Robust integrated access control system meets new security regulations and improves port operations. Combined access control and command & control helps port officials track movement of goods throughout the port and positions SeaPort Manatee to leverage technology.
Siemens helps one of Florida’s fastest growing ports
Located at the entrance to Tampa Bay along Florida’s Gulf Coast, SeaPort Manatee is one of the state’s largest and fastest growing deep water seaports. Each year, approximately 8 million tons of cargo passes through SeaPort Manatee on its way into and out of the Southeast.
SeaPort Manatee has advanced over $10 million in security-related project in recent years. Among the most important initiatives was implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) system. Mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act, the TWIC program provides secure credentials for all workers needing to access secure areas of maritime facilities, such as SeaPort Manatee.
When it came time to implement TWIC, SeaPort Manatee was looking to do more than just meet the minimum requirements of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The port’s management team saw this as an opportunity to implement a robust and integrated access control system.
One of the main challenges for SeaPort Manatee was implementing a single solution flexible enough to address the wide range of activities at the port. The ideal system would help port officials track the movement of goods throughout the port, and establish workflows to manage different commodity types and make sure the right cargo was moved in and out properly.
With SiPass, SeaPort Manatee has the access control solution it needs to meet TWIC requirements, raising the level of protection at SeaPort Manatee without impacting the flow of traffic. Siemens Vantage provides a single interface to manage access control and other systems, such as video surveillance and lighting.
Leveraging SiPass and Vantage, SeaPort Manatee has been able to streamline its processes and increase efficiency. More port visitors can be monitored via surveillance instead of costly one-on-one escorts. At one port entrance a fully-automated plaza operation has been enabled, allowing SeaPort Manatee to increase throughput without adding staff. The new integrated system also establishes greater accountability among port employees and users.
When I go to security seminars or trade shows, I often hear from vendors that they have a great off-the-shelf software that could do everything I want. But they don’t understand my business. Siemens recognizes that they have a very good suite of software and technologies, but they also have the people and expertise so they can get into the weeds of my business. The packages themselves aren’t going to have every single thing I need, but Siemens works with us to fill those gaps and customize the platform.
A better way to work
Beyond integration to secure the bottom line
Siemens engineers went beyond integrating security equipment into Vantage. Working with port officials, they developed workflows within Vantage and integrated systems critical to those processes, such as refrigeration systems for perishable items. With SiPass and Vantage, port staff can utilize automation and workflows to better track and manage visitors and port users. The port can do more with less. And, with intelligent workflows established, port operations are completed more efficiently.
Since 9/11, security expenses have grown at an accelerated rate – with the burden falling mainly on the port’s budget. With its ability to create that one-to-one match between port users and cargo, SeaPort Manatee has greater transparency into who is using what service and can recoup more of their own costs.