Icon Access
Passwordless Access Control for Industrial Machines
A secure SMS-based challenge/response system that lets your PLC verify operator identity — without usernames, passwords, or a network connection at the machine. Just a button press and a text message.
How Icon Access Works
Five steps. No passwords. No network at the machine. Just a text message and a verified identity.
Challenge Generated
The operator presses an access button on the HMI. The PLC instantly generates a unique random 6-digit challenge code and displays it on screen.
Operator Texts the Code
The operator texts that 6-digit code to the phone number associated with their manufacturing plant — no app required, just a standard SMS.
Identity Verified
The Icon Access web service receives the text, looks up the operator's phone number, and verifies their identity and access level in real time.
Response Code Sent
Based on the operator's credentials and the challenge code, the web service calculates and texts back a unique 6-digit response code.
PLC Validates & Grants Access
The operator enters the response code on the HMI. The PLC independently runs the same algorithm to validate the code — no network connection required at the machine.
Best Fit Use Cases
Built for the Plant Floor
No Usernames or Passwords
Eliminate shared passwords, forgotten credentials, and unauthorized sharing. Access is tied to a verified phone number — something the operator already has.
No Network at the Machine
The PLC validates the response code independently using its own algorithm. The machine never needs to connect to the internet or your plant network.
Works on Any PLC Platform
The algorithm can be implemented on any PLC platform — No special hardware required.
Role-Based Access Levels
Different operators get different access levels. A maintenance tech can adjust parameters an operator cannot. All controlled from a simple web portal.
Full Audit Trail
Every access request is logged — who requested access, when, and from which machine. Complete traceability for compliance and incident review.
Mobile App Coming Soon
A dedicated iPhone and Android app will make the process even faster — scan a QR code on the HMI and receive your access code instantly.
Where It's Used
Recipe Parameter Access
Restrict who can modify machine recipes, setpoints, and production parameters.
Maintenance Mode
Allow access to maintenance screens, manual modes, and site-approved service procedures.
Tooling & Setup Changes
Require authentication before operators can change tooling offsets or setup parameters.
Quality Hold Release
Ensure only authorized quality personnel can release a machine from a quality hold.
Supervisor Authorization
Require approved authorization for restricted production decisions, protected functions, or exception handling — with a full audit trail.
Simple, Predictable Pricing
All plans include the Icon Access web service, operator management portal, and full audit logging. PLC logic provided upon subscription.
Perfect for small operations with a single production line.
- Up to 10 registered operators
- 1 plant phone number
- Up to 500 access events/month
- Operator management portal
- Full audit log
- Email support
For mid-size operations with multiple lines or departments.
- Up to 50 registered operators
- Up to 3 plant phone numbers
- Up to 2,500 access events/month
- Operator management portal
- Full audit log
- Role-based access levels
- Priority email & phone support
Unlimited scale for large or multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Unlimited operators
- Unlimited plant phone numbers
- Unlimited access events
- Operator management portal
- Full audit log
- Role-based access levels
- Multi-site management
- Priority support + SLA
All plans require a one-time PLC logic licensing fee per machine. Contact us for multi-machine pricing.
Pilot Icon Access on One Machine
Start small with a controlled deployment on a single machine or access function. Icon Automation will review your PLC/HMI platform, configure operator access levels, integrate the validation logic, and help your team test the full SMS challenge/response workflow before a wider rollout.
Review the target machine, PLC, and HMI platform
Define who needs access and what levels they need
Add the Icon Access validation logic to the PLC/HMI
Test SMS challenge/response with a small operator group
Review audit logs and decide whether to expand
We Provide the PLC Logic
Getting started with Icon Access doesn't require you to build the algorithm from scratch. We distribute the PLC logic needed to implement the challenge/response validation directly in your controller — so you can be up and running quickly on any supported platform.
Whether you're an OEM building machines, a system integrator deploying automation cells, or a plant looking to retrofit existing equipment — the logic is ready to drop into your project.
The Icon Access PLC logic contains proprietary algorithms and trade secrets. Access is provided under a mutual NDA. By requesting the logic, you agree to keep all technical details confidential, not reverse-engineer or reproduce the algorithm, and not use it outside of an active Icon Access subscription.
Drop-In Ready
Provided as a self-contained function block or routine. Minimal integration effort — just call it from your existing program.
Works Offline
The PLC validates the response code independently. No internet connection required at the machine during normal operation.
Multi-Platform Support
Compatible with major PLC platforms including Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron, and more. Contact us for your specific platform.
The Icon Access Mobile App
A dedicated iPhone and Android app is in development — making the Icon Access experience even faster and more seamless on the plant floor.
QR Code Scan
Scan the QR code on the HMI instead of manually typing the challenge code. One tap and you're done.
Push Notifications
Receive your response code as a push notification — faster and more reliable than SMS.
Biometric Auth
Face ID or fingerprint unlock before the app processes your request — an extra layer of security.
iPhone & Android
Native apps for both platforms. SMS still works for anyone without the app — no one gets left behind.