Ensuring ProRail’s Security Every Day

ProRail operates as an independent party managing the allocation of space on 7,000 kilometers of railway, supporting 1.4 million train journeys per workday. Managing the rail network involves multiple locations, numerous access points, and highly complex security needs. ProRail achieves this with a single platform that offers complete oversight and remains up to date, even as circumstances change rapidly. This is made possible through a strong partnership with Nsecure, the leading security partner for ProRail’s staffed locations. The result is enhanced safety and reduced costs.

Security and Access Solutions for ProRail Locations

As the organization responsible for the Netherlands’ railway network, ProRail ensures passengers and goods reach their destinations safely and on time through railway maintenance, train traffic coordination, incident management, and freight transportation. Collaborating with operators and certified railway contractors, ProRail’s partnership with Nsecure started years ago with securing traffic control centers. This partnership evolved in 2019 when Nsecure won the contract for security and access management for all 36 staffed locations managed by ProRail’s Human Facility Management department. These include traffic control centers, offices, emergency response vehicle depots, and project sites.

Over more than a decade, this collaboration has deepened, with Nsecure taking on greater responsibilities in the security chain at both operational and tactical levels.

A Broad Range of Security Solutions

ProRail’s diverse operations and locations require a wide variety of security solutions, such as access control, intercom systems, cameras, intrusion detection, and perimeter security. These systems vary in scale and scope. Wim Vreugdenhil, Business Unit Manager at Nsecure, explains:
“At the main office, De Inktpot in Utrecht, mainly ProRail staff are present. However, other locations often host contractors and shared users, requiring different access control policies. In depots, the focus shifts to perimeter security to keep unauthorized individuals out. This diversity is what makes our work as security specialists so engaging.”

Security as a Service

Traditionally, the partnership focused on the “hard” side of security, such as installing and maintaining access control, intercom, and camera systems across ProRail’s locations. All these systems are integrated into the WinGuard security management system. Additionally, Nsecure’s identity platform adds value through visitor registration and contractor management. ProRail increasingly leverages Nsecure’s Security as a Service approach, which goes beyond system installation and maintenance. Vreugdenhil notes:
“We provide not only security solutions but also consult on business processes and policies within ProRail. What are the risks? What mitigating measures are needed? How do we address these together? Strategic sessions held several times a year ensure ProRail remains optimally secure every day.”

Chain Responsibility

With this role division, Nsecure assumes full project responsibility, easing ProRail’s workload. As the main contractor, Nsecure now oversees everything, including construction contractors and security system suppliers.
Raymond Boere, Chain Manager Safety & Business Continuity at ProRail, adds:

“For instance, if we open a new location or create a new entrance, Nsecure handles all aspects, including construction work. Previously, we would engage a construction contractor ourselves, which often led to disputes over work demarcation. Now, with Nsecure managing this, ProRail has a single point of contact.”

Vreugdenhil emphasizes:
“Our specialized knowledge not only improves project quality but also shortens project timelines.”

Remote Services for an Optimal Balance Between Quality and Cost

Much of the work is now conducted remotely. Leon Voets, Service Level Manager at Nsecure, explains:
“The primary goal is achieving an optimal balance between improving quality, controlling costs, ensuring continuous improvement, and promoting sustainability.”

Preventive maintenance and hardware replacement minimize corrective maintenance needs. Service levels are defined and translated into KPIs, which ProRail can monitor online 24/7. To meet these KPIs, data communication enables Nsecure to proactively address incidents and perform condition-based preventive maintenance.

Innovation on the Agenda

Nsecure recognizes ProRail’s growth as a management organization and takes an increasingly proactive and critical approach in their partnership. Innovation meetings are held multiple times a year to push the boundaries further. Voets shares:
“In these meetings, ProRail outlines its future vision, and we present market innovations. In line with sustainability KPIs, we have initiated a pilot for refurbished locks, aiming to reduce environmental impact and cut costs. Together, we explore ways to create an even safer and more sustainable work environment, where ProRail retains full control over access to its locations and systems.”