Improving Surveillance in Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing facilities must prioritize safety and security without sacrificing operational efficiency. Effective surveillance measures help the facilities achieve this goal. They address the unique challenges faced in these facilities and help protect the company’s employees, assets, and intellectual property. When implementing these measures, the facility must also comply with regulations.

Advanced Surveillance Techniques

Facilities must upgrade their surveillance technologies, as they have advanced significantly in recent years. High-def IP cameras provide outstanding resolutions to ensure the footage remains clear, even in low-light conditions. Many facilities use thermal cameras to capture heat signatures, and AI is used to enable real-time analytics. This AI surveillance significantly reduces security incidents, as the facility is continuously monitored and vulnerabilities are rapidly identified and addressed.

Camera Placement

Manufacturing facilities must strategically place cameras to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness. Place cameras in high-traffic areas such as entrances and loading docks. Select cameras with wide-angle lenses to capture a wider field of view.

Pan-tilt-zoom cameras should be installed in dynamic areas, such as assembly floors and production lines. Experts recommend placing the cameras ten to 15 feet above the area to be captured to ensure they aren’t tampered with and will cover a large space. Don’t overlook the perimeter fencing and parking lots when installing these cameras. Weather-resistant versions with night vision are best for these spaces.

Work with an experienced security consultant to improve surveillance and ensure no areas are left vulnerable. The consultant conducts a site survey to identify potential problem areas, such as blind spots. Furthermore, the consultant confirms that the security measures comply with workplace safety guidelines.

Employee Training

Employees must be trained in the security systems so they can respond quickly to incidents. Employees should be trained to monitor live feeds and review footage for suspicious activity. This training should be ongoing for the best results. Furthermore, manufacturing facilities benefit from cross-training security teams and production staff to enhance vigilance levels. Proper training significantly reduces incident response times.

Data Management

Surveillance systems capture large volumes of data, so the company must have secure ways to store and access this data. Many companies utilize cloud-based storage options to leverage scalability and remote access capabilities. They combine this storage with local servers to retain access to the data during outages.

Data and footage must be protected from cybercriminals. Encryption makes it easy to safeguard the data and footage. Manufacturing facilities must recognize that unsecured surveillance systems are a significant contributor to data breaches and ensure the security of these systems to prevent such incidents.

Maintenance and Upgrades

Surveillance systems must be regularly maintained and upgraded to provide the desired level of protection. Quarterly inspections and cleanings are necessary, while firmware must be routinely updated to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Digital cameras offer superior footage and analytic capabilities, so companies should consider upgrading the systems every three to five years.

System Integration

For the highest security level, facility managers need to integrate all security systems. Cameras should be used with access control systems to prevent unauthorized access to secure areas. Motion sensors and alarms work in conjunction with surveillance feeds to detect suspicious activity in real time. The company should conduct regular drills to ensure employees know what to do in the event of a breach.

Manufacturing facilities must employ a multifaceted approach to achieve the highest level of security. The measures outlined above serve as an excellent starting point. With them in place, the facility, its assets, and the employees will be safe without sacrificing operational efficiency.