Key Considerations for Remote Access in an Industrial Facility

03.5.2021

Define | Select | Plan | Execute…

Due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many industrial facilities have either implemented remote access systems or are considering doing so for the first time this year.  While some companies had the resources and connections to realize a solution, others rushed implementations or simply modified business operations to cope with new restrictions and mandates issued by the federal and state governments.  Others are still evaluating their options and trying to determine which solution is right for their needs.

Remote access to critical business systems and process operations provides convenience and flexibility, but also comes with inherent risks related to safe operation of processes and cybersecurity threats.  Proper planning for a remote access solution will maximize the benefits and minimize the associated risks, leading to the successful deployment of a scalable system you can trust well into the future.

At Hargrove Controls & Automation we not only implement highly available and secure remote access solutions for our clients, we operate our business with them.  We routinely access central development systems from any of our 14 offices, troubleshoot control systems in another city or state, and help our clients solve problems as we travel between destinations.  Our teammates are connected and capable of working anytime from anywhere; we safely and securely support our clients whenever they need it.

Whether you’re setting up remote access for the first time or looking to refine your strategy for the future, consider the following steps for how to accomplish your goals.

1. Define Your Goals

Identify who needs access and what, specifically, they need access to.

Write down the goals so that you think through the plan specifically and deliberately.  Identifying the goals clearly upfront will help you make better decisions throughout the rest of the process.

2. Select Your Solution

There are a million ways to set up remote access, from a technical standpoint.  So, which one is right for you? When choosing a platform, consider the following four aspects:

• Security
• Access
• Price
• Flexibility

3. Plan Your Attack

Before you install the new system, you’ll want to lay out a clear, precise plan with as much advance notice as possible.

4. Execute the Plan

While most people think the execution is the bulk of the work, if you have done well in your planning process, this step should be the easiest.

For more information on how to work through each of these steps, download our Guide To Setting Up Remote Access.

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