Tech Services Blog | Tech Advisor Services

Why PSaaS Is the Future of Physical Security

By Barry Bazen • August 4, 2025

If you’re responsible for physical security, whether you are securing a handful of retail stores, a vast network of warehouses, or critical infrastructure, the traditional model of buying and managing security hardware is starting to seem a little dated in today's digital world. Just like software, voice, and network services have shifted into the cloud, physical security is undergoing its own digital transformation. The term Physical Security as a Service (PSaaS) is popping up everywhere and for good reason. Suppliers like Epic.io and YourSix are proving that PSaaS isn’t just another buzzword set of letters, but It’s a smarter, more cost-effective way to protect facilities, assets, and people. PSaaS is actually shaping up to be the future of physical security. Let’s see why. Traditional Physical Security: Clunky and Costly Historically, physical security systems have been a patchwork of: On-premise NVRs and DVRs Analog or IP cameras wired into fixed storage appliances Proprietary software requiring on-site servers Complex integrations between alarms, access control, and video systems All of this meant big upfront costs, ongoing maintenance headaches, and the constant risk of technology obsolescence. Hardware refresh cycles: Every 5-7 years, businesses faced expensive upgrades. Limited scalability: Growing your footprint meant buying more hardware and licenses. Siloed systems: Video, alarms, and access control often operated independently, leaving gaps in response. This model doesn’t mesh well with modern business needs, where agility, remote work, and real-time insights have become standard expectations. Enter PSaaS. What is Physical Security as a Service (PSaaS)? Physical Security as a Service flips the old model on its head. Instead of purchasing hardware and software outright, you “subscribe” to security services delivered from the cloud. PSaaS platforms like Epic.io and YourSix offer: Cloud-based video management Remote access and monitoring from any device AI-driven analytics for threat detection and operational insights Integrated alarm, access control, and video workflows Predictable monthly subscription pricing Think of PSaaS the way you think of UCaaS or CCaaS. It’s security, but as a scalable service instead of a collection of disparate hardware. Key Benefits of PSaaS Here’s why so many IT and security leaders are starting to put PSaaS on their roadmap: 1. Lower Upfront Costs One of the biggest hurdles to physical security upgrades has always been capital expenditure. New cameras, servers, and storage arrays require significant budget allocation. PSaaS changes that. Instead of capital outlay, costs are spread over a predictable monthly or annual subscription. Hardware is often included as part of the service or offered on a Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model. This frees up capital for other strategic projects while keeping security infrastructure modern and up to date. 2. Scalability Without the Headache Opening new locations? Expanding operations? In the old world, you’d be planning: Hardware procurement Shipping logistics Local installation teams Server provisioning With PSaaS, adding cameras or integrating new sites can be as simple as shipping pre-configured devices and plugging them into power and internet. Platforms like YourSix can auto-configure cameras as they connect to the cloud. This makes PSaaS especially attractive for multi-site businesses that need consistent security policies across all locations. 3. Remote Management and Access Modern work environments are decentralized. Security teams can’t always be on-site—but threats can appear anytime, anywhere. With PSaaS: Security footage can be accessed from any device, anywhere in the world. Operators can view live video, review incidents, and share clips without physical access to local servers. IT teams can manage user permissions centrally. Epic.io, for example, enables real-time monitoring and video playback through a web portal, reducing the need for dedicated local infrastructure. This is a game-changer for businesses with distributed operations, remote teams, or limited on-site IT resources. 4. Advanced Analytics and AI Modern PSaaS platforms embed AI and machine learning tools that do much more than record video. Object recognition can differentiate between people, vehicles, animals, or objects left behind. Behavior analytics can detect loitering, tailgating, or perimeter breaches. License plate recognition (LPR) can automate gate access and logging. These capabilities turn video footage into actionable insights, helping businesses improve not just security, but also operational efficiency. YourSix, for example, integrates AI-driven analytics that can alert staff to suspicious behavior in real time—potentially preventing incidents rather than simply documenting them after the fact. 5. Enhanced Cybersecurity Old security systems are notorious for default passwords, outdated firmware, and vulnerable on-premise servers—prime targets for cyberattacks. PSaaS providers, on the other hand, build security into the core of their platforms: Data encrypted in transit and at rest Regular security patches deployed automatically No local servers vulnerable to physical tampering Granular user permissions and logging For organizations increasingly concerned about cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, this is a critical advantage. 6. Simplified Integrations Physical security used to mean separate silos for cameras, alarms, access control, and environmental sensors. PSaaS platforms unify these functions into a single ecosystem. Alarms trigger video bookmarks. Access events link to video snapshots. IoT sensors integrate with video analytics for comprehensive situational awareness. Epic.io’s PSaaS platform, for example, offers open APIs and integrations with existing business systems—like building management, logistics, or customer analytics platforms. This integrated approach means security becomes part of broader business intelligence, not just a standalone cost center. 7. Future-Proof Technology One of the biggest headaches with traditional security systems is technological obsolescence. By the time you finish deploying a new system, the tech may already be outdated. PSaaS providers continuously innovate: Rolling out new AI features Supporting higher-resolution video Enhancing cloud storage options Adding new integrations Because these upgrades are delivered through the cloud, businesses stay current without major rip-and-replace projects. Real-World Use Cases: Epic.io and YourSix Let’s look at how Epic.io and YourSix—two suppliers Tech Advisor Services often works with—are leading the PSaaS charge. Epic.io Epic.io has built a flexible PSaaS platform focused on delivering “Situational Awareness as a Service.” Their solution combines video surveillance, IoT data, and AI analytics into a single cloud-managed interface. Key strengths include: Cloud video management with secure, scalable storage IoT integrations for temperature, door sensors, and asset tracking Advanced AI analytics for real-time alerts Mobile access to live and recorded video feeds Open APIs for custom integrations Epic.io’s customers include critical infrastructure sites, logistics firms, and large retail chains looking to unify security across multiple locations. YourSix YourSix has made a name for itself as a pioneer in true cloud physical security. They offer a pure PSaaS model that includes both hardware and software in a subscription. Highlights: Plug-and-play cameras that auto-connect to the cloud AI-powered video analytics Centralized management of multi-site deployments Secure, cloud-based storage without local NVRs Integration with access control systems YourSix’s solutions have been deployed across retail, manufacturing, and logistics environments where rapid scalability and simplified management are mission-critical. Is PSaaS Right for Your Business? The reality is that PSaaS isn’t a fringe concept anymore—it’s becoming mainstream. And for many businesses, it’s the right choice. If any of these apply to your business, it’s time to explore PSaaS: You have multiple locations needing consistent security policies You’re tired of large capital expenditures and refresh cycles Your IT and security teams are stretched thin You want to leverage AI and analytics for proactive security Cybersecurity and compliance are high priorities You need remote access and centralized management PSaaS offers the flexibility, scalability, and intelligence that modern businesses expect—while often reducing total cost of ownership. Let’s Talk About Your Security Future At Tech Advisor Services, we help mid-market and enterprise clients navigate the shift to PSaaS. We work with leading suppliers like Epic.io and YourSix to design solutions that fit your unique environment, budget, and risk profile. Thinking about modernizing your physical security? Let’s have a conversation. We’ll help you compare suppliers, evaluate costs, and design a roadmap for the future of your security infrastructure.