This Security System Won the 2016 SSI Integrated Installation of the Year

P1 Manages System Offsite

In addition to environmental monitoring, the three primary components of Option Care’s security platform are the integrated access control system, intrusion detection system and IP video surveillance. All of the components run on a separate, dedicated security-only network hosted by Protection 1 and proactively monitored and managed at its network operations center.

“The solution was designed with an emphasis to centralize all security components and provide corporate compliance oversight,” says P1 Senior Vice President of Enterprise Solutions Chris BenVau. “The centralized platform allows P1 to constantly monitor the access doors for prop conditions. The intrusion platform is integrated with the access system to enable efficient management of access to branch licensed areas. The video component plays a large role for verified intrusion detection and compliance-related camera record rates/storage requirements.”

The AMAG Technology access system allows only authorized cardholders to enter protected areas of facilities, and tracks who enters where and when they exit. Integration with the Bosch intrusion alarm system allows only valid cardholders to arm or disarm the intrusion system. The system keeps a database of all activity for reporting and auditing purposes.

Protection 1 team members act as administrators of the system and have been specially trained in Option Care policies and procedures. They perform tasks such as issuing access cards that include specific credentials based on job responsibilities of the individual, issuing PINs and keypad codes for arming and disarming the intrusion system, running reports for audit and compliance, and accessing live or recorded video footage as required.

Securing the facility is of the utmost importance as expensive drugs and drug compounds are housed.

The intrusion system sends an alarm to Protection 1 if unauthorized access is attempted when the system is armed. As mentioned, the intrusion system is integrated with the access system and requires authorized users to present a card to the reader and then enter a unique four-digit code into a keypad. This disarms the system in order to gain access to a building or room within a facility. The same code is used to arm the system at the end of the day.

The Avigilon IP video system is used to monitor sensitive areas within the facilities. P1’s team also has the ability to remotely access video to verify alarm status should a signal be received from the intrusion system once it is armed. According to the integrator, all of this was accomplished without a large capital investment or costly maintenance resources being required by Option Care.

For areas where a video camera is present, P1 operators can remotely view the situation causing the alarm and take appropriate action. The company will initiate a response by contacting those individuals identified on the site contact list and request dispatch of authorities if necessary.

The package also included Bosch fire/life-safety devices. Additionally, should a system or panel go offline or lose power or if there are other network issues like a hard drive failure, P1 will also perform remote diagnostics to remedy the situation and send a service technician authorized.

True Ongoing Partnership

Within five months of Option Care embarking on its security upgrade, Protection 1 deployed security-only networks in 98% of the end user’s facilities — completing more than 92 network drops. The client now has a standardized security platform that allows it to maintain compliance with strict regulations, including a documented audit trail and reporting.

“Not affecting operations of the branches during the installation process was key,” says P1 Program Manager, Integrated Solutions Larry Lundquest. “Many of the locations treat critically ill patients so any disruptions could potentially have a negative impact on their care or comfort. It was also critically important to install the network in a timely manner so that the rest of the technology could be added, particularly the advanced temperature monitoring systems.”

Protection 1 trained all employees on use of the systems and even created an Option Care-specific training video that outlines the systems and importance of following proper security procedures in the client’s regulated industry. All client information is kept in a secure database at P1’s network operations center for any future use and authorized personnel can access data immediately upon request.

“Protection 1 has a deep understanding of the specialty infusion business,” says Option Care’s Paulson. “The P1 team paid close attention to every detail associated with our security transition. Protection 1 is our ongoing partner and acts as our security department overseeing and managing our system.”

This article was originally published on TD sister site Security Sales & Integration.