Manufacturing plants should have a strict integrated security system in place, protecting staff, employers, customers and visitors. These security measures can range from locked doors to fire safety. When this system is planned and delivered correctly, productivity is also achieved at a maximum level, with fewer issues regarding production. One of the primary responsibilities of many industrial manufacturing facilities is health and safety, which is closely linked to security. As these places are equipped with vast heavy machinery and moving parts, employee safety is paramount. There are also many laws and regulations that these factories must meet, with constant consideration for safety.
Security Concerns In Manufacturing:
Manufacturing companies have a lot to consider when it comes to physical and technical security. Not only does a security system protect the people working in the facility, but also their customers, employee information, financial records, machinery and visitors.
Here are a few security concerns associated with manufacturing facilities:
- Theft and violence
- Risk assessments
- Cybersecurity
- The black market
- Employee training
Implementing Security Systems:
A security strategy should include various security systems which have health and safety as a top priority.
A security strategy should include various security systems which have health and safety as a top priority. These systems can range from outdoor areas to staff breakout areas. With new technologies come new security measures and companies must keep on top of these to ensure everything in the factory is moving smoothly. Here is a range of security improvements which manufacturers should consider.
Alarm System
Every manufacturing plant should have some type of alarm system in place throughout the entire building. With the main focus on break-ins or outdoor danger, these systems have the ability to contact authorities or warn off intruders. An alarm system can also send a message across the manufacturing plant to make everyone aware of potential danger and take the necessary precautions.
Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras can be placed throughout the factory, warehouses, car parks, fire exits and office areas.
Installing surveillance cameras offers a 24-hour look-over of the facility. As there is usually a security team who watches and analyses the footage, these cameras are beneficial for all-day use. Setting up these cameras is also essential for when the factories are empty as they operate through the night when more danger could occur. Surveillance cameras can be placed throughout the factory, warehouses, car parks, fire exits and office areas.
Access control
Considered a more modern system, access control allows companies and staff to control and track who can enter a manufacturing plant or area. Access control can include the use of key cards, fingerprints, face recognition, codes, and any other authentication method. This security system is ideal for keeping on track of who is going in and out of the factory and ensuring no one is entering who shouldn't be.
Employee security training
Manufacturing companies must incorporate some form of training protocol.
One area of security concern is when there is a limited amount of training offered to employees. Manufacturing companies as well as every other industry must incorporate some form of a training protocol so employees and visitors are aware of any common threat or danger in the workplace. These training programmes typically take place as a quarterly event or at the start of employment.
Updated Equipment and Software
Updating equipment and software can help with technical security throughout company files, systems, machinery and data. Any organisation is responsible for updating its technology and equipment to improve the overall functioning of the facility. These updates not only ensure the equipment is working correctly and accurately but will also tie into all the other systems involved.
Cybersecurity
It’s essential for companies to take the necessary measures to avoid attacks, experience data leaks or hacking.
With the rapid popularity of digitalisation, comes potential cyber risks. As manufacturing businesses are now invested in data and online resources, it’s essential for companies to take the necessary measures to avoid attacks, experience data leaks or hacking. There are a number of platforms available where companies can protect themselves, their customers and their employees.
Creating A Contingency Plan
A contingency plan can be a beneficial security measure that’s involved in the early steps of a security strategy. In addition to mapping out the range of assets a facility owns, there needs to be consideration into the threats that a plant could face. This will eventually lead to a contingency plan which focuses on response times relating to threats such as identity threats, phishing and spam.
Upgrading Your Windows:
Making the upgrade to aluminium windows can be beneficial from a security perspective.
The windows of your manufacturing facility are often some of the weakest points on the property. While you may have concrete or metal walls, your windows are often made of plastic and glass. Making the upgrade to aluminium windows can be beneficial. Combined with further upgrades such as metal bars across the windows and even frosted glass/frosted vinyl across the glass can help. The frosting is three to stop potential intruders from seeing inside your facility. This helps to promote uncertainty about the contents of the building so they’re not sure whether it’s worth breaking into. Similarly, the bars across your windows are designed to make it much harder for someone to get in. Even if they smash the glass in the windows they’ll have to cut the bars to get through.
Author details:
Rob Gavin, Director, Aluminium Bending Specialists - https://www.absltd.co.uk
Rob performed a management buy-out for ABS many years ago and has been running the business ever since. Developing innovative new processes and adding to the services the company offers, they now produce aluminium windows across the UK and work with some of the best architects available.