Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/951810
NETWORK / 24 / MARCH 2018 I ntegrating next-gen- eration smart technol- ogy into critical national infrastructure - such as gas, power and heat networks – o ers new opportunities for e ectively managing the way we live, work and grow, whilst remaining safe and secure. It can also have a positive impact on system functionality and productivity, by combin- ing the physical infrastructure with digital communications and data analytics, unlocking system-wide synergies. One of the areas with the greatest potential to be transformed by smart infrastructure integration is security and management of access, especially framework contractors. What's more, access technol- ogy is increasingly forming part of a greater, fully integrated infrastructure system that links together every aspect of an operational site. We are already familiar with heating and lighting controls being set to activate in areas where sta are working. Build- ing management systems (BMS) already do this, but integrat- ing site access and managing individual's competencies adds health and safety bene- ts as well as security. SMART INFRASTRUCTURE & CONNECTED ASSETS Integrated access management Steve Wintle, head of CNI at Abloy UK, discusses integrating smart technology and enhancing physical security for critical national infrastructure. Research predicts that business-to-business spend- ing on IoT technologies, apps, and SaaS solutions will reach €250 billion by 2020, and this is expected to keep growing by around 20 per cent each year. So, how can gas, power and heat network companies integrate this kind of connected technology with P2W and SCADA telemetry systems? Smart integration Innovative SaaS and cutting- edge hardware can be combined to create locking solutions de- signed for an organisation's spe- ci- c needs. Access rights can be issued, denied and monitored in real time with no need for wires or power, integrated with the organisation's operational control systems and even sta competencies, o ering the very best in both Œ exibility, security and compliance. There is great potential for an excellent return on invest- ment by combining integrated soŽ ware and electromechani- cal hardware. This solution of smart technology paired to a mechanical key now pro- vides much more control and management potential then a traditional key ever did. Operational e' ciency is maximised by being able to decentralise access adminis- tration, prevent site conŒ icts and reduce risk of environ- mental disasters, by managing contractors and sta access rights - ensuring they are fully trained and inducted to attend site. This then also saves on travelling times and the carbon footprint of the organisation. There are many game-changing sys- tems out there already, demonstrating that they are both e ective and robust within a commercial o' ce environment. Suppli- ers of such systems can try to adapt these types of systems for use on national infrastruc- ture, which require a lot more of its own infrastructure than is practical for use on a remote site, especially if said national infrastructure is poised on the side of a mountain. In general, commoditised access control systems are not suitable or reliable in dirty, harsh environments. However, decentralise access adminis- tration, prevent site conŒ icts and reduce risk of environ- mental disasters, by managing contractors and sta access rights - ensuring they are fully trained and inducted to attend site. This then also saves on travelling times and the carbon footprint of the There are many game-changing sys- tems out there already, demonstrating that they are both e ective and robust within a commercial o' ce environment. Suppli- ers of such systems can try to adapt these types of systems for use on national infrastruc- harsh environments. However,