Preventing unauthorised robot cell access
In manufacturing environments, unauthorised access can expose personnel to hazards and disrupt operational efficiency. Therefore, it is important to ensure that only authorised personnel can perform specific tasks. To address these challenges, one of the UK’s largest steelmakers implemented the FRANK system from Fortress Safety at one of its facilities where cold rolling and galvanising of metal strips takes place.
The FRANK industrial access control software allows the management of permissions for machine control or access. Designed to work with amGardpro network-enabled interlocks and control pods, FRANK is compatible with existing RFID cards used on site, and logs interaction events such date, time, and frequency. These data insights can help support efficiency and productivity analysis, identify irregularities, and optimise processes.
Linking training records to access permissions
FRANK was implemented at the direct fire section of the main furnace. Since personnel can be exposed to dangerous gases, a mandatory gas awareness training is needed to be authorised in the area.
The access system previously in place did not differentiate between personnel with up-to-date or expired gas awareness training. The customer decided to adopt the FRANK system as it can link the access permissions to the training status. In this way, only employees with the right permissions and up-to-date training are allowed access to the gas hazard area.
Enhancing access control to the drossing robot area
FRANK was also used in the area safeguarding the drossing robot by the pool pit, which is where the heated steel strip enters the zinc bath. In the past, access was managed manually via a whiteboard system where personnel would sign in and out. However, this approach did not track who accessed the area and relied on people filling in the board correctly.
As well as ensuring personnel is authorised to be there, the FRANK software also provides a live update status on who is in the pot area, with interaction data displayed in real time in the control room.
Whilst initially implemented in two sections (the furnace and the pool pit), there are plans to expand the use of FRANK to other parts of the site, continuing to improve safety and operational efficiency across the facility.
Main advantages of FRANK
Several factors influenced the decision to adopt FRANK from Fortress Safety, including:
- Improved procedures: This solution offers better access control compared to previous protocols
- Real-time data availability: The ability to log and display interaction data in real time allows teams in the control room to monitor activities and take immediate action if needed
- Scalability: FRANK can easily be expanded to additional areas as needed
- Compatibility: The system works with the existing RFID cards already used on site, simplifying integration
In this specific case, the integration of training and access permissions with FRANK prevents unauthorised access, making sure that only authorised personnel with up-to-date training records are granted permissions and allowed access to certain areas. In addition, FRANK offers valuable insights through its data logs that help analyse user interactions and optimise access control processes.
