Installing Access Control in a Multi-Building Factory

3 May 2025

Securing a multi-building industrial site requires more than just locking doors. It demands a scalable, intelligent access control system that can manage employee access across various zones, shifts, and operational areas. Whether you’re dealing with hazardous materials, high-value equipment, or simply need to control foot traffic between departments, access control is essential for both safety and security.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to plan and install an effective access control system tailored for a large, multi-building factory environment.

Define Your Security Objectives

Start by identifying why you need access control:

Prevent unauthorised access to sensitive or hazardous areas
Track employee movement for compliance or safety
Limit vendor/visitor access to specific zones
Reduce the risk of internal theft or sabotage
Enable rapid lockdown in case of emergency

Clear goals will help shape your system design and feature set.

Map the Site and Identify Access Points

Walk the entire facility and document:

All exterior entrances to each building
Internal zones (production floors, server rooms, labs, warehouses, offices)
High-risk areas (chemical storage, R&D, equipment rooms)
Common areas (break rooms, bathrooms, admin)
Vehicle gates and loading docks

Also identify:

Network infrastructure across buildings (Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet, fibre etc)
Power availability near doors
Physical characteristics of each door (metal roll-up, glass, fire-rated, etc.)

Use this data to create a detailed access control blueprint.

Choose an Industrial-Grade Access Control System

For an industrial site, you’ll need a centralised, scalable solution such as the Remsdaq Entro Series (PE edition) that can:

Control access across multiple buildings/zones
Support thousands of users and schedules
Integrate with existing security (CCTV, alarms, intercoms)
Be managed remotely via a local IT server
Remain operational during network or power outages

Common Technologies

RFID card/fob systems: Reliable, scalable
Mobile credentials: Contactless access via smartphone
Biometric readers: Ideal for high-security zones
Turnstiles/gates: For controlling foot and vehicle traffic
License plate recognition (LPR): For vehicle entry at gates

Procure the Right Hardware

Depending on your setup, you’ll need:

Core Components

Readers: RFID, mobile, or biometric
Electric/magnetic locks: For doors, gates, and turnstiles
Control panels (door controllers): Connect doors to the system (local)
Access credentials: Badges, fobs, mobile access
Exit devices: Push-to-exit buttons or motion sensors
Backup power: battery backup or PoE failover for reliability

Optional (but critical in factories)

Door position sensors
Intercom systems for visitor management
Alarm and Fire panel integration for fail-safe door release
Zoning logic with tiered access levels based on job role or clearance

Install the System in Phases

A phased rollout minimises disruptions and ensures quality control. We always recommend working with one of our approved installers. These companies are spread across the UK and can assist with site surveys, project planning, installation and ongoing maintenance of your access control system.

Phase 1: Core Entry Points

Start with:

Main gates
Building entrances
Security/reception areas

Phase 2: Internal Zoning

Install access control on:

Restricted departments or safety-critical zones
Office vs. production area separation
Inventory or tool rooms

Phase 3: Advanced Integration

Link access control with surveillance cameras
Integrate with HR systems for automated access provisioning
Add audit trail/reporting dashboards

Ensure compliance with fire and safety regulations, especially for egress and emergency overrides.

Configure and Train

Work with your IT or security integrator to:

Set up user profiles, groups, and access schedules
Create alerts and reports for unusual activity
Conduct system-wide testing for reliability
Train security teams, floor managers, and staff

Make sure you document:

Emergency protocols
Credential issuance and revocation procedures
Maintenance and update schedules

Maintain and Evolve

Ongoing maintenance is key:

Regularly inspect hardware
Update firmware/software
Revoke access for offboarded employees
Expand coverage as operations grow

Periodically audit your access control policy to ensure it aligns with evolving security and safety needs.

Thoughts

Installing an access control system across a multi-building factory is a significant project but it’s also a strategic investment in security, safety, and operational control. With proper planning and phased deployment, your access system can become the backbone of a smart, secure, and compliant industrial site. Working with a Remsdaq approved installer ensures that you not only get access to one of most secure and reliable access control systems available but a professional installation with ongoing support and maintenance.