Industrial facilities have always recognized the need for safety protocols. But today there is a sharpened focus on protecting critical infrastructure and tightening security to mitigate increasing threats and risks. And there are many. Among the most pressing are workforce dynamics, theft and sabotage, challenges in access control, intellectual property theft and counterfeiting, and workplace violence.
Industrial facility operators also need to be mindful of the many government regulations that require companies in the industrial sector to implement effective measures to defend against industrial security threats. These requirements include:
Identifying and controlling individuals who enter and exit the facility; Tracking movements of building occupants and assets; Controlling access to restricted areas; Tracking and locating equipment, products, and other resources; Tracking the location of personnel on site in the event of an incident; Integrating control and security systems for greater speed and efficiency; Protecting process automation networks and systems from potential intrusion and responding quickly to alarms and events.
Modern access control systems are proving instrumental in restricting entry to sensitive areas within industrial facilities and tracking employee movements, ensuring both security and compliance with internal protocols.
Effective access control in manufacturing can be particularly challenging. Multiple work shifts and a high turnover rate can make tracking and managing access permissions difficult and time-consuming. Fortunately, today’s sophisticated access control systems are helping to alleviate those issues. Here are just some of the access solutions that today’s industrial sites are implementing.
Electronic Access Control: These centralized systems manage employee and visitor access efficiently and are easily integrated with other security systems for comprehensive protection.
Remote Monitoring: Allows for real-time monitoring and management of access points from a remote location. This capability enhances security and improves operational efficiency.
Programmable Access: These systems allow for timed and automated access control predicated on specific schedules or events, providing flexibility and customization.
Frictionless Access Control: Uses methods such as mobile passes to allow fast and seamless entry without disrupting the flow of workers.
Biometric Systems: These use unique physical characteristics like fingerprints, retina scans, or facial recognition to grant access, ensuring high security.
Integrated Solutions: Combining access control with other security measures like surveillance cameras, alarms, and fire systems for a holistic and comprehensive approach.
Industrial manufacturing sites are vulnerable to myriad security risks, so controlling who can – and cannot – access sensitive areas in these facilities is paramount. Robust access control systems are playing a pivotal part in mitigating risks and ensuring that only authorized personnel can access designated zones.
NextGen is here to help you equip your facility with the trusted and critically important security solutions you need.