HEALTH & SAFETY THE KEY TO UNLOCKING FACTORY EFFICIENCY
Andy Smith, Director of KeyTracker, explains why it’s essential for factories and warehouses to consider modern key and asset management solutions as part of their health and safety protocols
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anaging a manufacturing site or storage warehouse requires a high level of operational oversight – particularly when it comes to guaranteeing the health and safety of your team. Senior leaders and managers need to keep track of who’s accessing which pieces of machinery and when, who’s using other potentially dangerous equipment, and know who has access to areas on site that store sensitive information or harmful products. This is vital because failure to do so can lead to safety and security risks for everyone using the building, and make management culpable for any related incidents. Another key element is efficiency. Ensuring team members can move around a factory with ease, and access equipment as and when it’s required, helps to maintain streamlined operations.
Effective management of keys and assets is therefore essential. Modern systems are built to give warehouse and factory managers peace of mind, ensuring they can quickly locate keys and assets when needed, while also maintaining a high level of security to protect the safety of both employees and visitors on the premises.
Safe and efficient solutions There are thousands of factories and warehouses that rely on outdated systems to manage their keys, assets and equipment – often, this can be as archaic as an old hook board with keys hung up in an unlocked cabinet, or even a drawer full of keys. These systems create an increased risk to the people working in a factory or warehouse, with the ongoing chance that keys could come into the wrong hands and lead to dangerous outcomes.
To overcome this, there are solutions designed to handle the sophisticated demands of modern-day operations. These
34 APRIL 2025 | PROCESS & CONTROL
systems ensure only certain team members – such as those with a specific level of experience or seniority – have access to the required keys for different machines, equipment or spaces within the building. They also enhance on-site efficiency by saving precious time when searching for keys or assets, and automatically update management records in real-time, tracking when keys or assets are used, and by whom, which helps streamline factory and warehouse processes.
to the cabinet – for example, only someone experienced in running a certain machine, or qualified to drive a forklift truck, could access the relevant key.
Then, when a key is withdrawn, the system provides senior members of the team with automated chosen exception reports and searchable updates. These records provide details on who borrowed the key and when, boosting accountability and encouraging the prompt and safe return of the key. They also make it easier for floor managers to track who currently has each key or asset. Before integrating key and asset management solutions into a factory or warehouse, conducting an initial site survey with an experienced specialist can help identify which system hardware or software modules will best meet the specific needs of the facility.
Ongoing training Furthermore, a proficient key management solution provider should offer ongoing training to your team to ensure those monitoring and using the system know how to get the best out of it. Meanwhile, ongoing maintenance packages and health checks should be offered to ensure the system never fails or disrupts operations.
Key management doesn't have a one-size- Tailored technology
To suit the differing needs of factory and warehouse teams, modern electronic key and asset management systems offer a variety of different access tools, including pin codes, fingerprints or swipe card access, and incorporate static or dynamic key management too.
The software embedded into the system can be programmed to dictate which keys people can withdraw once they gain access
fits-all solution, which is why a versatile provider offering a range of solutions is an essential addition to your team. By choosing the right system to proactively manage your factory’s keys and assets, those in charge of operational safety and efficiency will have played a vital role in the protection of everyone on site – which reaps more benefits than you can put a price on.
KeyTracker
keytracker.com
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