Mining company cuts risks and costs

Access & Identity Management Handbook 2012 Access Control & Identity Management

Murray & Roberts implements access and time management across all operations.

An overhaul of access management throughout its operations was instigated by Murray and Roberts Cementation, which worked with Stanley Security Solutions to plan and enhance security, safety and payroll management.

Existing systems at the company’s 28 sites handled time and attendance through a spreadsheet template, an old TDS system or manual clock cards, but lacked the capability to control and monitor access. There was no centralised control or reporting across the systems and the absence of access control exposed risks in terms of both general security and safety compliances.

These issues were addressed by designing and installing a Web-based WAN solution linked to the Murray and Roberts data centre where access and attendance are managed on Stanley’s BESTime and BESAccess software packages. Attendance information is integrated with the payroll system to accelerate and streamline payment processes.

Since the solution spans several areas of operation responsibilities, Stanley worked closely with Murray and Roberts’ HR, IT and security teams to configure the solution and manage its installation and introduction.

On-site identification of authorised personnel is handled by over 240 Morpho fingerprint scanners. These are mainly OMA520 scanners which are IP65 rated and suited for use in harsh environments. Personnel are enrolled on Morpho MSO 300 scanners situated across the various sites and six portable Morpho scanners are used at sites where there is a need for mobile identification of employees.

Clinton Shanley of Stanley says, “Morpho scanners were chosen because of their proven performance in terms of accuracy, speed and convenience in mining environments. They eliminate the recurring losses caused by access cards that are regularly lost, damaged and shared.”

Shanley stresses the importance of knowing with certainty who is where on site: “One function of the solution at Murray & Roberts is to double-check for clearance before underground blasting.”

Depending on operational requirements, some sites are equipped with time and attendance stations and others with a combination of T&A and access control. Information from these stations is fed back to the BESTime and BESAccess software packages at the data centre. The Kroondal and Marikana campuses also make use of Mifare cards where the need for fingerprint and visual identification is essential.

A flexible solution

In addition to reinforcing on-site security, improving safety measures and providing accurate payroll data, the solution also controls the times at which personnel are allowed to access specific locations.

Shanley says the project evolves as new requirements are identified and new sites become operational: “We are constantly exploring ways to add more value to the system. A new development is to incorporate the manning boards into the solution as all the data is already inside our software. This will be done using 52-inch LCD touch screens with real-time updating on employee’s status. The main function is to be able to view the gangs and their makeup and see that a shift has its full complement for going underground.”

Fact fileM

Sector: Mining

Scale of project: Enterprise across 28 sites

Key elements: Stanley hardware and software with Morpho fingerprint scanners

Benefits: Security, OHS compliance, time & attendance with payroll integration, access control, activity-based costing.

Solution supplier: Access control, time & attendance, CCTV, public address, fire detection; Clinton Shanley, Stanley Security Solutions, +27 (0)83 320 9156, [email protected]

Client details

Company: Murray & Roberts Cementation

Contact person: Jacques Schoeman

Business sector: Mining

Tel: +27 (0)11 201 5000

E-mail: [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Keenfinity creates two security businesses
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
The Keenfinity Group, today announced the creation of two dedicated businesses from its former Intrusion & Access portfolio. Radionix will focus exclusively on intrusion alarm systems, while MiCOS will become a dedicated access control company.

Read more...
Security has an identity problem
Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Cybersecurity discussions have mainly focused on defence, including stronger firewalls, tighter network controls, and better endpoint security. However, in today's world, those traditional defences have become less relevant.

Read more...
Connecting access control, logistics and asset tracking
Access Control & Identity Management Asset Management Logistics (Industry)
Physical barriers matter, but a site is not secure just because the gate is strong or the container is locked. True security requires verifying every movement, tracing handovers, making exceptions visible, and allowing intervention before minor issues become major losses.

Read more...
Gallagher Security assists St Vincent School for the Deaf
Gallagher News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
At a time when vehicle purchase and running costs are higher than ever, St. Vincent School for the Deaf will have a more reliable vehicle thanks to a recent donation from Gallagher Security.

Read more...
Solo replaces legacy access control
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management
Paxton’s new Solo system is giving student accommodation providers a simpler way to manage access at scale. This case study examines how a phone-based, cloud-hosted security system modernised access for 500 students without requiring network infrastructure.

Read more...
Readers support employee badge in Apple Wallet
Gallagher Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
rf IDEAS, a global manufacturer of RFID credential readers, today announced that its WAVE ID readers support Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet, expanding the range of credential technologies supported across its reader platform.

Read more...
AI agents become ‘First Class Identities’
Access Control & Identity Management
AI agents are now approving transactions, accessing systems, triggering workflows, and making decisions autonomously. But uncontrolled AI agents are becoming one of the largest security gaps in modern enterprises.

Read more...
Balancing secure access control and fire safety
Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Fire & Safety
In modern building management, few topics create as much tension as the intersection between security access control and fire evacuation safety. Nichola Allen of G2 Fire sheds light on this delicate balance.

Read more...
Securing water infrastructure for industry and community
Access Control & Identity Management Fire & Safety Government and Parastatal (Industry)
The Badirammogo Water User Association needed a solution that could secure remote sites, reduce reliance on physical guards, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery while remaining aligned with its values and long-term strategy.

Read more...
Disconnect between confidence in identity security and operational reality
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
New FIDO Alliance and HID study reveals gap between identity security confidence and reality; 94% of enterprises claim they can revoke employee access within 24 hours, yet 35% experienced delays or failures in the past two years.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.