We live in an era where information is more available than ever.
Technology that surrounds us (not just security) generates a wealth of data.
Data that we can collect by linking systems; we call this Connected Data.
This is happening more and more, but we also know that we have to handle this data with care, for example to guarantee privacy.
All this data can be used to create information that can be used for business operations and for our security.
This article gives an overview of the possibilities that security systems offer in this area and some practical examples of how they can be used in 3 industrial applications.

Food industry

Food safety is one of the main concerns in the food industry.
The security of processes and production areas are central to this.
A security system can ensure that unwanted or unauthorized persons are not allowed into critical installations.
The access control system records which persons are authorised, but also where persons have been and whether there have been attempts to enter rooms without valid access. Smart cameras can indicate if people are outside certain permitted zones or paths.
When production machines are malfunctioning, the situation on site can be verified via a security camera, so that follow-up of malfunction and/or emergency services can be adequately deployed.
When security systems are linked to production systems or other databases, it is possible to pre-screen not only employees but also visitors before they are granted access to the production environment.
For example, upon arrival of suppliers or visitors, the license plate of their vehicle is read, access to the site is granted and they are guided to the designated location if necessary.
This immediately registers when and at which location(s) someone was present.
One application of this is the supply of raw materials by suppliers with tankers.
With the help of ANPR (license plate recognition) cameras, you can verify that a delivery has taken place.
In addition to safety, this gives you more control over your production process and allows you to hold those involved accountable.

Waste treatment and recycling

The number of waste fires has increased significantly in recent years.
Usually outside working hours, in the evening or on weekends.
These fires are often caused by heating in a waste heap or ignition sources, such as old batteries that are not always collected separately in practice.
Because the consequences can be significant, it is important to identify heating at the earliest possible stage and to take action quickly.
Waste disposal areas are often large, dusty and/or open.
In addition, many conventional fire detection systems react to smoke, flames or temperature at the detector – so there is already a fire.
In order to detect heating in the waste and prevent a fire, a different form of detection is therefore necessary.
We found a solution in the innovative application of thermal camera technology.
One or more (thermal) cameras record the temperature in the waste storage.
If the measured temperature is higher than the set alarm threshold of 50°C, an alarm is sent to follow-up services.
The alarm threshold can be set higher during working hours, for example to 200°C.
This is due to the use of heavy machinery that also generates heat.
During working hours, flashing lights can warn the staff present if the temperature rises.
At the end of the working day, the alarm threshold is automatically reset to 50°C.
In addition to the temperature measurement, the cameras also provide overview images of the situation on site.
These can be used for analysis of the waste processing process, but also provide emergency services such as the fire brigade with the necessary overview in the unlikely event of an incident.
The logistics process of waste processors can be optimized by allowing access to the site and buildings to be based on license plate recognition.
Early registration ensures that drivers do not have to be registered when they want to enter the site.
In addition to suppliers, for example, this can also apply to the fire brigade and other emergency services, which can act extra quickly if necessary.
You can get an optimal grip on situations and incidents with an integrated SMS or PSIM system, which can be used to merge data from the operational process with data from, for example, security systems, ERP/CRM systems and HR systems.
From all these linked systems, an operator (based on Standard Operating Procedures) always receives the right information at the right time in the event of an alarm and is guided step-by-step through the follow-up/handling process – provided with the necessary situational insight.

Petrochemistry

In the petrochemical industry, too, the safety of people on the ground is of paramount importance.
Early detection of situations and preventing them from developing into an incident or even a calamity is essential.
To this end, cameras and other sensors from a multitude of systems are used.
When a situation is detected, the right people are automatically informed, who may still be able to prevent an incident.
If a situation does develop into an incident, emergency response officers and other emergency services can be alerted; For example, via an app with the necessary camera images of the situation on site.
Through this app, they can also be guided to the right location with a route planner.
An access control system provides valuable information, such as who is present on the site at any given time.
Or that in the event of an incident, someone may have been left behind who has become unwell… During a stop for maintenance purposes, many external/temporary persons come to the site, such as contractors.
The registration and registration process of these contractors can be done in advance via a portal.
Early registration ensures that the check and approval can take place thoroughly and according to the right steps.
Upon arrival, they are registered and in many cases can drive through the site automatically and directly.
As a result, the logistics surrounding such a situation are significantly simplified and less time-consuming.

Information from security systems

These examples indicate that security systems, when combined and linked, can provide valuable information and deliver significant efficiency improvements.
The further the integration goes, the more intelligent the solution can become and the greater the contribution to process improvement.
You already have many measuring points, sensors and maybe even cameras at your disposal.
So the data generated by these systems is already available, it just needs to be combined in a smart, integrated and secure way.
The added value of data bundling from one or more systems is only possible if there is a clear picture of the operational risks and challenges.
It goes much further than setting up a camera system with a certain recording period and therefore requires extensive coordination and advice.
The system integrator has an essential role to play in this.
It does not always have to be about large-scale projects, as is often thought.
It’s usually possible to start small.
Feel free to contact one of our specialists for more knowledge and inspiration!