Companies in the food sector perform important tasks as critical infrastructure. Production, processing, and trade ensure the food supply. They also ensure the quality and safety of food to minimize health risks for the population. Security measures such as access control are indispensable for complying with regulatory requirements and hygiene standards.

Why Security is Important for Companies in the Food Sector

54.5 million tons of food are produced or processed annually in Germany by about 5,600 companies with a turnover of approximately 228 billion euros. Many production and logistics processes are now highly networked and digitized. An IT incident usually leads to supply shortages and financial losses. Cybersecurity threats will continue to pose risks of data theft, supply chain disruptions, or quality issues in the coming years. Food safety also plays a significant role in avoiding health risks for consumers. Expensive recalls due to contaminated food damage the image and sustainably affect consumer trust in products and affected companies.

Access control solutions have therefore been an indispensable component of a security concept in the food sector for years. Strict standards require proof of reliable access controls to food-sensitive areas. The goal is to ensure the integrity, availability, and security of infrastructures as well as the production and processing processes for food, ultimately avoiding economic losses due to production downtime.

Providers in the Food Sector *

Sector

Food Industry
Food Trade

Service

  • Food Production and Processing
  • Food Trade

*Source: Classification of Sectors and Critical Services according to the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, as of October 2024

How Access Control Supports Your Diverse Requirements

We support you with our security and access control solutions to meet the specific requirements of your industry. As a long-standing partner and provider, we analyze your existing security concept together with you and develop appropriate measures based on it for optimal protection of your buildings and infrastructures. Our goal is to implement a robust and reliable security network that can flexibly adapt to your current and future requirements.

Food Safety

Protecting against unauthorized access to sensitive production and storage areas is a top priority. Access control ensures that access to clean rooms or temperature-controlled storage areas with hygiene locks is electronically controlled, monitored, and audit-proof documented, and that all employees comply with the required hygiene standards. The software-supported division of security zones enables the clear definition and demarcation of areas with particularly high protection needs.

Regulatory Requirements

Companies in the food sector are subject to numerous safety and hygiene standards. National or EU-wide regulations such as the Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV) or the EU regulations for food hygiene (No. 753/2004, No. 862/2004), standards such as ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000), SQF (Safe Quality Food), or IFS-Food (International Featured Standards Food) ensure high quality standards in the food chain. Advanced access control solutions form an important basis here to demonstrably comply with these regulations and standards.

Ensuring Efficient Operations

Technical malfunctions or unauthorized access lead to interruptions. Access control systems ensure efficient and smooth operations. In emergencies, responsible persons can quickly react, block access, and evacuate employees. Misuse of identification media is avoided through transparent and personalized monitoring.

Protection Against Theft and Sabotage

Access control systems protect raw materials and products from unauthorized access and economic damage. Monitored and audit-proof documented accesses enable security officers to trace who had access in the event of incidents. This continuously improves and adapts security measures.

Interflex Access Control:
Flexibility and Security for All Applications

Interflex-Zutrittskontrolle für Produktionsstätten im Sektor Ernährung

Compliance with Hygiene Standards in Food Production

Locations: Production Facilities

Suitable Solutions:

  • IF-6040 Software System for central control and monitoring of all accesses in real-time and for quick adjustment of access permissions. Risk-based zoning of processing areas with time restrictions during and outside production times.
  • Expansion of IF-6040 with additional security systems: Integration of a control center with additional security functions and solutions such as hygiene locks, video surveillance, alarm, and fire alarm management.
  • Multi-Level Authentication – Advanced ID methods (LEGIC advant, Mifare DESFire EV3), Key App on the smartphone (3-Pass Authentication), and PIN codes at access terminals.
  • Biometric Scanner Solutions – From fingerprint 2D/3D verification to facial, iris, and hand vein recognition.
  • Visitor Management Module with an automated process for electronic pre-registration, including the collection of visitor and supplier data, as well as documented safety instructions.

IYour Benefits:

  • More Transparency: A software-supported system like IF-6040 helps provide the necessary evidence during an audit and recertification by logging all accesses.
  • Ensuring Compliance: By allowing access to sensitive production areas only to authorized and trained personnel, it ensures that all individuals comply with the required hygiene standards.
  • Preventing Misuse: Modern multi-level authentication measures prevent the misuse of ID data and reduce the risk of contamination, theft, and sabotage. Biometric solutions further enhance security and ensure hygienic access.
  • Streamlined Processes: The ability to combine Interflex access control with hygiene inspection functions in one system streamlines operational processes and protects the quality of your products and production processes.
  • Audit Security: The “Visitor Management” module offers audit security through the documentation of visitor data, ensuring efficiency in operational processes.
Learn more!
Interflex-Zutrittskontrolle für den Lebensmittelhandel im Sektor Ernährung.

Protection against theft, burglary, and sabotage in the food industry.

