5 Secure Remote Access Solutions for Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors

The Evolving Landscape of Industrial Remote Access

Manufacturing, industrial and construction sectors are adopting digital technologies at an unprecedented rate. Consequently, there is a significant increase in demand for secure, fast and manageable remote access tools to manage this rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), smart sensors, automated control systems. In turn these therefore require sharper, stronger remote capabilities for operations, diagnostics and maintenance.

Key drivers include:

• Globalized workforces and supply chains
• Higher demand for remote maintenance and monitoring
• Strict compliance and data security regulations
• Reduced costs through decentralized operations

Central Considerations When Evaluating SRA Solutions

When selecting the right secure remote access solution for an industrial setting, organizations should consider the following factors.

Security Protocols:

Ensure the product uses end-to-end encryption, two- factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA & MFA) and compliance with standards such as IEC 62443.

Scalability:

Can the solution grow with the organization? Your chosen solution ideally needs to accommodate future expansion across locations, users and devices.

Integration:

Compatibility with SCADA, PLCs, HMIs or other industrial control systems is paramount in certain fields.

User Access Management:

Find solutions with granular control, session logging and role-based permissions, as industrial and manufacturing contexts usually demand comprehensive audit trails to monitor user activities.

Ease of Deployment:

Where possible, ensure the chosen solution will cause minimal disruption to operations and ease of training for on-site personnel.

Support and Maintenance:

When possible, take into consideration the accessibility of vendor support, regular updates and maintenance services.

Benefits of Implementing Secure Remote Access

Deploying SRA solutions in manufacturing and industry delivers great tangible business benefits. Amongst them:

Reduced Downtime:

Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting enable quicker response times and faster problem resolution, minimizing production halts.

Operational Agility:

Staff and technicians can work across multiple sites without physical presence or set-backs. Today’s instant communication technologies include video calls and similar possibilities which eliminate the need for long email exchanges, travel delays and unpredictability, and other such causes of delay.

Improved Security:

Controlled user or group access reduces the risk of unauthorized connections and interventions, which in turn decreases potential cyber threats and breach risk to critical systems.

Compliance Assurance:

Maintaining detailed logs and adhering to security protocols ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, satisfying audit and reporting requirements with required activity logs.

Cost Efficiency:

Decreased need for in-person on-site visits leads to significant savings in travel, work-hours and physical infrastructure overheads.

Move to Zero Trust Architectures:

As shown by the selection below, organizations are increasingly shift towards zero trust models to bolster security in remote access scenarios.

Our Leading Secure Remote Access Solutions

1. TSplus Remote Access – Best for Easy Deployment

TSplus Remote Access provides a cost-effective, user-friendly platform which allow secure access to Windows applications and desktops via web browser. Robustly designed for application publishing, it has simplicity and scalability at its core. TSplus allows manufacturing businesses to provide their workforce with secure and efficient remote access to their day-to-day IT tools at great value for money.

Key Features:

• Web-based access to applications and desktops
• Two-factor authentication support
• Granular permissions
• Easy deployment and centralized management

Ideal For:

Small to medium-sized manufacturing enterprises will appreciate its simplicity, reliability and uncompromising security while large-scale organisations will find satisfaction in the scalability and efficiency of this versatile tool.

2. RealVNC Connect

RealVNC Connect provides a secure and reliable remote access platform, enabling manufacturers to monitor equipment, perform maintenance and support remote teams. With end-to-end encryption and comprehensive auditing features, RealVNC ensures remote sessions are both secure and compliant across multiple OS platforms.

Key Features:

• End-to-end encryption
• Session recording
• Cloud/on-premises options
• Role-based access

Ideal For:

Industrial settings with diverse IT infrastructures.

3. Secomea Secure Remote Access

Secomea specializes in providing secure remote access solutions tailored for industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments. The platform enables remote management of PLCs, HMIs and other industrial equipment, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient troubleshooting. In particular, it is targeted features for industrial engineers.

Key Features:

• Firewall-friendly
• Comprehensive audit logging
• Simple UI and rapid deployment

Ideal For:

Manufacturers needing secure access to HMIs, PLCs and legacy control systems.

