Access control is key to industrial site security. To get optimal results, proper implementation is essential. This article offers some tips on how to implement access control successfully at industrial sites.
Access control is key to industrial site security. To get optimal results, proper implementation is essential. This article offers some tips on how to implement access control successfully at industrial sites.
Integration with other systems
Access control offers the best value when integrated with other security systems such as video surveillance, intrusion detection, fire and safety systems, and visitor management.
“For example, linking video feeds to access events enables rapid verification of anomalies, while integrating visitor management ensures regulatory compliance and efficient tracking of third-party contractors. Alarm systems can trigger access lockdowns and enhance incident response,” said Prabhuraj Patil, Senior Director for Physical Access Control Solutions, ASEAN and India Subcontinent, at HID. “Such convergence not only strengthens overall site security but also drives efficiency by streamlining monitoring, reducing manual oversight, and enabling data-driven decision-making for facility managers.”
Hanchul Kim, CEO of Suprema, meanwhile gave specific examples of how access control at industrial sites can get a boost when integrated with the following:
Video surveillance: When access events trigger video verification, AI analytics provide immediate threat assessment to operators. For example, when a door is forced or a credential is denied, the operator can immediately pull up the corresponding camera feed;
Alarms and intrusion: Integration with alarm systems allows facilities to trigger automatic lockdowns when breaches or emergencies occur. If an intrusion alarm goes off, the system can immediately deny access to sensitive zones, lock down gates, or initiate mustering protocols;
Visitor and contractor management: Industrial plants often rely heavily on contractors and temporary staff. By integrating visitor management, administrators can pre-register individuals, issue temporary credentials, and verify that safety training requirements have been met before granting access;
Time and attendance: Beyond security, a unified platform provides business intelligence through integrated time and attendance. Real-time labor analytics enable predictive scheduling, compliance monitoring, and productivity optimization – transforming security infrastructure into a strategic business asset.
Cloud, meanwhile, can play a key role in such integration.
“Cloud-based access lays the foundation. Video, alarms, and visitor systems work better together when integrated. When these systems work together, each strengthens the other: cameras provide visual confirmation for access events, alarms trigger instant lockdowns or alerts tied to entry activity, and visitor management systems ensure accurate identity checks while aligning with access permissions,” said Justin Wilmas, EVP of Sales, at Acre Security. “With one view, teams move faster, monitor smarter, and respond sooner. The result is greater efficiency, faster response times, and stronger protection for people, assets, and operations in a high-stakes industrial environment.”
Comprehensive risk assessment
Risk assessment is essential when implementing access control at an industrial site because it ensures the system will address specific needs and requirements of the site. “Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify critical assets, compliance requirements and user groups. This ensures that the system is designed with business objectives in mind rather than deployed as a standalone tool,” Patil said.
Meanwhile, access control can be deployed in a cloud, on-premises or hybrid architecture. Choosing which one also depends on the site’s scenario.
“For some organizations, a hybrid approach works best, allowing teams to modernize their security posture while maximizing the value of their existing hardware infrastructure. For others, a totally cloud-based option may be ideal, giving security teams greater flexibility and accessibility over systems from multiple locations or even off-site for remote management,” Wilmas said. “Industrial sites are complex and diverse, which means one team's needs may differ from another's — no two sites are the same. That’s why flexibility isn’t a feature – it’s a necessity.”
Prioritize scalability and flexibility
Prioritizing scalability and flexibility is also critical. “Industrial sites evolve – new facilities, changing regulations, or an expanding workforce require solutions that can adapt without disrupting operations. Mobile and cloud-based access control are particularly effective in this regard,” Patil said.
Engage stakeholders across departments early
Patil also mentions the importance of engaging stakeholders across security, IT and operations early in the process. “Success depends on aligning technology with organizational culture, ensuring user adoption, and leveraging integration opportunities to maximize long-term value,” he said.
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