The complete guide to access control systems for the utilities sector

Where do you start with assessing sector-specific access control requirements? 

The utilities sector is constantly having to adapt to emerging security threats.

It can be vulnerable to theft, terrorism, and natural disasters, leaving facilities within the sector – like water treatment works, power plants, and electricity substations – in need of robust, long-term security solutions.

Access control is a way of managing, monitoring, and restricting the movement of people, assets, or vehicles in, out, and around a building or site. 

Many utility sites are remote, requiring excellent physical security while allowing different employees to access them at all hours of the day. 

Keys change hands constantly, increasing the chances of theft, vandalism or even terrorist attacks.

Companies should start by auditing their current access control systems to identify existing gaps in security. 

They should ask themselves the following questions:

• How easily could attackers penetrate my business, whether physically or digitally?
• How closely can I monitor and restrict the use and movement of keys and equipment?
• How accountable can I hold employees for loss or damage of items?
• How easily can systems and sites be accessed when repairs and maintenance are required?

10 benefits of access control systems for businesses in the utilities sector

1. Control contractors’ use of keys

The utility sector is notable for employing numerous different contractors, with many being on-site for short periods. 

This means keys are often moving between different professionals, increasing the chance of someone taking them home. Access control systems allow you to set curfews reminding people to return keys on time and notify you when they don’t so that you can chase them up immediately.

2. Safer installation of critical infrastructure

The utility sector deals with a collection of systems, networks, and public works that a government considers essential to the functioning and safety of its citizens, such as electrical grids, public services, and communication solutions. 

Since such infrastructure can be highly dangerous, only trained employees should have access to sites during installation. You can limit authorization to professionals with the right credentials and experience using an access control system.

3. Ensure critical equipment is always ready and available

Many services within this sector, like providing electricity and clean, safe water, are so important that they must run 24/7. 

You may need to limit access to critical items like detectors and calibration equipment to authorized personnel only. Access control systems can help ensure they are stored correctly in order to be continually charged and ready for use.

4. Allow for greater flexibility

Water treatment works, power plants and electricity substations require constant attention. As employees have to continually move around a site at different times due to irregular maintenance and repair requirements, customized access levels allow for greater flexibility.

5. Access equipment where it is needed

In industries that are vital for people’s wellbeing and safety, like sewage treatment plans, engineers need immediate access to equipment when carrying out repairs and maintenance. 

You can provide that by allowing them to access equipment vital for carrying out their work where it is needed, so they don’t have to waste time trekking across the site.

For example, have multiple lockers with spare parts scattered near water pumps so that if one goes down unexpectedly, engineers who are unfamiliar with the site can locate spare parts quickly during an emergency call-out.

6. Apply dual authorization

Some equipment or areas in this sector can be so dangerous, like a reactor or high-voltage room, that a double level of security access may need to be added. Modern access controls allow you to grant permission to an employee only when also authorized by a supervisor.

7. Automatically deny access when permissions expire

The utilities industry is heavily regulated, and governments keep a watchful eye over it. Therefore, companies must always remain compliant. If your business employs many different contractors working for different periods of time, you need to keep careful track of whether someone’s access has expired.

8. Stay compliant with regulations around working hours

Another way in which the sector is heavily regulated is when it comes to staff members’ working hours. 

You can monitor who logs into systems and when in order to keep track of working hours and adhere to regulations, whether you employ only a few people, are a large multinational firm, or make regular use of contractors and other temporary workers.

9. Reduce wear and tear on equipment and devices

Regular maintenance of pumping systems in sewage treatment is essential. The aim is to prevent breakdowns by frequently servicing and replacing any parts that are worn or no longer fit for purpose. 

To help reduce wear and tear of tools and devices, optimize a system and make it more cost-effective, it is advisable to store them in smart lockers.

10. Integrate security systems

Terrorist attacks are terrifying threats in the utilities industry. Can you imagine if attackers cut off citizens’ access to electricity or clean water? It would be catastrophic. 

An access control system can fully integrate CCTV, an intruder alarm, fire detection, and building management systems to offer powerful protection. Modern technology allows these systems to “talk” to each other to optimize their effectiveness.

Don’t know where to start with asset control systems? We can help

Control systems in the utility sector typically comprise a physical barrier, smart software, and an identification device like a PIN code, biometrics, or proximity card.

Examples of such systems in this industry include keypads, security doors with biometric verification, and cable-free access control for remote sites.

If you need help mapping out your security requirements, let us assist, just like we did with Central Hudson Gas & Electric in the United States.

The company turned to Traka to help better manage more than 20,000 customer keys for residential and business customers. Our team helped find solutions to issues – like employees failing to return homeowner keys after carrying out meter readings – by providing on-site demonstrations and implementing our tools over two districts. 

Now, the public utilities business centrally manages two sites with the help of Traka cabinets, and plans to introduce them to its remaining districts. It even won an innovation award for its key management solution.

Traka access control systems put you in control 

The utilities sector can be highly dangerous. It faces serious security challenges like terrorism, extreme weather conditions, protection of sensitive research, and requires multiple levels of access rights.

Cyber threats are also quickly changing, and the industry is in need of long-term and reliable solutions to provide secure access and connectivity across large facilities to sensitive information, critical infrastructure, and remote assets.

On top of all this, businesses must also remain compliant with stringent regulatory requirements.

Many firms require flexibility when it comes to access control – but this must be carefully balanced with superior physical and digital security so that systems can withstand threats like cyberattacks and extreme weather.

A smart access control system can help you meet all these competing needs. The Traka team can help you create a personalized plan for your business thanks to our range of intelligent key cabinets, lockers, software and more. 

We will ensure you are looked after at every stage, from project management and installation to training, customer support, and maintenance contracts.