Locations: Food Retail

Suitable Solutions:

  • IF-6040 from the Cloud for central and scalable management of access permissions across multiple locations.
  • Mobile access authentication with the Key App on the smartphone (3-pass authentication) or with PIN codes at access terminals to sensitive areas.
  • Vandalism-resistant access terminals and particularly robust locking components for outdoor areas.
  • Battery-operated locking components “Opendor” for quick, wireless retrofitting of access points. Possibility of real-time integration of doors and access points into a central monitoring system or security control center.
  • License plate recognition for access control in parking and loading areas and for easy recording of company vehicles.

Your Benefits:

  • A cloud-based access control solution (GDPR-compliant) can be flexibly adapted to rapidly changing requirements across different locations. Operational processes become more efficient, and security officers as well as the IT department are relieved.
  • The traceability of access and inventory movements in the central system IF-6040 facilitates inventory control and supports the optimization of warehouse processes.
  • Logging of access meets the requirements for documentation and traceability for internal and external audits.
  • Advanced authentication methods and robust, vandalism-proof locking systems reduce the risk of sabotage and theft.
  • Mobile access control increases the level of security and is also cost-efficient, as fewer keys are used and the risk of key loss is avoided.
  • Full control and traceability of suppliers during entry and exit reduce the risk of theft, financial losses, and unauthorized access to storage areas.
Learn more!
Interflex-Zutrittskontrolle für Lager und Kühlräume im Sektor Ernährung.

Protection of product quality and brand integrity in warehousing.

Locations: Warehouses and Cold Storage for Perishable Goods and High-Quality Raw Materials

Passende Lösungen:

  • System IF-6040 for defining security-relevant zones with different access restrictions and for quickly and individually adjusting access permissions.
  • Alarm and emergency management in System IF-6040 – for documenting unauthorized access and security-relevant incidents, including automatic notification of security personnel, for example, through door status monitoring.
  • Biometric authentication solutions.

Your Benefits:

  • Protection of food quality and supply chain security: Access control solutions help ensure quality and compliance with storage conditions. They contribute to audit-proof documentation of strict regulations and standards.
  • Reduced liability risks: Only authorized, trained personnel have access, ensuring product shelf life and hygiene regulations in temperature-controlled areas.
  • Efficiency and resource optimization: Combining access solutions with other protective measures, such as hygiene locks, reduces the risk of temperature deviations and helps make operational processes more efficient.
  • Enhanced protection with biometric authentication: This reduces the risk of theft and financial losses due to spoilage and ensures optimal inventory management.
  • Maintaining brand integrity: Access control solutions help ensure brand integrity by preventing potential contamination and spoilage, which can cause lasting (financial) damage to the company’s reputation.
Learn more!

Secure Your Business:
5 Steps to a Reliable Access Control System

1
Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of your security requirements and existing systems

2
Planning

Development of a tailored security concept

3
Installation

Installation and configuration of the relevant components

4
Handover

Training for safe handling of your system

5
Support

Regular and reliable service and support

Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Sector

Food producers and suppliers must comply with a variety of regulations and standards to ensure supply security and food quality. Access control measures play a significant role in these requirements and are considered an essential component of a security concept. These include, for example, EU Regulation (EC) No. 862/2004 on food hygiene or EU Regulation (EC) No. 753/2004, both of which prescribe hygiene regulations for production facilities, transport, and personal hygiene.

Other regulations include the Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV), as well as international standards such as IFS (International Featured Standards) and the FSCC 22000 standard, which includes ISO 22000. All these regulations and standards have one thing in common: access controls ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas, ensuring compliance with hygiene regulations, as well as the safety and quality of products. Thus, the proof of reliable access control systems is part of audits.

In the field of food production, there are many sensitive areas where access control solutions provide protection. These include production areas as well as storage and cold rooms where perishable goods are stored. In these areas, access control ensures that only authorized personnel have access, reducing the risk of contamination and maintaining food quality.

Laboratories for testing food samples are also protected areas to maintain the integrity of the tests. Protecting products from contamination and theft is particularly relevant in packaging areas. Access controls in employee areas ensure that everyone adheres to hygiene regulations and that no one enters production areas in contaminated clothing.

Companies in the food manufacturing and processing sector face numerous security risks. Advanced electronic access control solutions ensure that companies are audit-proof and, most importantly, maintain consumer trust in the quality of their products. Risks include, in addition to cybersecurity issues, contamination with microorganisms or chemicals due to unauthorized access to production areas.

These incidents endanger production lines and lead to costly recalls and reputational damage. Theft and sabotage of raw materials and finished products are other challenges. Supply chain issues, such as unforeseen interruptions in cold chains, are also risks. Access controls ensure that only authorized suppliers have access to storage and loading areas.

Do you have any questions? We are happy to help you!

+49 711 1322 – 0

interflex.info@allegion.com

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