Business Telecoms & IT in Northwich

Segmentation between process and office networks first, then monitored firewalls, controlled access and documentation of configuration. Chemical customers audit thoroughly because the consequences of a compromise are physical rather than commercial. Building to that standard from the start is significantly cheaper than reconstructing it under an assessment deadline.

Standard office equipment mounted in a process area generally does not last, so the design keeps active kit out of it where possible and specifies properly rated enclosures where it cannot. Heat, dust, moisture and corrosive atmospheres all shorten equipment life differently, which is why it is surveyed rather than assumed.

It has to be designed for it rather than adapted to it. Process areas mean dust, wash-down, temperature and a great deal of steel, all of which defeat access points specified for an office, and hardware needs the right rating rather than a plastic case in a cupboard. It is a survey job with the plant running, because a line that is clear on a shutdown day is not the same line in production.