How access control technology improves efficiency of manufacturing operations

In today’s globalized landscape, manufacturing companies face rising customer expectations, driving the need for efficiency and innovation. This creates challenges for factory operators, who must optimize production operations in order to maintain supplies of competitive, high-quality products. In response to these challenges, automation, driven by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), is on the rise, necessitating enhanced safety measures for people, equipment, and data. Additionally, questions arise around sustainability and skilled workforce recruitment.

Digital transformation offers manufacturers a competitive edge. In smart factories, modern user authentication and access control technologies, such as RFID, play a pivotal role in enhancing security and ensuring compliance with regulations. Whether for machines or laboratories, restricting access to authorized personnel minimizes errors and protects data against tampering or espionage. It also ensures security and transparency in fleet management, allowing for precise tracking. This transparency empowers factory operators, revealing optimization opportunities in production. Processes can be streamlined and adapted to evolving technologies. Simplified authorization management is crucial. 

For employees, user-friendly authentication and access control enhance convenience. Kiosk applications and single sign-on streamline access, fostering employee satisfaction and competitiveness.

Enhancing efficiency with universal user authentication

At the core of a modern system for user authentication and access control are universal readers. These readers enable manufacturing companies to use their existing employee badges for machine authentication. Moreover, this system easily adapts to include applications such as access control, lockers, or kiosks. But there is more: while robust cards excel in demanding shop floor environments, smartphones can also serve as identification tools alongside employee ID cards. The choice is flexible for each application and employee, and can easily be changed when needed.

Customized solutions from ELATEC

In the diverse field of manufacturing, no two companies are alike. Unique factors such as product portfolio, manufacturing processes, machinery, employee count, and production sites distinguish each operation. It is crucial to implement a flexible solution which allows adjustments as needed. 

ELATEC offers a scalable system which can be designed to meet the customer’s requirements. Manufacturers can begin with machine authentication before expanding the use of authentication technology, for instance for company fleet management, kiosk solutions in manufacturing, or secure office printing. 

The ELATEC solution is built on universal readers, accommodating various transponder devices such as cards and smartphones. Universal ELATEC devices seamlessly integrate different technologies and credentials into the system.

Efficiency and security: advantages of user authentication

A secure and convenient system for user authentication as well as access control promotes smooth processes and enhances efficiency across a company. This liberates valuable resources that specialists can devote to the development of new products or customer projects, for instance. The ELATEC solution comprises robust software and hardware, complemented by expert consulting and exceptional support.

Implementing ELATEC authentication technology in the factory offers multiple benefits to factory operators.

Comfort

Make your skilled workers’ day-to-day work as smooth as possible. Thanks to universal readers and a well thought-out overall solution, one card is enough to give them quick and easy access to everything they need for their work, from access to machinery and equipment to tools and forklifts, even across multiple locations.

Security

In manufacturing, access to equipment and access to hazardous areas must be controlled with absolute reliability in order to protect people, inventory and data. This imposes strict requirements for user authentication and access control. 

Readers from ELATEC support almost every encryption scheme, including advanced cryptographic methods. And that is not all: for an even higher level of security, ELATEC readers can be combined with a secure access module (SAM).

Versatility

The broad ELATEC portfolio of universal readers, RFID cards or digital ID on a smartphone opens up a wide range of possibilities: from machine authentication to access to the company network or the loan of company vehicles. 

Transparency

Factory operators need to take note of the way that production machines and systems are used, the people who operate them, and the locations and causes of malfunctions. A uniform system for user authentication provides valuable information to support decisions about these issues. This also works in other areas of operations, such as fleet management, or the use of industrial trucks and tools. 

Future-proof solution for user authentication

The universal ELATEC package of reader products and software works internationally and offers great flexibility. ELATEC products can be easily adapted at any time, by users or by solution experts, to provide manufacturers with a system which meets customer needs today and into the future.