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In Control with Identity & Access Management

A rapid exchange of information between contractors, suppliers and visitors for access

 

22 December 2018

Daily operations often involve multiple contractors on-site, dozens of work requests, and various vehicles entering your premises. In an industrial environment, safety plays a crucial role in every business process. However, operational challenges still arise, jeopardizing safety. What does this demand from the judgment and expertise of specialists at locations undergoing constant development?

For specialists such as safety, security, or QHSE managers, the scope extends beyond safety and access control. Continuous pressure on resources, the search for qualified personnel, and increasingly stringent regulations force all players in the industrial domain to stay vigilant. When calamities loom, the consequences can be severe for both people and the environment—potentially on a global scale.

Despite these challenges, a wide range of supporting partial solutions is available, including visitor registration, e-learning, and self-service options. But do these solutions genuinely align with your business processes, or do they force you to adapt your processes to fit the technology? This is separate from innovative techniques, such as artificial intelligence (AI) or robotics, which may play a role now or in the future.

Technology can support safety assurance, but its effectiveness depends on awareness and the knowledge level surrounding these technologies.

In Control of Who, When, and Where Access is Granted

When reviewing various business processes, access procedures often remain intensive and time-consuming. Information becomes fragmented, and quick decisions must be made based on several security considerations. Is the individual truly who they claim to be? Do they hold the required certifications? Disputes often arise when contractors lack proper certifications, such as a valid VCA or Certificate of Conduct (VOG), leading to questions about who is ultimately responsible for providing these. Such issues can directly impact safety.

With stricter inspections and audits, it’s vital for companies to have their processes in order to avoid fines from governmental or regulatory bodies. Detailed information about visitors and contractors plays a key role in maintaining safety. The data collected is used to grant “green light” access to individuals for entering your (business) location.

Gains with Identity & Access Management

Identity & Access Management (IAM) offers significant benefits in efficiency, compliance, and safety. It facilitates rapid information exchange among contractors, suppliers, and visitors regarding the requirements for accessing a building or location. Key features include:

  • Personal Digital Profiles: Store certifications and training records with automatic notifications for certificate expirations.
  • Qualification Matrix: Qualify individuals based on their expertise to ensure the right skills are deployed on-site.
  • E-Learning Solutions: Provide safety or instructional videos either in advance or on-site.

By combining the right personnel and technology, continuity and safety are ensured. In short, IAM provides a clear, real-time overview of progress and bottlenecks in your business processes, allowing you to stay in control of who, when, and where access is granted. This positions your organization as a reliable and strategic business partner.

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