From Four Time Registration Systems to One Integrated Solution for Heerema Fabrication Group

Heerema Fabrication Group (HFG) specializes in the engineering and fabrication of large and complex structures for the offshore oil, gas, and energy industries. With major production facilities around the North Sea, a workshop in Poland, and a multidisciplinary engineering office in the Netherlands, HFG is equipped to design and build large-scale constructions under controlled conditions.

“The close collaboration between HFG and Nsecure, along with Nsecure’s flexibility and focus on the end solution, made this partnership both unique and successful.”

The Challenge: From Multiple Time Registration Systems to One Integrated Solution

As part of an internal improvement program, HFG aimed to unify its European locations under a standardized policy with uniform processes, supporting technologies, and methods. Its existing time registration systems were outdated and unable to support HFG’s future ambitions. The company needed a modern, integrated system that could serve as an enabling technology for future innovations.

“Previously, HFG used different, standalone time registration solutions. Employees traveling between yards either carried four different badges or were registered as visitors, creating inefficiencies and preventing us from having a clear daily overview of employee locations,” explains Tony Stewart, Senior Architect ICT at HFG.

Nsecure as a Strategic Partner

HFG sought a strong partner with global reach to support its European locations.
“We needed a modern, innovative access solution that met key industry standards and integrated seamlessly with our ICT systems and applications. Nsecure, with its expertise, AEOS access control system, and complementary technologies, offered the broadest and most innovative solutions. Additionally, Nsecure provided the best technical solution for integrating employee and time registration with our ERP application, IFS—a critical requirement,” Stewart notes.

During the implementation across various locations, Nsecure and HFG worked closely as a single team. Regular communication, a clear timeline, and well-defined roles and responsibilities ensured the project’s success.

“Nsecure’s flexibility and commitment to the end solution made the collaboration unique and successful. We formed an integrated project team with ICT and Facility Management members from each yard, connected by Nsecure’s project manager and team. Together, we designed the solution and created a two-phase implementation plan. Phase one focused on access control at main entrances and ERP integration—a significant challenge due to the project’s scale. Nsecure, in partnership with local subcontractors, delivered a high-quality solution on time. Phase two, scheduled for this year, will focus on internal access control, assembly point terminals for evacuations, and ANPR cameras for vehicle access management.”

Enabling Technology for HFG’s Innovations

Previously, HFG used badges and readers based on various technologies and standards, limiting their functionality. Today, HFG has adopted modern, secure badges based on the latest industry standards. The integration with the ERP system IFS has also delivered significant time savings by automating employee data registration.

Key benefits include:

• Automated time stamp transfers to IFS, enabling accurate calculation of hours worked.
• Allocation of hours to projects and payroll authorization.
• Unified access management principles, bringing HFG’s yards closer together.

“This new access management solution supports our principles and goals while serving as an enabling technology for many future innovations,” Stewart concludes.

The collaboration with Nsecure has positioned HFG to achieve greater efficiency, security, and innovation across its operations.