Securing vast utilities sites with intelligent key and asset management

In the world of utilities, sprawling sites - power plants, water treatment facilities, and energy distribution centres - are critical infrastructures that require stringent health and safety, together with security measures.

Securing vast utility sites is no small feat. From protecting sensitive equipment to safeguarding against unauthorised access, utility operators face unique safety and security challenges, which must only serve to enhance daily operations.

We explore how Traka's intelligent management solutions can enhance security protocols and mitigate potential risks faced by Facility Managers

How to ensure efficient key management across a vast utility site

With numerous entry points, diverse personnel and critical infrastructure to safeguard, implementing effective key management practices can help to ensure essential protection and prevent unauthorised access.

Features include individual user accountability, real-time audit trails, and tamper-proof key cabinets, allowing utility operators to monitor activity remotely and ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive areas, minimising the risk of security breaches. 

Key management also prevents staff from leaving a site with valuable keys or equipment, which may lead to delays in operations to search for missing assets, resulting in subpar efficiency.

Streamlining utility operations with asset tracking

Utility companies often have a wide range of valuable assets spread across their facilities and set in multiple locations.  These can include vehicles, costly computer equipment and tools.

Facilities Managers prioritise the security of these assets as a primary objective to maintain uninterrupted operations.

Traka's asset management solution enables effective tracking and managing of such critical assets. By assigning unique identifiers and utilising RFID technology, Traka allows real-time remote monitoring of asset location, usage history, and maintenance schedules.

This can help prevent asset loss across a vast site, optimise asset utilisation, and streamline maintenance processes for the benefit of facility managers to use their time, resource and budgets more efficiently.  Shifts can commence on-site, safe in the knowledge that assets such as radios and measuring equipment are operational and ready to use.

Health and safety liabilities pose an added significant concern, as unauthorised access can potentially result in injuries.  The addition of dual authorisation by senior personnel, can as required, add an extra layer of security to control access to equipment and ensure personnel health and safety.

Enabling efficient fault-fixing resolutions

Comprehensive admin software can allow utility companies to provide security 24/7 through key and asset management systems.

The TrakaWEB central management system allows users to manage Traka Touch key cabinets and locker systems on almost any device that can run a browser. Of particular benefit to Utility companies is the ability to effectively resolve device faults to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Presenting advanced technologies and intuitive software, Traka streamlines the fault-reporting process through an intelligent fault-logging feature.  This notifies authorised users remotely and restricts access until necessary repairs are made.  It ensures workers remain safe and not operating with a faulty device. 

Operationally, whether it's a malfunctioning piece of equipment or a critical system failure, Traka's fault-fixing solution provides real-time notifications, detailed incident reports, and automated workflows to ensure prompt response and resolution. All working to minimise downtime, optimise maintenance efforts and maintain the highest level of operational efficiency across expansive sites.

How to control access across a vast site

Managing access control across utility sites can be complex, especially when dealing with a large workforce and diverse access requirements.

Traka's centralised software system offers a streamlined approach to managing and controlling access. By integrating with existing security systems, Traka enables utility companies to efficiently grant and revoke access privileges, monitor entry and exit points, and enforce strict security protocols.

Ultimately, Traka's advanced security solutions – available as standalone or integrated systems - empower utility companies to enhance access control, manage keys and assets effectively, and respond promptly to security incidents.

By adopting Traka’s intelligent key and equipment management, security measures can be bolstered, operational efficiency improved and critical infrastructure safeguarded. Traka is a trusted partner for utility companies in their mission to ensure comprehensive security across their vast facilities.

To find out more about Traka’s key and asset management systems and how they work hand in hand with utility sites, get in touch with sector expert Max Tatford who will be happy to help.