University of Exeter: Safe, intelligent engineering workshops

Enabling Secure Learning Through Skills-Based Access Control

University of Exeter

Presentation

The University of Exeter, located in the South West of England, has recently refurbished its engineering workshop within the Harrison Building to support tomorrow's engineering education - ensuring students have access to the best possible facilities.

Solutions implemented

The University of Exeter, located in the South West of England, recently refurbished its engineering workshop within the Harrison Building as part of its commitment to providing world-class facilities for future engineers. To support a safe and effective learning environment, the University required a solution that would enable controlled access to specialist equipment, ensuring students could only operate machinery for which they had received the appropriate training and authorisation.

1 - Skills check

Each student is assigned a skills profile based on their training and qualifications. Machines are configured so that they can only be operated by students who meet the required competency levels. The system ensures that untrained or unauthorised students cannot access potentially dangerous equipment, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and improve workshop safety.

2 - Secure machine activation

Students present their access card at a reader, which verifies both their identity and authorised competency levels. Machinery can only be activated once the card has been validated and inserted into the designated holder. When the card is removed, the machine automatically powers down. This process helps prevent unauthorised use and ensures equipment is not left running unattended, reducing operational and safety risks.

3 - Real-time supervision

Workshop staff can monitor machine activity in real time, with clear indicators showing which equipment is active and which is not. Large audio-visual displays provide instant visibility across the workshop, while the intuitive layout of the system enables supervisors to quickly identify machine status and respond where necessary. This enhanced visibility helps improve safety, oversight and operational efficiency throughout the workshop.

4 - Audit and reports

The system records all machine usage, providing a complete audit trail of activity across the workshop. Staff can monitor equipment usage, generate detailed reports and review access records, helping to support compliance, accountability and effective workshop management. The data also provides a simple and reliable way to assess the effectiveness of training programmes and verify that machinery is being used by appropriately trained individuals. This version keeps the original meaning but sounds more polished and professional for a university case study. "Audit trail" is also a term that UK universities and compliance teams will immediately recognise.

5 - Simplified management

Centralised administration enables all machine access points to be managed through a single interface, reducing complexity and administrative effort for workshop staff. The solution is highly flexible and scalable, making it easy to accommodate new equipment, update permissions and adapt to evolving training requirements. This streamlined approach improves efficiency while ensuring access controls remain aligned with operational and safety needs.

The Challenge

The University of Exeter's new engineering workshop is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery - from milling machines and lathes to complete workshops for the assembly of Formula Student vehicles. With such advanced equipment, ensuring the safety of students while allowing them to learn hands-on was essential. The University needed a solution to :

Restrict the use of machines to trained students.

Avoid dangerous operations or machines left running.

Provide real-time supervision for staff.

Results

Enhanced Safety
Machinery can only be accessed and operated by students who have completed the appropriate training and achieved the required competency levels.

Practical Learning Experience
Students gain valuable hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment within a controlled and safe environment.

Complete Visibility
Workshop supervisors can monitor machine usage in real time, providing greater oversight and enabling a rapid response when required.

Simplified Management
A centralised and user-friendly system streamlines administration while providing comprehensive reporting and full audit capabilities.

Outcome

The University of Exeter now benefits from a modern, secure and fully monitored engineering workshop that supports both safety and learning. By combining skills-based access control with real-time oversight, the University is helping to prepare students for the demands of industry while providing staff with greater visibility, control and peace of mind.