Multi-Layered Perimeter Security

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Begins with Multi-Layered Perimeter Security

Physical security within the manufacturing industry has become increasingly relevant for manufacturing and processing goods and materials, machinery, and raw materials such as aluminum or steel.

While concerns surrounding cybersecurity have also heightened over the last two decades, the physical security of manufacturing facilities remains imperative.

Valuable goods and materials stored in indoor and outdoor areas are often not sufficiently secured and insured.

This becomes especially concerning when many of these facilities reside in industrial areas outside of residential areas where threats are more typical. Therefore, perimeter protection still needs to be top-of-mind for manufacturing and critical infrastructure facilities.

Perimeter security needs to be Multi-Layered Perimeter Security to include access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance, and actual physical barriers such as security fencing and gates, and barriers and bollards.

However, the systems and technologies’ nature will depend on how vulnerabilities are prioritized and the most probable security risks, ranging from theft or espionage, vandalism, and protests, or worst case, terrorism.

First Things First: Establish Priority

The first phase of configuring a Multi-Layered Perimeter Security system for a manufacturing or critical infrastructure facility is to assess the facility and determine its security vulnerabilities and priorities.

Whether it’s people and assets, or equipment and machines, everything needs to be mapped out and considered to determine what needs to be secured and/or monitored. Luckily, this a relatively easy starting point that commercial security technicians can assist with.

Prioritizing the most critical access is paramount because if something requires two or three times as much Multi-Layered Perimeter Security as something else, that needs to be factored into the overall system design. Considering who has access to the facility and its assets or security devices is another critical factor.

Consider personnel such as employees, contractors, pick-up and delivery drivers, and how that access can be controlled.

Passage Control

Controlling access to the facility is the other major component of Multi-Layered Perimeter Security.

Deploying technological access control measures ranging from card access to the latest biometrics, including fingerprint and smart card technology, is the first component of effective and secure passage control.

On the flip side, physical access control can be established with traffic bollards, turnstiles, or other entrance control products. Perimeter fencing has been modernized to include electric fences and that curve back outward to keep intruders from climbing over it.

Technology

Assessing what technology you've already got in place is the next step. Some facilities choose to utilize two or three different perimeter systems, depending on the location and needs.

This could include motion sensors or video surveillance systems.

Most video surveillance systems on the market today include video analytics for actionable intelligence and video hosting capabilities that allow for positive identification, crime deterrents, and proactive video monitoring and intervention. 

Lighting

Lighting is also a massive consideration in Multi-Layered Perimeter Security. Consider storage yards, loading docks, parking lots, and entry gates. Increasing the illumination outside along the perimeter can increase visibility and deter intruders because of the increased likelihood of being seen and caught.

We Know Perimeter Security

Manufacturing and critical infrastructure facilities are vital to our economy, supply chain, national security, and workforce. Securing the perimeter of these facilities is imperative. At SSP, we will help you design, engineer, and install perimeter solutions that ensure your facility remains secure. 

If you have questions about perimeter security, call SSP today at 888-540-0175.