The Skinny
-
In a 1:1 interview with SecurityInfoWatch, Adam Stroud emphasized the importance of simplicity and usability for integrators
-
He challenged the true cost-benefit of cloud systems that fail to deliver operational savings
-
Stroud described how channel roles are shifting as integrators adapt to hybrid environments and service models
Adam Stroud isn’t much for hype. When he talks about the future of access control, he’s more likely to focus on usability, integrator pain points and the quiet creep of technological change than sweeping declarations about disruption. But make no mistake: he sees the industry shifting, just not always in the ways people expect.
As CEO of U.K.-based Paxton Access, Stroud is focused on designing systems that meet rising end-user demands without overwhelming the integrators who install and support them. In a one-on-one interview at Paxton’s new U.S. headquarters in Greenville, S.C., he discussed cloud adoption, mobile credentials, AI and channel pressures, and shared where he believes real innovation is still possible.
Reimagining simplicity in a complex market
At the heart of Paxton’s development philosophy, Stroud said, is a commitment to designing systems not just for today’s needs but for tomorrow’s expectations. “The best product innovations,” he explained, “come from understanding customer requirements combined with a grasp of emerging technology. That intersection is where you create something customers didn’t know they needed, but delivers real value.”
Paxton’s dual approach reflects that thinking. Its Net2 platform supports a more open, integrator-driven environment, while Paxton10 offers an all-in-one solution that consolidates access control and video management into a unified platform. Stroud said this duality helps meet the needs of different markets, including those that value customization and those that prioritize simplicity.
“Simplicity is our mission,” he said. “Everyone wants things to be easier. We believe that integrated systems — access and video, for example — shouldn’t be reserved for enterprise deployments. They should be available to every small and mid-sized business, school, or hospital.”
Tackling integration channel friction
Stroud acknowledged that integrators today are navigating a hybrid world, straddling legacy systems and emerging technologies. That complexity creates friction, especially around training, deployment and ongoing support.
“Some customers still want on-prem. Some want cloud. Some want RFID. Others want mobile. Integrators are having to support all of it at once,” he said. “And every return trip to a job site eats away at their profit.”
Paxton’s response is twofold: build systems that are simple to install and maintain, and offer world-class training and support at no cost. “We consider integrators our customers,” Stroud said. “So everything we do — from product design to support — is about making their experience better.”
Cloud, mobile & the true cost of innovation
Stroud is particularly candid about cloud adoption in security. He argues that while cloud-based systems offer real benefits, many current implementations don’t go far enough. “Too often, it’s just a lift-and-shift of legacy architecture,” he said. “You’re paying for the same hardware, the same installation, and now you’re also paying for the cloud. That’s not value.”
He believes true cloud innovation should unlock operational savings, flexibility, and a lower support burden. The same goes for mobile. “Using a phone as a credential is step one of 10,” he said. “Let’s fully embrace what mobile and cloud can do.”
Stroud also emphasized that for cloud-based systems to succeed, they must deliver cost justification to the customer, not just added convenience. “If I’m paying more for the cloud, I should be saving money somewhere else,” he said. “The economics have to work. If not, someone else will come along and make it work, and we’ll all look silly.”
Innovation beyond the buzzwords
When asked about overhyped trends, Stroud didn’t hold back. Biometrics, he said, were oversold. So too was basic cloud hosting. What excites him more are technologies that simplify complexity for both the end user and the integrator.
“The consolidation of systems, the ability for everything to work together seamlessly, that’s where the opportunity lies,” he said. “Security systems shouldn’t require elite-level expertise to operate.”
Paxton is also exploring AI; not as a trend, but as a tool. “The most obvious value is in video analytics,” he said. “But we’re also looking at how AI can improve support, simplify interfaces, and enhance the overall customer experience.”
Evolving the channel, rethinking the model
When asked about the Security Industry Association’s top 2025 Megatrend, Evolution of the Channel, Stroud acknowledged the shift taking place. Cloud platforms and connected services, he said, are increasingly blurring the lines between manufacturer, integrator, and service provider.
“Fully managed services, subscription models, remote positioning — these are real changes,” he said. “Our solutions need to reflect that. It’s about reducing the equipment footprint at the edge and moving intelligence to the cloud. That opens the door to a different type of engagement.”
He also sees opportunity in central monitoring. “If AI can streamline response workflows, that’s a huge win for integrators and monitoring centers alike.”
A global CEO’s view on market pressure
Looking beyond Paxton, Stroud identified several macro challenges: cybersecurity, environmental responsibility and what he calls “reverse globalization.”
“The trend used to be: source globally to keep costs low,” he said. “Now, we’re bringing more manufacturing in-house to control quality, secure supply chains and reduce risk. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in automation and infrastructure.”
He also noted the impact of new U.S. tariffs. While not the sole driver, they are part of a larger shift in how international companies must think about trade, logistics and regional resiliency. “We’re proud to be a U.K. manufacturer,” he said, “but the U.S. is rapidly becoming our second home.”
Leading through change
Asked what lessons he’s learned as a leader during this time of industry disruption, Stroud offered this: “Don’t follow. Don’t just copy what other manufacturers are doing.” Instead, he urges his team to think like a startup: stay agile, stay curious and stay close to the customer.
He also used a metaphor to illustrate how change often unfolds gradually, then suddenly. “You’ve heard the expression ‘boiling a frog.’ The frog doesn’t notice the difference because you do it slowly. These societal changes creep up on you. First it’s the internet, then smartphones, then paying for things with your phone. One day it all feels normal, but if you look back 10 years, everything has changed.”
That’s why, he said, it’s critical to keep a finger on the pulse of technology. “Before you know it, the technology ingredients you use to make the same recipe — the same product people want — have completely changed.”
He emphasized that innovation isn’t always about being first to market. It’s about using the right technology at the right moment and deploying it with precision.
“We’ve been left out of the discussion everyone has been having about mobile credentials, about cloud hosting,” he commented. “Quietly, we’ve been doing this in the background because when we do it, we want it to be absolutely perfect and make full use of the technology.”
About the Author
Rodney Bosch
Editor-in-Chief/SecurityInfoWatch.com
Rodney Bosch is the Editor-in-Chief of SecurityInfoWatch.com. He has covered the security industry since 2006 for multiple major security publications. Reach him at [email protected].