Why Access Control System is must in Pharmaceutical Industry?

Security Risks in The Pharma Industry

As significant as the pharmaceutical industry is, its vulnerability is comparatively higher in terms of safeguarding personnel and property. Pharma companies are laden with responsibilities of research and development and consistent manufacturing in the field of medicine for various diseases and health conditions to improve life. Thus, uninterrupted continuity in the industry’s processes is very vital for supply chains around the world. With advancements in technology, a whole lot of benefits have been conferred upon the pharma business, but they have become prone to distinct threats too. As businesses demand third-party outsourcing services and automation tools for various access applications, besides possessing high-value data and equipment, the pharma sector easily becomes prey to invasion.

This critical situation brings forward the predicament of compliance and effective security to safeguard important information of the patients as well as research. It has become evident for the pharma sector to design a security management system since effective threat protection is required for any business to avoid impending doom. This system is bound to be ready for every situation, well-equipped to manage matters with both proactive and reactionary plans.

Issues Arising from Lack of Access Control Systems

The most critical and irreversible issues in the perimeter of pharmaceutical companies are:

1. Theft: The pharma sectors face threats from inside as well as outside the establishments. It becomes necessary to protect the company from all the weak areas. An incident of theft can rob healthcare findings, important information, research data, and manufactured raw materials as well. This can lead to the counterfeiting of drugs and medicines. Thefts without the intention of forgery can destroy important research and material.

2. Counterfeit or Fraud: A WHO (World Health Organization) report from 2017 indicated that around 10.5% of medicines/drugs sold in countries like India are substandard and falsified which is a serious threat to patient safety and poses a big question on the security of genuine medicines and their logistics.

As it is evident that theft leads to counterfeiting and that in turn leads to fraud, this interconnection of miseries in the pharma sector becomes inevitable without proper access control systems. Not very often the invader’s origin is detected from outside the organization, but rather from the inside.

3. Brand Damage: If instances of thefts and fraud happen a lot at your premises and with your products, your brand loses its goodwill in the market. Investors may refuse to support your company and customers may stop buying your brand’s medicines with the fear of ending up with counterfeits.

4. Security breach: With the evolution of the nature of the pharma sector and its demands, the most threatening risk that a company can face is inefficiency. It becomes integral for a company to keep upgrading the security protocols and the access control devices they use for safety. It is next to impossible to fight a battle without being well-equipped. Security breaches as such occur on the risks of being ill-equipped. So, the bottom line becomes that advanced companies with advanced information need advanced protection.

The After-Effects of Covid for The Pharma Sector

The Covid-19 pandemic has proven to be one of the deadliest things to happen to the world. There is no denying its immense effect on all life sources and spheres. The world has changed, and the ways of the world will keep changing even after the pandemic. The pharma companies are one of the most affected sectors by the deadly virus. Organizations were compelled to upgrade and bring changes to their systems. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to understand and perform security measures and protocols in any company to maintain safety and hygiene.

During this pandemic, the importance of using access control devices has paved its way. It not only suggests safety and security but an environment free from pathogens and viruses. And, industries like pharma need effective access control management for the attributes of their companies. The pandemic has left the pharma sector in a muddle and the only way to organize the dilemma is by acknowledging the need for advanced access management which makes things easy and more functional.

The Need for Access Control

Access control is one of the most important aspects of a company where you get a complete account of people accessing the company’s premises. One definitely misunderstands access control systems when they think they only control the company’s operations. Access control not only manages access and security but also handles and operates all related systems. As the pharma industry deals with drugs, sensitive raw materials, and research data, it is important to keep these assets away from unauthorized hands. Access control systems make sure such material is kept safe, and if let out of its storage area, it confirms that it is on track and reaches its intended destination.

What Kind of Access Control Devices/Systems Are Absolutely Necessary?

Door Access Systems or Door Interlocking System

“As one door leads us to another, the former one needs to be closed as well.”

Doors are one of the most important assets of a company that protects the organization, but the traditional way has taken a new turn. Only manual security forces cannot meet the newer security expectations. So, advanced technology and machines have taken over the responsibility to assist us with these requirements.

Door access systems are simple doors attributed with advanced features such as locks, multiple in-built alarms, and SOS services to raise safety standards. In the sphere of pharma companies, these interlocking doors laced with biometric access boost safety, security, and sterility. Biometric door access control systems prevent harmful bacteria or pathogens from entering the premises. The temperature and airflow are effectively monitored with Door Interlocking System that keep the medical supplies and sensitive drugs safe from contamination and potential threats. With the buzzers that indicate unwanted events and manhandling of doors, door access systems embed a hassle-free and effective access strategy. Door access control systems can be smoothly integrated with other systems installed in the company, upping the security in areas like laboratories, testing rooms, and storage.

Multi-Factor Authentication

To authorize access to an individual inside the pharmaceutical premises, two or more identifiers should be used for better security. Multi-factor authentication is said to be a core element of a strong identity and access management policy in an organization. Biometric access identifiers like finger or face scans, proximity cards or passwords, and OTPs can be used in combination to fulfil multiple access requirements. As multi-factor authentication integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), authentication methods will become more sophisticated and fool proof. With diseases like Covid-19 that spread by proximity and contact, touchless biometric access control systems need to be adapted more in the coming times.

Visitor Identity Management

For a company housing a lot of critical data and assets, keeping a track of visitor movement from entry till exit is very important to avoid thefts or contamination. One cannot know the level of pathogens a visitor may be bringing inside your premises, and this is a huge red area, especially in the times of Covid-19. Furthermore, it is difficult to assess the intentions of first-time visitors to the company and whether they have come with malicious intents. To prevent all this, visitor access control is necessary in the pharma industry.

Third-Party Integration with Access Control Systems

“The most efficient and effective systems are the ones prepared for every situation.”

Access control systems need to be ready for the worst in addition to compliance. Mostly, companies integrate their access control systems with third-party apps for a 360-degree approach to security. These third-party apps include video surveillance and fire alarm systems. CCTVs track real-time events so integrating them with the access control system in your company records extensive data about employee as well as visitor movement. Fire alarms integrated with door access systems can get triggered whenever there’s an emergency and the door access gets compromised. In such a scenario, all the access limitations can be automatically revoked by the system, thereby facilitating evacuation.

Such transparent and effective features build a robust establishment where the company assets, information, and people are well-protected.