Alliander develops and manages energy networks for over three million Dutch households and businesses, providing electricity, gas, and heat. They oversee more than 90,000 km of electricity networks and 40,000 km of gas networks, which are among the most reliable in the world. The complexity of their extensive operations and the rapid changes in the energy landscape have led Alliander to organize itself as a control organization. Since 2017, Alliander has entrusted Unica Access & Security International with the responsibility for the tactical and operational implementation of access and security policies, both for people and technology. While similar outsourcing agreements are common for facility management, they are still relatively new in the field of security.

For Alliander, integrating Security Management into the Facility team was a strategic decision. This setup, alongside the integrated facility solution for soft services and the managing agent for asset management, has proven successful. Mark Hamstra, Supplier Manager at Alliander, says, "The collaboration within this structure is working well. Specialists from different services complement each other effectively, allowing us to delegate tactical and operational security tasks to Unica Access & Security International."

An Integrated Policy for Facility and Security

Alliander, the largest grid operator in the Netherlands, recognizes the advantages of an integrated policy. Previously, they had contracts with various security companies, technical parties, and a hospitality company. By shifting from an Integrated Facility Management (IFM) model to an IFM + Integrated Security Management (ISM) model, they reduced the number of partners from over ten to three. This change ensured compliance with laws and regulations and improved the efficiency of IT security, intrusion detection, fire protection, and camera surveillance. Tijs Melis, director of Unica Access & Security, states, "Every facility manager should consider this approach because we believe it represents the future."

Constructive Collaboration Between Partners

A key part of the collaboration is creating an effective chain of supplier services. This requires constructive cooperation and good coordination among different partners. By sharing information promptly and documenting agreements accurately, goals can be achieved, innovations realized, and mutual understanding enhanced.

Integrated Security Management

Unica Access & Security International plans, coordinates, and monitors the agreed service level agreements, continuously focusing on analyzing and improving processes, always prioritizing Alliander’s interests. Unica Access & Security International manages the following services:

• Observation: Following standard procedures for remote opening and closing of locations, access control, intercom handling, video surveillance, emergency and incident management, and alarm verification and follow-up.
• Functional and Operational Management: Managing access control and workflow authorization.
• Service Management: Technical management, application management, and incident management of access control and workflow authorization.
• Installation & Maintenance: Partially performed by Unica Access & Security International and partially by building-related service providers and suppliers.
• Human Security: Includes a private alarm center, mobile surveillance, and object security, carried out by a private security company.

"Assessment of the new agreements is based on performance indicators. Notably, if a specified performance indicator is not met, there is no conventional penalty. Instead, Unica Access & Security International, along with its management and employees, will undertake a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at one of the vulnerable groups in society", explains Tijs Melis.