Ireland’s role on the world stage for pharmaceuticals has long been a significant one. As a global leader, Irish operations account for more than 5% of global pharmaceutical production, and this is only set to continue with great growth projections.
Pharmaceuticals account for approximately 50% of all Irish exports, and as an industry it continues to attract talent and corporations.
Keeping pharmaceutical campuses secure
The pharmaceutical industry plays a pivotal role in global healthcare, however, with the increasing digitisation and the ever-increasing threat of fraud, theft and counterfeit drugs, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly relying on the physical security within their facilities. The need to ensure secure on-site facilities is not just a matter of protecting valuable assets; it is also a fundamental requirement for safeguarding the well-being of employees, maintaining the integrity of research, and ensuring the safety of patients worldwide.
Protection of Valuable Intellectual Property
Pharmaceutical companies invest substantial resources into research and development to create innovative drugs and medical technologies. Ensuring secure on-site facilities is crucial to protect sensitive information, formulas, data, and trade secrets from corporate espionage, hacking attempts, or unauthorised access. A breach of this information could lead to devastating consequences, including financial losses and compromised competitiveness.
Preservation of Patient Safety
Patient safety is the foremost concern for regulated pharmaceutical companies. A breach in security within a pharmaceutical facility could have catastrophic consequences. An unauthorised individual gaining access to manufacturing areas or laboratories could potentially compromise the quality, safety, and efficacy of medications. Ensuring secure facilities reduces the risk of contamination, or tampering with products, maintaining brand credibility and the trust and well-being of patients.
Prevention of Counterfeit Drugs
Counterfeit drugs are a significant threat to public health and the pharmaceutical industry’s reputation. Criminal organisations will attempt to infiltrate the pharmaceutical supply chain, introducing fake or substandard medications that can harm patients or undermine the brand’s credibility. Secure on-site facilities equipped with robust security measures help prevent unauthorised personnel from gaining access to the manufacturing and distribution processes, reducing the potential for counterfeit drugs to enter the market. We have gone into further detail about this crucial consideration in a dedicated blog, discussing the risks involved and measures that can be taken.
Mitigation of Industrial Accidents
Pharmaceutical manufacturing involves complex processes that can pose risks if not executed with precision. Ensuring secure facilities is crucial for managing and mitigating the risk of accidents that could harm employees, damage the environment, or disrupt production. Security measures can include controlled access to hazardous areas, adherence to strict safety protocols, and effective emergency response plans. By maintaining a secure environment, companies can significantly reduce the likelihood of industrial accidents and their associated legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards
The pharmaceutical industry is subject to stringent regulatory requirements to ensure product quality, safety, and efficacy. Having worked with leading pharmaceutical companies for over many years, we understand the importance of compliance, and our own governance, risk and compliance procedures are also endorsed by certifications such as ISO 27001, ISO 9001 AND ISO 45001 which maintain our ability to offer gold standard security solutions, you can find out more about our dedication to compliance, here.
By maintaining secure on-site facilities, pharmaceutical companies demonstrate their commitment to meeting these regulatory standards, enhancing their credibility, and avoiding potential legal and financial penalties.
In an era where technological advancements and global markets bring both opportunities and challenges, pharmaceutical companies must prioritise the security of their on-site facilities. The protection of intellectual property, preservation of patient safety, prevention of counterfeit drugs, mitigation of industrial accidents, and compliance with regulatory standards all hinge on the use of robust security measures.
Finding security partners who understand the complexities, challenges and nuances of pharmaceutical production is not an easy feat, but at Sharp Group, we have been working closely with leading manufacturers for over 25 years, delivering certified security services to Ireland’s thriving pharmaceutical industry.