essential. There were discussions about how analytics tools that can instantly flag unusual patterns, offer security teams the insights to take action before a situation escalates. This proactive approach is becoming the new standard, and it's exciting to see how our industry is evolving to meet these demands head-on.    

2. The Ethical Frontier of AI-Driven Security: Balancing Innovation with Accountability

Across the show floor, many companies integrated some element of artificial intelligence (AI) into their messaging, highlighting how evolved this technology has become in many different industries. What struck me most was the discussions about the using AI for reactive responses—like flagging a security breach as it happens—to more predictive and preventative measures.   

A quote that resonated with me came from Andy Trench in GSX’s recent blog that summed up the conversations about AI at the conference really well. He spoke about the future of AI in security and described it as moving from reactive to predictive, and that really captures the direction we're heading.

The new wave of AI technology, particularly generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) goes beyond simply identifying objects or actions. These systems are now training on vast amounts of behavioral data, which opens the potential for AI to interpret emotions and intent. Imagine AI that doesn't just spot a weapon but can also detect agitation or anger, offering security teams a chance to intervene before a situation escalates. 

Of course, with this power comes the need for responsible development. One major challenge mentioned was ensuring trust and transparency in AI systems. There's a fine line between a groundbreaking tool and one that could undermine confidence if it produces too many false positives. No one wants to be in a position where security teams doubt the system's reliability because they don't understand how it reached a conclusion.

It's essential that AI solutions evolve beyond the "black-box" approach; we need to know how and why these systems make the decisions they do.  

3. Bridging the Gap: Integrating Physical and Digital Security for a Unified Approach

One of the key trends I noticed while walking the halls of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando was the growing emphasis on integrating physical security systems with digital solutions. This year, there was a noticeable focus on traditional physical security infrastructure—things like doors, gates, security cameras, and access control. However, the difference now is how these elements integrate with cutting-edge digital technologies. 

Companies showcased solutions connecting these physical components with software solutions, creating more intelligent, responsive systems. For instance, physical security systems are now integrating with cloud platforms, like iLobby's FacilityOS, providing a seamless experience where visitor management, entry logs, and security alerts are all connected and accessible from a single interface. 

What really stood out to me was the emphasis on breaking down silos between digital and physical security teams. It's not enough to have advanced tech if the cyber and physical teams aren't aligned. A cohesive approach, where both sides work together, ensures a more comprehensive security strategy. This collaboration allows organizations to respond quickly and effectively to incidents using physical tools and digital insights. 

4. Preparing for the Unexpected: Leveraging Emergency Alerts for External Threats

Another compelling theme was the focus on emergency management and alert systems. Companies and thought leaders brought forward solutions that leverage data and geolocation to issue alerts based on external factors like natural disasters and regional incidents. This approach stood out because it shifts the focus from managing emergencies within a facility to anticipating and responding to incidents happening in the surrounding area or region. 

There was talk around recent weather events and the challenges faced by manufacturers during these emergencies. The consensus was clear: the time frame to respond to these escalating events is shrinking, and their unpredictability makes it crucial for organizations to be prepared for a range of scenarios.

This isn't just about planning for the worst—it's about expecting the unexpected and having the tools to react swiftly and effectively.   

I found it interesting how technology is evolving to help organizations prepare for these external threats in more sophisticated ways. Solutions like iLobby's EmergencyOS allow businesses to integrate these external risks directly into their facility's security framework, such as extreme weather or other regional threats.  

It's about moving beyond traditional emergency management and expanding that scope to include more factors that could impact operations and safety.

5. Beyond the Lobby: How Advanced Visitor Management Systems Elevate Security and Emergency Readiness

There was quite a buzz around visitor management systems (VMS) and their critical role in modern security and emergency preparedness. Many companies are starting to pair basic visitor management features with their existing security solutions, but I noticed a gap—most of these offerings only scratch the surface. They cover the essentials like check-ins and ID verification but lack the depth needed for comprehensive security management.   

That's why I'm proud of what we're doing at iLobby. We've taken a more robust approach by designing a VMS within our facility management platform that connects seamlessly with emergency and security modules. Our solution doesn't just log visitors—it actively contributes to a safer and more efficient environment. For instance, it provides real-time alerts and monitoring capabilities for everyone on-site, including visitors and contractors, making it easy to respond to emergencies or unexpected situations quickly and effectively.   

For large organizations, especially those with complex compliance requirements and high visitor traffic, having an integrated system isn't just a convenience; it's a necessity. By integrating visitor management, emergency systems, and access control into a unified platform, we help companies navigate these challenges without compromising safety or efficiency.

Our goal is to provide tools that do more than check a box—they transform how businesses manage risk, ensuring that security and preparedness are woven into every aspect of facility operations. 

It's exciting to see the industry moving in this direction, and it's clear that businesses are starting to realize the benefits of a truly integrated approach. At iLobby, we're committed to leading this shift, offering solutions that streamline operations and create safer, more secure environments for our clients. 

The Future of Facility Security: Shaping the Industry Beyond 2024

As I reflect on GSX 2024, one thing is clear: the future of security is all about integration, intelligence, and proactive response. The trends we saw—from data-driven decision-making to AI regulation and digital and physical security integration—are shaping a more connected and responsive security landscape. It's not just about adopting new technologies; it's about how these tools work together to create safer, smarter environments.   

Looking ahead, I anticipate that next year's GSX will dive even deeper into these themes. As security threats evolve, so will the technology that helps us manage them. I'm excited to see how the industry will advance at next year's GSX and how we at iLobby can contribute to these advancements, ensuring our clients have the tools they need to stay ahead.