Increased Demand to Tighten Physical Security at Food Plants

Ensuring food safety is more critical than ever for today’s industry and supply chain, from trucking to processing and packing to storing food in temperature-controlled environments. Now, food processors are looking to restrict physical access to only those with appropriate clearance and limit the number of people entering a building to protect food safety.

Food companies are also utilizing video surveillance and access control systems to enhance security and production. Video cameras mounted at key facility locations, such as entrances, loading docks, and processing areas, can prevent access by unauthorized people. Video can also deter theft. By documenting visitor entry and the shipping or receipt of goods, if any theft or litigation issues arise, the video can be reviewed and used as evidence. In food processing or staging areas, video can even be used to improve production.

“When Illinois mandated shutdowns, we were deemed an essential business. However, at that point we decided to restrict access by installing doorbell cameras at every facility to secure them and ensure that we only have authorized employees entering and exiting,” says Gary Ronning, Vice President of Operations at Frozen Assets Cold Storage (FACS).

According to Ronning, the FACS CEO and managers collectively decided to contact a technology integrator that had done previous work on their physical security, surveillance, and product inventory scanning systems.

“We contacted BTI and said we wanted doorbell security cameras installed at all our facilities as soon as possible,” says Ronning. “They responded very quickly, completing the installation within a day at two facilities, and a couple of days at another facility.”

Traditionally, security cameras and access control systems were installed as independent systems by security integrators. However, by entrusting this task to integrators with an extensive knowledge of the available products and component parts of both network and security systems and how they can be interconnected, there can be tremendous added value at food processing and handling facilities.

“Because the doorbell and dock cameras tie in to our existing access control and security system network, our IT manager can remotely monitor what is going on from different viewpoints 24/7 at work or home,” says Ronning, who adds that the surveillance cameras on the shipping and receiving docks also help to deter theft and claims.

Unrivalled Support | BTI Communications Group