Easily supplied and defended by sea, the factories worked as independent colonial bases. They provided safety, both for the Portuguese, and at times for the territories in which they were built, protecting against constant rivalries and piracy.
The factories, conveniently situated and secured by maritime defenses, functioned as self-sufficient colonial strongholds. They ensured safety for both the Portuguese and sometimes the areas in which they were built, protecting from ongoing conflicts and pirate attacks.