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manufacturing

May 22, 2024

How Low-Voltage Tech Supports Manufacturing Safety Initiatives

[4 Minute Read]

Enhancing security in manufacturing facilities is crucial to protect valuable assets and the well-being of employees. Any manufacturer will tell you that safety is their #1 priority, and numerous low-voltage security technologies are reshaping how they safeguard their operations. 

Internet of Things (IoT) for manufacturing is already leveraged to improve productivity and throughput. Let’s dive into how industrial IoT technologies work together to create a safer, more secure manufacturing environment, emphasizing practical applications and the benefits they bring to the industry.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems enable or restrict access to a facility, deter theft, and enhance security. In addition to preventing unauthorized individuals from gaining entry into a facility, they serve as a critical safety feature. 

Consider areas of a manufacturing facility that have hazardous chemicals, explosives, or dangerous machinery that require specialized handling and training. Access control systems help ensure that only authorized personnel with proper credentials can enter such areas. The last thing you want is for a new employee to accidentally wander into a dangerous situation. 

Access control systems can also integrate with life safety features like fire alarm panels. If the fire alarm activates, the access control system can override restrictions to unlock doors and enable rapid evacuation.

Video Surveillance Camera Systems

Manufacturing facilities with security personnel will strategically place security cameras to help monitor areas and prevent dangerous activities. Footage can be used to review and confirm incident reports to mitigate future risks. Video surveillance also works hand-in-hand with access control systems so that security personnel can see who scans a keycard. Not surprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) is being paired with video surveillance for biometric screening to confirm the identity of individuals wishing to gain access.

Increasingly, software is used to bolster security by minimizing “tailgating” — the practice of propping open a door for another person. If a door remains ajar for a set time, the software will alert security personnel. For facilities in harsh climates, a PoE (Power over Ethernet) enclosure can be designed to protect electronic equipment in outdoor environments that face extreme cold or temperature fluctuations. 

RELATED RESOURCE: Access Control & Surveillance Purchasing Guide

RFID Locators

Radio frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling to identify and track assets. It’s commonly used to track tools and machinery and monitor supply chains, and can also be used to enhance safety by tracking personnel.

RFID trackers are especially important in large buildings in the event of a fire or life safety situation. Security teams can pinpoint where individuals are and can account for their whereabouts in real time, even across a one-million-square-foot facility. In the event someone is in danger or experiencing a health emergency, personnel can easily locate them and administer medical attention. RFID tags are often incorporated into a nametag, lanyard, keychain, or wearable device that’s worn at all times. 

DAS Networks

Manufacturing facilities have lots of machinery, concrete walls, and metal materials that often block cell signals. An in-building distributed antenna system (DAS) is a network of antennas that sends and receives wireless phone signals within a structure to ensure consistent cell coverage. If an employee works alone in an area and needs emergency assistance, they’ll be able to use their cell phone to call for help.

Antennas must be placed strategically to properly amplify and enhance signal strength in all areas of a building, stressing the importance of proper site surveying and design. An alternative to DAS devices is an industrial signal booster system. They work similarly to DAS but are generally more economical and easier to install and maintain.

Mass Notification Systems

Mass notification systems are implemented in manufacturing facilities to send targeted messages to employees about potential threats, lockdowns, evacuation requirements, or production line failures. It serves as a paging system, but is so much more. Mass notification alerts can be connected to emergency lights and audible alarms, and can even send alerts to employees’ cell phones similar to an Amber alert. 

RELATED CASE STUDY: 700,000 Sq. Ft. Distribution Center Receives Mass Notification System Upgrade

Previously mentioned low-voltage technologies are typically integrated with mass notification systems. Namely, DAS and RFID locators help ensure reliable operation and that protocols are followed. Public safety emergency radio systems are also integrated so that emergency responders can communicate with each other inside the building.

Implementation Tips

The benefits of industrial IoT are clear. But with so many disparate technologies, it’s important to choose intuitive, user-friendly systems that help your teams feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. Using a single technology integrator to design and implement various low-voltage technologies can help ensure they all work together seamlessly. 

That said, some training is required to ensure everyone is on the same page, and a reputable provider can offer that, too. It’s also important to consider how rapidly technologies are advancing and to deploy flexible systems that mitigate the risks of obsolescence. When vetting suppliers, be sure to ask about their previous work in manufacturing environments and whether they’ve earned their Avetta® Certification, a management credential that helps ensure OSHA safety compliance.

No matter where your manufacturing facility is located in the United States, the certified technology experts at ASD can assist in the design and implementation of these and other low-voltage technologies to help enhance worker safety. Our nationwide network of technical experts and dedicated project managers provides personalized attention and unrivaled service after implementation to ensure your systems operate as they should on day one and for years to come.

Connect with us today to talk through your technology needs. We’re happy to answer questions and provide a complimentary consultation.

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Sean Maher

About the author 

Sean Maher

Director of PMO at Automated Systems Design (ASD®)

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