How secure is your manufacturing facility?

Security Guard Management /

Your manufacturing facility is a complex mix of people, valuable equipment, and intellectual property. You’re dealing with supply chains, production quotas, and worker safety – all while trying to keep everything secure. The old way of thinking about security just doesn’t work anymore. 

Even though it used to be fences and guards, today threats can come from anywhere, like a weak point in your network, or even a drone. 

At Trackforce, we’re ready for the changes. Let’s look at the physical security trends that are helping manufacturers keep facilities secure. 

Modern manufacturing security  

For years, security in manufacturing was only focused on preventing theft, stopping vandalism, and keeping sites safe. Those issues all still exist – and now they’re part of a larger and more complicated strategy. 

Now, people need to confront cyber-physical threats, where a digital breach can unlock a physical door, and insider risks that are harder than ever to detect. In fact, Verizon study shows that insider threats are a big factor in security breaches, showing the need to protect the inside as well as the outside. 

Every IoT sensor and smart system also creates a new potential vulnerability. High-profile security breaches have served as a wake-up call for the entire industry. According to the IBM 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the manufacturing sector is consistently one of the most targeted industries, with the average cost of a breach in the millions of dollars. After an intellectual property crime, the effects like shutdowns and financial loss are extemely costly. 

Smarter technology for a safer facility 

Technology is our best partner for these new challenges. What tools are available? 

  • Access control: Modern access control uses mobile credentials on a phone, biometric data like fingerprints, or real-time logs. This trend is reflected in market growth, as MarketsandMarkets project the global biometric systems market will see significant growth, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% through the end of the decade. The question isn’t “does this card work?” but instead, “is this person authorized to be in this specific zone at this exact time?” This can help reduce risk, especially from insider threats. 
  • AI surveillance: AI doesn’t just record – it can analyze what it’s seeing. AI-powered surveillance can automatically detect someone climbing a fence, a vehicle in a restricted area, or an employee not wearing the proper safety gear. The global market for video analytics is exploding, with Fortune Business Insights predicting it will grow to over $35 billion by 2032. It sends an immediate alert, turning your security teaminto active responders. 
  • Drone watch: As drones become more common, the risk of industrial espionage or disruption from the air is real. Reflecting this concern, the counter-drone technology market is projected to expand rapidly, with a CAGR of 25% as more industries seek to protect their airspace. Drone detection systems can identify unauthorized devices and help mitigate the threat before a drone can capture sensitive information or interfere with operations. 

Built-in security 

The most effective security is integrated into your environment, and that’s the idea behind Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). It’s about using smart design like strategic lighting, clear lines of sight, and defined entry points to naturally deter crime. 

This same thinking applies to the perimeter. Modern improvements like motion sensors, fiber optic detection cables woven into fences, and automated vehicle barriers create a line of defense that can stop a threat – far away from your most valuable assets. 

From silos to synergy 

Your security systems shouldn’t operate in isolation. When your access control, video surveillance, and alarm systems all talk to each other, you create better situational awareness. 

This is where a Security Operations Center (SOC) becomes your facility’s nerve center. A SOC integrates data from all your systems into a unified view. Your team has all the information they need to make quick decisions during an incident, all on one screen. This integration is driving the growth of the Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) market, which is expected to more than double in size by 2030 as companies demand a unified view of their security posture. 

Even better, we can now use predictive analytics to get ahead of threats. By analyzing data from past incidents and real-time inputs, these tools can identify patterns and flag potential risks. It’s the difference between a report that tells you a door was forced open yesterday and a forecast that tells you that same door is at high risk of a breach tonight. 

Security that solves, not creates problems 

How do you implement security without grinding your operations to a halt? Choose solutions designed for efficiency, like automated visitor management systems that let you pre-register guests, or mobile credentials that let employees move through authorized areas. Additions like these add security precautions without causing additional issues. 

What’s next for manufacturing security? 

Looking ahead, we see three major trends taking shape: 

  1. Cyber-physical integration: The line between your digital and physical security will dissolve. Protecting your server is as important as locking a gate. 
  1. Collaborative security: We’ll see more partnerships between companies, security firms, and industry groups to share threat intelligence and best practices. 
  1. Sustainability in security: From energy-efficient cameras to eco-friendly building materials, security solutions will align with corporate sustainability goals. 

Trackforce: A secure future for manufacturing facilities 

The future of security is about creating a single, intelligent, and proactive system. It’s built on: 

  • Advanced technology: Tools like AI-powered surveillance and biometric access control help predict and prevent incidents. 
  • Integrated operations: Breaking down silos by feeding all your security data – from cameras to access logs – into a unified Security Operations Center (SOC) gives you situational awareness. 
  • Proactive strategy: It’s helpful to use data to identify risks before they result in downtime, theft, or danger to your team. 

Ready to get started at your manufacturing facility?  

At Trackforce, we specialize in creating the solutions for today’s security issues. Let our experts help you assess your current security and design the right strategy for 2025 and beyond.   

Connect with our team for a custom demo. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Cyber-physical threats occur when digital security breaches can trigger physical security vulnerabilities, such as a network hack that unlocks physical doors or disables safety systems. In manufacturing, these threats are particularly dangerous because they can shut down production lines, compromise worker safety, or enable theft of valuable equipment and intellectual property. The key is implementing integrated security systems that protect both your digital networks and physical assets simultaneously.  

Insider threats are among the most challenging security risks because they come from people who already have authorized access. Modern access control systems help by tracking who enters which areas and when, creating detailed logs of employee movement. Biometric and mobile credentials make it harder for unauthorized individuals to use stolen access cards. Additionally, AI-powered surveillance can detect unusual behavior patterns, such as employees accessing areas outside their normal work zones or visiting facilities during off-hours. 

AI surveillance goes far beyond traditional security cameras by actively analyzing what it sees in real-time. It can automatically detect security breaches like fence climbing, unauthorized vehicles in restricted areas, or safety violations like missing protective equipment. The technology sends immediate alerts to your security team, allowing for rapid response rather than discovering incidents hours later during video review.  

The best security solutions enhance rather than hinder your operations. Automated visitor management systems let you pre-register guests and contractors, speeding up entry while maintaining security protocols. Mobile credentials allow employees to move seamlessly through authorized areas without stopping for card readers. Motion sensors and fiber optic detection systems on perimeters provide 24/7 monitoring without requiring additional staff. The goal is choosing solutions that add protection while maintaining operational efficiency. 

Drone threats are increasingly common as the technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated. Counter-drone detection systems can identify unauthorized aircraft in your airspace and alert security personnel immediately. These systems use radar, radio frequency detection, and optical sensors to spot drones before they can capture sensitive information or interfere with operations. The counter-drone technology market is growing at 25% annually as more manufacturers recognize this emerging threat. Consider implementing no-fly zone policies and working with local authorities to establish clear protocols for drone incidents. 

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