Locked Tight Access Control

Michael Cochran, VP of Support Services & Safety Officer at Nix Hospital System, LLC in San Antonio, says he has found the biggest no-brainer on the planet. What is it? Without a doubt, he believes that every single hospital in the country should be using fingerprint biometric access control to lock down their pharmacy. In his mind, it isn’t even a question. He thinks every hospital should have the system he has.

“From a regulatory inspection and audit standpoint, every single physical security question for medications goes away,” Cochran says. “When did pharmacy techs and pharmacists start and end employment? When did you get their key back? When did you change the PIN? It doesn’t matter. As soon as they left, we uncheck the box so they can’t get in. And besides, I know without a doubt when they got in the pharmacy and if they were supposed to be there or not. I have a log. A housekeeper can’t get in. I can’t even get in. I don’t have a finger that will let me! All of these questions go away, and you fly through audits.”

Biometric Lock vs. Key Lock & Punch Lock

Key locks? There are a ton of problems with them, says Cochran. They will never secure medications at hospitals well enough. Without even thinking about it, most locksmiths fit all keys to the master key. So whoever has the master at a hospital will most likely be able to get into the pharmacy. That’s not secure.

Plus, what if someone went to a locksmith and got a duplicate made. It doesn’t matter if it says “Do Not Duplicate.” They can still do it, and half of them will.

And PIN numbers on punch locks? Don’t even get him started. Those can let anybody at all in, and the maintenance to keep changing the codes adds up.

Which only adds up if someone remembers and has the time to change them at all. Cochran says he can’t take that risk. A hospital is in violation if the change isn’t immediate.

Regulatory Compliance

“Fingerprint biometric security closes all loopholes in our medication control system,” says Cochran. “It’s a one-time cost that nobody could convince me isn’t worth it. It might be twice as much as a punch lock, but I never have to worry about medication security. You can’t put a price tag on piece of mind.”

Secure Surveillance

Nix Hospital has worked with security technology integrator United Security Alliance every step of the way for their fingerprint biometric access control system. United Security has handled the design, installation, and maintenance. After a successful first project, United Security expanded their security coverage into a new adolescent healthcare facility Nix opened. A combination of 109 indoor and outdoor IP cameras for video surveillance were installed at that location.

“Whoever I talk to at United Security does what they say they’re going to do, when they say they’re going to do it,” says Cochran. “From sales, to service, to follow up, to clean up. We don’t have to follow behind them. They deliver what they say, even from Florida to Texas. It didn’t have to be a local company. It’s very refreshing in this day and age.”

Source: United Security Alliance

Featured

  • Choosing the Right Solution

    Today, there is a strong shift from on-prem installations to cloud or hybrid-cloud deployments. As reported in the 2024 Genetec State of Physical Security report, 66% of end users said they will move to managing or storing more physical security in the cloud over the next two years. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Security Risks for U.S. Retail Chains

    Interface Systems, a provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, has released its 2024 State of Remote Video Monitoring in Retail Chains report. The detailed study analyzed over 2 million monitoring requests across 4,156 retail locations in the United States from September 2023 to August 2024. Read Now

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3