Connectivity and the Future of Safe Storage

As digital transformation continues to reshape the security landscape, the safe storage industry is entering a new era.  This is one where connectivity is not simply an add-on, but an enabler of smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions.

From banks and logistics providers to government agencies and high-end retailers, organisations are rethinking how they secure and manage physical assets. The goal is clear: combine robust physical security with intelligent digital oversight. 

Why Connectivity Matters

Traditionally, safes and vaults were static, standalone fixtures. But with the advent of connectivity, they’ve evolved. A connected safe is no longer just a secure container - it becomes an active node within a larger, intelligent security network. 

With real-time monitoring, remote access control and data-rich insights, connected storage allows organisations to respond more quickly to threats, streamline maintenance, and meet stringent compliance demands. This is particularly important in sectors where uptime, traceability, and audit trails are non-negotiable. 

A New Layer of Intelligence 

Connectivity opens new capabilities previously difficult to implement in conventional storage solutions. These include: 

• Predictive maintenance to pre-empt faults before they occur 

• Environmental monitoring to ensure conditions remain optimal 

• Tamper alerts and remote lockdown in response to live threats 

• Centralised access management for multi-site operations 

• Detailed audit trails for compliance and incident investigation 

For compliance-heavy sectors like pharmaceuticals and finance, the ability to track every access attempt in real time provides both reassurance and accountability. 

Digital Sovereignty and Infrastructure Resilience

As connected solutions increase, safe storage is becoming part of the digital infrastructure conversation. The sector has a role to play in enhancing not only physical security but also national resilience and digital sovereignty.

That means understanding where data is stored, who controls it, and how it’s protected. It also means developing open, scalable architectures that support integration with wider building management systems, while maintaining independence from vulnerable or opaque third-party platforms. 

Cybersecurity is Physical Security

One of the most significant shifts in recent years is the growing recognition that cybersecurity and physical security are intrinsically linked. A vault with advanced access control is only as secure as the software that governs it. 

This calls for secure firmware, encrypted communication, multi-factor authentication, and constant vigilance through penetration testing and threat modelling. As attackers grow more sophisticated, safe storage solutions must be built with the assumption that digital intrusion attempts will happen. 

The Role of Standards

Robust standards such as EN 1300 and EN 17646 provide a vital framework for ensuring electronic locks and networked systems meet high-security expectations. These certifications help users and regulators evaluate the digital and physical resilience of connected storage, especially when both must be tightly aligned.

But standards must also evolve. As storage solutions become smarter and more interconnected, future revisions must address the challenges of cloud infrastructure, wireless interfaces, and data governance in an increasingly complex environment.  

The Sustainability Imperative

Connectivity offers a path to greener operations. Real-time diagnostics reduce the need for routine site visits, predictive maintenance extends product life, and power-saving features cut energy usage.

With increasing pressure to demonstrate ESG progress, connected safes can help organisations track, report and improve their environmental performance—all while maintaining security and service continuity. 

Looking Ahead 

The safe storage industry is at a turning point. Embracing connectivity is not just about staying current - it’s about ensuring resilience, trust and future readiness. 

For manufacturers, service providers, and users alike, the next step is to align innovation with robust digital safeguards, ethical data use, and evolving global standards. It’s a collective effort and one that will define the future of secure storage. 

At Gunnebo Safe Storage, we are proud to contribute to this shift. From participating in the development of international standards to creating advanced connected ecosystems like AmpliSec™, we are committed to helping organisations meet the demands of the digital age - safely, efficiently and sustainably. 

To learn more or speak with one of our experts, visit www.gunnebosafestorage.com.