How SGS secured remote access to segregated lab systems
Secure remote access to segregated lab systems – enabling faster support and compliant operations.
This case study has been created in collaboration between SGS & BifrostConnect.
Reliable remote access for testing and inspection
SGS, a global leader in testing and certification, faced recurring challenges with remote access to isolated laboratory systems in Portugal and the Netherlands. Technicians and vendors often needed urgent access for commissioning, troubleshooting, and incident response, but traditional solutions were either non-compliant, too slow, or required costly on-site visits.
To address this, SGS deployed BifrostConnect, a hardware-based remote access solution designed for IT and OT environments – even when systems are air-gapped, standalone, or completely offline. The plug-and-play device enabled secure, session-based access without network modifications or exposure, fully approved by SGS’s global security team.
Reliable remote access for testing and inspection
SGS, a global leader in testing and certification, faced recurring challenges with remote access to isolated laboratory systems in Portugal and the Netherlands. Technicians and vendors often needed urgent access for commissioning, troubleshooting, and incident response, but traditional solutions were either non-compliant, too slow, or required costly on-site visits.
To address this, SGS deployed BifrostConnect, a hardware-based remote access solution designed for IT and OT environments – even when systems are air-gapped, standalone, or completely offline. The plug-and-play device enabled secure, session-based access without network modifications or exposure, fully approved by SGS’s global security team.
SGS PORTUGAL SECURE REMOTE ACCESS TO SUPPORT SEGREGATED SYSTEMS
At the SGS laboratory in Portugal, technicians needed a way to support and test equipment running on segregated networks without waiting for on-site visits. The challenge was to maintain compliance and security while enabling fast troubleshooting and reducing costly supplier interventions.
SGS PORTUGAL SECURE REMOTE ACCESS TO SUPPORT SEGREGATED SYSTEMS
At the SGS laboratory in Portugal, technicians needed a way to support and test equipment running on segregated networks without waiting for on-site visits. The challenge was to maintain compliance and security while enabling fast troubleshooting and reducing costly supplier interventions.
The Results
Faster troubleshooting with 24/7 expert access
Reduced supplier travel and downtime
- Simple to deploy, no software or network changes
❝It was the only solution that didn’t need a ticket, didn’t depend on other teams, and could work immediately. That’s rare in IT. It’s secure, but also practical.
Leroy Muntslag, IT Project Manager
❝It was the only solution that didn’t need a ticket, didn’t depend on other teams, and could work immediately. That’s rare in IT. It’s secure, but also practical.
Leroy Muntslag, IT Project Manager
SGS NETHERLANDS SUPPORTING LAB AUTOMATION
In the SGS Netherlands laboratory, complex inspection systems required expert support at all hours. But isolation from the internet made remote troubleshooting impossible, often delaying tests and extending downtime. BifrostConnect provided a secure path for instant vendor and technician access, helping operations run smoothly.
In one of SGS’s labs, a ground robot prepares and transports environmental samples – critical for lab throughput and accuracy. The robot runs on a standalone PC, making traditional remote access impractical.
SGS NETHERLANDS SUPPORTING LAB AUTOMATION
In the SGS Netherlands laboratory, complex inspection systems required expert support at all hours. But isolation from the internet made remote troubleshooting impossible, often delaying tests and extending downtime. BifrostConnect provided a secure path for instant vendor and technician access, helping operations run smoothly.
In one of SGS’s labs, a ground robot prepares and transports environmental samples – critical for lab throughput and accuracy. The robot runs on a standalone PC, making traditional remote access impractical.
The Results
Avoided approx. four 150 km round-trips in the first month
Enabled real-time remote troubleshooting
Maintained lab throughput during commissioning
Reduced operational stress and cost
❝At least introduce BifrostConnect before you ‘go operational’. That’s when it’s most powerful.
Jan Wilgers, Lab Manager
SGS NETHERLANDS PORTABLE “FIRST AID KIT”
SGS NETHERLANDS PORTABLE “FIRST AID KIT”
To support other labs, SGS keeps a BifrostConnect device on standby as a “first aid kit” for temporary or emergency access. When a lab needs support, IT connects the device to the relevant equipment, enabling fast and secure remote troubleshooting.
This model eliminates the need for long approval flows or on-site visits- while preserving full control over who can access what and when.
Security & IT Alignment:
BifrostConnect is approved by SGS’s global security team and meets internal compliance standards.
It enables remote support while ensuring:
- No endpoint modification
- No network exposure Time-limited access managed through a secure portal
- Clear separation of internal systems and external users
To support other labs, SGS keeps a BifrostConnect device on standby as a “first aid kit” for temporary or emergency access. When a lab needs support, IT connects the device to the relevant equipment, enabling fast and secure remote troubleshooting.
This model eliminates the need for long approval flows or on-site visits- while preserving full control over who can access what and when.
Security & IT Alignment:
BifrostConnect is approved by SGS’s global security team and meets internal compliance standards.
It enables remote support while ensuring:
- No endpoint modification
- No network exposure Time-limited access managed through a secure portal
- Clear separation of internal systems and external users
❝Remote access used to be complicated and slow. BifrostConnect changed that – it just works when we need it to.
Leroy Muntslag, IT Project Manager
❝Remote access used to be complicated and slow. BifrostConnect changed that – it just works when we need it to.
Leroy Muntslag, IT Project Manager
Summary of SGS results from implementing BifrostConnect:
- Immediate remote support replacing delayed responses
- Reduced need for travel and onsite vendor visits
- 24/7 secure technician access across teams and sites
- Improved lab throughput and operational continuity
- Compliance with internal security standards
With BifrostConnect, SGS achieved faster incident response, minimised downtime, and increased efficiency in critical laboratory operations – without compromising security or compliance.
Summary of SGS results from implementing BifrostConnect:
- Immediate remote support replacing delayed responses
- Reduced need for travel and onsite vendor visits
- 24/7 secure technician access across teams and sites
- Improved lab throughput and operational continuity
- Compliance with internal security standards
With BifrostConnect, SGS achieved faster incident response, minimised downtime, and increased efficiency in critical laboratory operations – without compromising security or compliance.
