Our Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Systems Paul Worsley spoke to Manufacturing Management about how facial recognition technology is supporting factory security and worker safety.
Factories remain hazardous environments. In the UK manufacturing sector, roughly 51,000 workers suffer an injury each year – higher than the all-industry average, according to the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data analysed by workplace safety researchers.
Hamertech has also reported that many sites still rely on manual sign-in systems, such as paper logs, which cannot guarantee that only inducted personnel enter the premises. This creates further challenges for manufacturing site safety, access control, and injury prevention.
Our Chief Services Officer’ at Kingdom Systems Paul Worsley says that facial recognition technology can help factories strengthen site security and compliance.
Paul explains: “Our division focuses on things such as fire security, intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, and we work across every sector of buildings across the UK. We also have a temporary systems division that focuses on temporary CCTV and access in construction sites, as well as construction site security.”
He adds: “The way the system works is that we send an invite to the individual, and they click on the link to complete an induction onto the site to ensure all compliance aspects are covered. The individual then uploads a picture of themselves as part of the final recognition.”
“For higher-end security, the system may require a passport to verify identity before access is granted.”
Facial recognition benefits for factories and workers
Kingdom Systems is currently focusing on facial recognition software for CCTV, access control, and contactless entry.
“We are really pushing facial recognition and access control at the moment. Many industrial sites are adopting this technology because of compliance concerns,” he says. “Industrial sites are particularly focused on visitor access and are keen to avoid issuing visitor cards wherever possible.”
He notes that the construction industry sees particular value.
“It’s not uncommon for contractors to pass an access control card to several members of their team, which can create security risks. Our technology ensures individual verification before entry.”
Facial recognition systems also support workforce management.
“We can use facial recognition to manage attendance, ensuring workers have turned up for their shift, completed all necessary training, and are authorised to work on a particular site.”
Protecting engineering companies from theft
Around 70% of UK construction site managers report experiencing theft in the past year, with 20% saying sites are targeted weekly, according to GCCTVMS.
Paul highlights the importance of combining biometric security with governance and compliance.
“The combination of facial recognition software, centralised cloud-based governance, ISO 20071, and GDPR compliance ensures both privacy and security for companies and their employees.”
He acknowledges some concerns around data protection.
“Employees can perceive systems as intrusive or fear micromanagement. Our approach is to work closely with HR and have open conversations about GDPR to ensure everyone feels safe.”
He adds: “One person’s actions can affect others. If someone skips safety or compliance and gains site access, an accident could involve you too.”
Customer-led design and implementation
Paul emphasises that Kingdom Systems takes a consultative approach.
“We take the time to understand each client’s needs and only implement systems that truly fit them, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.”
“It’s not just about installing access control. We go out to client premises and work with them to design a system that ensures security is in place immediately and effectively.”
Challenges and growth in adoption
He notes that employee concerns can slow uptake.
“Some businesses have restrictions or employee concerns that can slow adoption. A lot of employees worry that systems are intrusive or that the company is tracking them unnecessarily.”
Education remains key, says Paul.
“We’ve done significant work showing how the systems operate and why the information is necessary to maintain site safety.”
Kingdom Systems has reported around 140% growth over the past year, reflecting rising adoption of biometric access control and facial recognition in industrial environments.
“Managing one-off access cards can be a nightmare if they aren’t returned,” Companies are now moving toward more secure, trackable methods.”
He concludes: “It’s about compliance, safety, and operational efficiency – and making sure everyone on site goes home safely at the end of the day.”