4. Zscaler ZTNA

Cloud-native and scalable, Zscaler uses a zero-trust model to minimize exposure and enforce strict application-level access. This modern approach to secure remote access eliminates the need for traditional VPNs while giving secure access to applications and systems.

Key Features:

• Identity-based access
• Continuous verification
• Tight cloud integration

Ideal For:

Large-scale enterprises with distributed workforces moving toward cloud-first strategies.

5. Opengear Out-of-Band Management

Opengear provides out-of-band (OOB) management solutions for manufacturing facilities where continuous operation is essential. Focused on network resilience, it enables remote monitoring of networking hardware, even during failures.

Key Features:

• Cellular failover access
• Environmental monitoring
• Smart alerts and automation

Ideal For:

Plants requiring 24/7 uptime and proactive incident handling.

Secure Remote Access Solutions Comparison Table

How TSplus Brings Its Expertise to Industrial IT

TSplus goes beyond just access. It offers a full suite of secure remote access and management tools adapted to the realities of construction, manufacturing and industrial environments.

TSplus Capabilities:

• Remote Access: Simple, encrypted, browser-based access to any Windows system.
• Advanced Security: TLS protection, 2FA, IP filtering and brute-force attack defense.
• Application Publishing: Run only what is needed. Reduce risks, boost focus.
• Scalable Licensing: Affordable, perpetual licenses ideal for scaling with growth.
• Network Monitoring: Real-time view of servers and websites with alerts and reporting.
• Support and Maintenance: Encrypted, instant, no-installation screen sharing and control.
• HTML5 connections: Choose from a variety of connection modes including HTML5.

Here are 4 TSplus capabilities in greater detail:

1. Secure, Scalable Remote Access

TSplus Remote Access enables centralized management of Windows applications and desktops, allowing authorized personnel to access critical systems from any location. This ensures that engineers, technicians and managers can monitor and control production processes remotely, facilitating real-time decision-making and reducing downtime.

2. Web-Enable Legacy Applications

Many manufacturing operations rely on legacy applications which are not inherently designed for remote access. TSplus allows these applications to be web-enabled without the need for redevelopment, extending their usability and integrating them into modern workflows.

3. Robust Security Measures

Security is paramount in industrial settings. TSplus incorporates advanced security features, including TLS encryption and optional two-factor authentication, to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. These measures help maintain compliance with industry standards and safeguard against cyber threats.

4. Cost-Effective Licensing

TSplus offers perpetual licensing options, providing a cost-effective alternative to other remote access solutions. This approach reduces ongoing expenses and offers flexibility for businesses to scale their operations without incurring significant additional costs.

Everyday Impact for Manufacturing Industries and their Users:

Implementing TSplus solutions leads to tangible benefits in industrial and manufacturing environments:

Increased Uptime:

Remote access to systems allows for quicker response times to issues, minimizing production halts.

Enhanced Collaboration:

Teams can work together more effectively, regardless of location, improving coordination and productivity.

Streamlined Operations:

Centralized management of applications simplifies IT administration and reduces complexity.

Benefits to the Organisation’s Users:

• IT Admins: Streamlined management with web-based consoles and simplified updates.
• Field Engineers: Quick and easy system access from anywhere on any device via Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
• Executives: Reduced infrastructure budget, increased overall view and clear audit trails.

All this means more agile, secure and efficient working environments and uninterrupted production processes, even in challenging circumstances.

Conclusion on Top Secure Remote Access Solutions

Secure remote access solutions are no longer just a convenience. In fact, they are essential for resilience, efficiency and growth in industrial and manufacturing settings. Whether to streamline operations, enhance collaboration or fortify your digital perimeter, selecting the right tool can unlock immense value. Different needs and aims will orient choices in accordance as each organisation taps into the immense potential of secure remote solutions. With its flexible subscription or permanent licensing, user-friendly interface and robust security, TSplus stands out as a powerful choice for manufacturers ready to embrace a modern remote access approach.

Explore how TSplus can elevate your industrial operations today.

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