Navigating the Tension Between Safety and Security Across 800 Hectares

Sitech Services helps companies in the chemical and energy sectors maximize their facilities’ potential. Operating within Chemelot—a hub for innovation and industry—Sitech works in close proximity to the factories it serves. Over 13 years ago, a strong partnership between Sitech Services and Nsecure began, addressing the unique challenges of this vast multi-user site

A Multi-User Site in Southern Limburg

Founded in 2008 from various DSM departments, Sitech Services provides on-site services at Chemelot, now a sprawling multi-user site divided into two main areas:

1. The Industrial Park, home to 150 chemical companies and 60 factories.
2. The Brightlands Chemelot Campus, an open community of startups, companies, and research institutions focused on innovation.

Each party on this 800-hectare site has distinct security and access needs.

Safety First at Chemelot’s Industrial Hub

“Safety is the top priority across the entire site,” says Sjef Gorissen, Senior Security Officer for Projects & Access Control at Sitech Services.
“However, at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, hospitality is also a key focus. Together with Nsecure, we strive to develop solutions that meet the needs of all parties and end-users while adhering to regulations regarding sustainability and GDPR.”

Key Statistics:

• 8,000 daily workers on-site, with up to 2,000 contractors during turnarounds.
• 27 nationalities represented.
• 150 companies and 60 factories spread across 800 hectares.
• 60 km of rail and an on-site harbor.

Chemelot’s size and strategic location at the crossroads of the A2 and A76 highways between Stein and Geleen make it a critical industrial hub surrounded by residential areas.

The Sitech Services and Nsecure Partnership

Over the years, the environment at Chemelot has evolved, creating new challenges for Sitech Services and Nsecure. Previously, access control was managed manually, with supervisors processing forms, leading to long queues at site entrances. The existing system, heavily customized, no longer aligned with Chemelot’s growth ambitions.

With thousands of visitors from diverse nationalities requiring fast, secure access daily, a future-proof solution was essential. In 2006, Sitech and Nsecure began their partnership to address this need.

A New Access Control System Meeting Strict Requirements

Nsecure introduced the AEOS security management system, which met the stringent requirements of all stakeholders at Chemelot:

• High availability and speed for processing thousands of daily access requests.
• Scalability, with the number of card readers growing from 200 to 850 since implementation.

“AEOS provides the capacity and reliability Chemelot needs to handle its diverse and high-volume access requirements,” says Gorissen. Today, all companies on the site, including Brightlands, rely on this solution.

Digitalizing Contractor Management

The digital transformation of access processes has linked domains, technologies, and systems for greater efficiency and safety. Nsecure’s Dataclient workflow solution complements AEOS, centralizing visitor and contractor registrations.

“Previously, registrations were scattered across emails and phone calls, creating inefficiencies. Now, visitors and contractors are pre-registered in Dataclient, and the information is transferred to AEOS. This digital process eliminates long queues, speeds up access, and ensures required certifications are stored centrally. It not only saves time but also ensures a welcoming and safe experience for visitors,” Gorissen explains.

Valuable Insights Through Data

Data from AEOS and Dataclient is particularly valuable during maintenance turnarounds, when up to 2,000 contractors arrive in a short timeframe. Time registration data helps Sitech:

• Predict resource needs for projects.
• Verify billed hours, ensuring accountability and uncovering potential savings.

In a competitive labor market, these insights are critical for efficient resource allocation.

Innovation at the Forefront

Together with Nsecure, Sitech continuously explores new technologies to enhance Chemelot’s safety and security. Both parties emphasize proven technologies while recognizing their organizational impact.

“Balancing safety and security remains a challenge,” Gorissen notes.
“Onboarding, for example, requires visitors to complete safety instructions before arriving. While security focuses on restricting access to unauthorized individuals, safety emphasizes keeping areas accessible during emergencies. Legislation around sustainability and privacy is integral to navigating this tension.”

Through innovative solutions and a shared commitment to excellence, Sitech Services and Nsecure are transforming Chemelot into a model of integrated safety and security for the future.