How manufacturers can reclaim security and efficiency with simpler system access

Every second counts on the manufacturing floor, and broken access can break everything. Here’s how manufacturers can restore security and speed with safe, fast digital access management.

It’s 5:59 AM. The early shift is clocking in at a U.S.-based consumer goods manufacturing plant. Dana, a floor supervisor, is already juggling two problems: a bottleneck at Line 3 caused by an unauthorized system setting change, and a growing backlog of workers unable to complete compliance training on shared tablets.

She’s been here before. So has IT. So have the production leads, who just want a clear chain of accountability. But until recently, shared logins, slow system access, and locked accounts made clarity impossible — and security unworkable.

This is the daily grind for modern manufacturing: high throughput demands, razor-thin margins, and an increasingly digital environment that’s buckling under its own weight.

The problem behind the problems

Manufacturers today are facing a multi-front assault:

  • Shared logins and unsecured systems mean nobody knows who did what, which isn’t a problem until something breaks, or a security incident occurs and an audit is required. Shared credentials, while convenient, pose a significant risk as they make it difficult to track who has accessed what systems. This lack of visibility can hinder the investigation of production line issues and increase the risk of unauthorized access or alterations.
  • Training certification delays create a drag on frontline productivity. Workers can’t access learning management systems (LMS) tools quickly or securely, especially on shared tablets. Ensuring that all employees are properly trained and certified is essential for maintaining high standards of quality and safety. However, managing this process manually can be time-consuming and error-prone.
  • Help desk calls for password resets are constant, draining IT time and morale. Non-tech-savvy users often struggle with system access, which can further complicate the implementation of more secure practices.

The result? Production lags. Security gaps widen. Accountability evaporates.

And it’s not just a tech issue. It’s a trust issue between leadership, frontline teams, and IT.

A smarter way to secure and streamline

So, what would be the right way for the plant’s leadership to react in this hypothetical scenario? First, they would recognize that workflow friction wasn’t just slowing operations; it was a security risk. They could then implement a digital access management strategy tailored to their specific environment.

Here’s what an ideal strategy would look like:

  1. Eliminate shared credentials. Every worker now authenticates with a badge and PIN: no user credentials to remember, no passwords to reset, while still ensuring accountability.
  2. Enable secure access across all shared endpoints. Whether it’s a Windows-based terminal, a green screen legacy application, or an Android training tablet, users authenticate the same way every time.
  3. Streamline onboarding and training. Workers can log in instantly to complete training, even mid-shift, without IT assistance.
  4. Full visibility into all activity for enhanced transparency. Now, when a system change occurs, there’s a log of who accessed which systems and when that occurred. Investigations take minutes, not hours or days. This is especially important if an audit takes place months or years after the time period in question.

Imprivata’s solutions can help manufacturers turn this scenario into a reality.

  • Enterprise Access Management simplifies user authentication without compromising security. The solution offers a consistent badge and pin workflow for accessing devices and for single sign-on into modern and legacy applications, reducing the friction and frustration often experienced by non-tech-savvy users.
  • Mobile Access Management brings the same consistency and security to shared mobile devices on the shop floor.

This increased accountability and visibility are crucial for maintaining a high level of security and operational efficiency. By improving access to MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and LMS (Learning Management Systems), Imprivata helps streamline workflows, enhance production efficiency, and reduce helpdesk calls for password resets and locked accounts.

A plan for the modern manufacturing environment

Here’s the takeaway: security and efficiency don’t have to be at odds. Manufacturers can — and must — implement a digital access strategy that scales across every device and user type.

If you’re a manufacturing leader, here’s your first step:

  • Audit your current access methods. Determine how many shared logins are floating around.
  • Map out the user journey from clock-in to training to production. Identify where are the friction points.
  • Bring IT, OT, and floor leadership to the same table. It’s not just a technology problem. What you’re really solving is a workflow trust issue. The only way to get around that is to have everyone align around the solution to the problem.

Imprivata can help you deploy:

  • Single sign-on and multifactor authentication across all devices and environments
  • Context-aware access that balances speed and compliance

Stop losing time. Start building trust.

You don’t have time for outdated processes or security compromises. The faster your people can safely access what they need, the faster your production lines move. You can complete training faster, and your IT team no longer has to put out constant fires. With Imprivata, you can enhance security and accountability while also improving workflow efficiency and user satisfaction. For manufacturers looking to stay competitive and maintain high standards of quality and safety, Imprivata offers a robust and effective way to manage access to critical systems.

If your frontline workforce is still fighting your technology instead of using it to make their jobs easier, it’s time to learn more about how Imprivata can help.