What Kansas City Commercial Customers Are Really Looking for in Physical Security in 2025

By David Strickland, COO of Kenton Brothers

If you’ve been Googling “security system upgrade” lately or walked through the aisles of a big security trade show, you’ve probably noticed the same buzzwords popping up everywhere: hybrid cloud, AI analytics, mobile credentials, unified platforms.

It can feel like a lot. And if you’re wondering, “Am I the only one who feels stuck between old systems and all this new tech?”, you’re not. The truth is, most organizations are in that exact same boat. The good news? The industry is finally catching up to what real businesses actually need: solutions that are easy to use, flexible, and comprehensive.

And that’s where we come in. At Kenton Brothers Systems for Security, our job is to help you cut through the noise and build a system that works for you—not the other way around.

What Customers Are Asking For in 2025

1. Security Systems That Flex With You

Nobody wants to rip out everything they already own just to modernize. That’s why “hybrid cloud” is such a hot topic. It simply means you can keep some things local (on-prem or at the edge) while moving other parts to the cloud. It’s about choice, flexibility, and evolving at your own pace.

2. Smarter, Not Just Bigger

Cameras and alarms are great—but what do you do when you’re drowning in alerts? That’s where AI and analytics come in. Smarter systems can flag what matters (like unusual behavior or trespassing) and filter out the rest, so your team spends less time chasing false alarms.

3. One System, Not Five

It’s frustrating to juggle different logins for cameras, door access, alarms, and visitor systems. More and more, customers are looking for one unified platform where everything connects. When your access system and cameras talk to each other, life gets a whole lot easier.

4. Simple, Easy-to-Use Tools

Security systems don’t need to be complicated. Today, people want intuitive dashboards, mobile apps, and “single pane of glass” control. Your team shouldn’t need hours of training just to unlock a door or review footage.

5. Mobile and Touchless Access

We live on our phones. Why not let them be your keys, too? Mobile credentials and touchless access are exploding because they’re convenient, secure, and cut down on lost badges. And yes—there are still cards or fobs for people who want them.

6. Stronger Identity Checks

In higher-security environments, companies are layering in biometrics (like facial recognition or fingerprints) and multi-factor authentication. It’s about adding assurance without adding friction.

7. Don’t Forget the Perimeter

It’s not just about doors anymore. Parking lots, gates, and campus perimeters are getting more attention. License plate recognition cameras and smart gates make it easier to manage vehicles coming and going.

8. Freedom From Lock-In

No one wants to be trapped with a single vendor forever. That’s why open platforms and interoperable systems are such a big deal. They let you expand, upgrade, and mix in new tech down the road.

9. Security That Respects Privacy

Because today’s security systems are digital, they also hold sensitive data. That means encryption, privacy, and compliance are all part of the package. It’s not just about protecting your building—it’s about protecting your business reputation, too.

You’re Not Alone, And You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Here’s the truth: every company out there is wrestling with the same challenges—outdated systems, rising expectations, tighter budgets, and confusing options. The difference comes down to having the right commercial security partner.

That’s where Kenton Brothers comes in with the KB Advantage:

• We listen first, so we understand your current systems and pain points.
• We design a roadmap that fits your budget and timeline, no “rip it all out and start over” nonsense.
• We choose solutions that play well together and leave room for future growth.
• We deliver systems your team will actually enjoy using.
• We stay with you long-term, updating, monitoring, and helping you adapt as your needs change.

Here’s a quick example:

One client had three separate systems across multiple buildings, different vendors, different logins, constant headaches. Over six months, we migrated everything into a unified hybrid-cloud system. Now, their IT and operations teams can grant access, pull video, and track incidents, all from one simple dashboard.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, you’re not alone. The fact that you’re seeing these trends everywhere just proves that the industry is shifting in the same direction you’re already thinking.

The key is to move forward intentionally, with a partner who understands the technology and how it fits your world.

At Kenton Brothers, we’ve been protecting people, property, and peace of mind for more than a century. And in 2025, our promise is the same: security solutions that are easy, comprehensive, and built for you.

If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s talk. We’ll help you make sense of the buzzwords and build something that actually makes your life easier.