Why is visitor management so important for the pharmaceutical industry?

Clock icon 3 min

Wave divider

A robust Visitor Management system is essential for the pharmaceutical sector. From manufacturers with hazardous zones, research development specialists with Intellectual Property, and big pharmaceuticals with a large network of premises to secure - all must put safety and security first. The rise of digital technologies, geo-political events and global health crises have brought home the rising importance of security within pharmaceutical organizations. Here’s why they are turning to Visitor Management Systems to strengthen their efforts.

A VMS mitigates cyber security threats

More and more Intellectual Property assets, Research and Design innovations and communications activity are stored digitally within the pharmaceutical industry. This, along with data regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) have heightened the need for improved information security, not to mention mitigating the potential cost implications. According to Pharmaceutical Technology, the typical cost of a data breach stood at $5.06m in 2020.

This means everything must be done to protect against cyber security threats such as data breaches, ransomware, password hacking, and viruses. A key data vulnerability, however, is human error, the chances of which increase with the use of unreliable and inconsistent paper-based visitor logs. This is where having a smart VMS in place really comes into its own. It allows for accurate visitor recording and file storage processes that safeguard against data security issues. Security is also improved with a VMS that automatically prompts e-signing of legal forms prior to and during the visitor check-in process, before in-person access is permitted.

Because a VMS ensures strict on-site security and scalability

For large pharmaceutical organizations with high-value assets and invested products  an effective VMS allows hosts to monitor, identify and track all visitors in real-time, so there is full on -site transparency at all times. When using cloud-based technology, hosts have the additional advantage of accessing systems remotely, managing permissions and responding to potential security incidents in in real time.

A VMS also facilitates the restriction and permission of access to specified zones. For example, if a visitor is not involved in research, production processes, their customisable ID badge will not allow them access to those production areas. Using real-time data retrospectively also means security teams can look for insights and patterns that may identify risks not previously known. For global organizations, who need to scale their operations, a cloud-based VMS with centralized database functionality means not only is remote access possible, but compliance can be assured across relevant regulations, locally and regionally.

A VMS improves compliance processes and auditing requirements

Compliance regulations are both ample and complex for the pharmaceutical industry, from shifting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, to administration, product description accuracy, quality control, sustainability and health & safety rules. It takes only the smallest of errors in any of these areas to incur negative consequences. Many in the industry are adopting VMSs that capture compliance and audit trail information and signatures electronically. This makes the process more fluid, the data more reliable and when it comes to auditing, there is no arduous paper admin task to extract the required data.

Finally

Accessible and dependable visitor processes with the ability to capture and analyze data are proving more and more necessary in an unpredictable and digitally-driven world. At Acre Security, we provide ocloud-based, on-premiseand hybrid Visitor Management solutions tailored to the specific needs of a wide and varied global pharmaceutical industry. Please contact our team for more information.

About acre security

Acre security is a global leader in the delivery of resilient digital and physical security solutions for every business. Keeping your people, premises, and data safe is as important to us as it is to you. We protect your valuable assets with a single portfolio of cloud, on-premises, and hybrid solutions.

Acre security offers a broad array of solutions including access control, visitor management, intrusion, workplace, transmission, and connectivity solutions – all hosted in a way that suits you. Since 2012, we’ve focused on advancing security initiatives to deliver tailored, robust, and future-proof solutions to tens of thousands around the globe. Working across banking, education, healthcare, pharmaceutical, retail, and more, we give our customers peace of mind that their data, offices, and employees will stay safe.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you on your security technology journey.

Tag icon Visitor Management