An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The adage holds true in so many aspects, including security. When you safeguard data, products, assets, people, and cash, you have the proper security in place to thwart criminal activity. When they scope out your cannabis manufacturing facility, they’ll see very quickly it’s not an easy in. And they’ll look another way.
But having a proper security system isn’t as easy as buying something off the shelf. It’s something you work at over time. You piece it together as rules change, your business changes.
The problem with many cannabis manufacturing facilities is they put something in place and assume it’s good enough. They get busy, push upgrades and improvements aside. Want to beat criminal activity? Don’t make this mistake.
Start With Knowledge
The only way to move forward is to find out where you are. Who regulates you? What regulations do you need to follow? How have they changed since you went into business?
Do you know the answers to these questions, or did you have an a-ha moment, knowing this is where you need to start? Regulations differ by state and local government, and change continuously. They provide guidelines and requirements for every aspect of security, which you’ll need to address to remain in good standing.
What A Security System Looks Like
A security system is designed to protect the facility, its products, and employees while complying with stringent regulatory requirements. It will need to include things like:
- Perimeter security – high-security fencing with controlled access gates. Surveillance cameras to monitor all entry and exit points.
- Access control – restrict access to authorized personnel only, with a system to log and track visitors.
- Intrusion detection – sensors placed strategically to detect unauthorized entry.
- Surveillance – comprehensive coverage both inside and out.
- Alarm systems – audible and silent alarms, with panic buttons easily accessible to staff.
- Environmental controls – advanced smoke and fire detection with critical components for monitoring temperature and humidity where cannabis is grown and stored.
- Inventory – secure storage for product with tracking and management systems in place.
- Compliance – solid record keeping and compliance protocol to meet local and state regulations.
- Employee training – security protocols, including background checks, with training on security procedures and emergency responses.
- Cybersecurity measures – protect sensitive data and control systems from cyberthreats. Continuous monitoring of network traffic to detect and respond to suspicious activities.
Installing a Robust Security System
There are two ways to get your security system in place: do-it-yourself, or work with a team. What’s been your approach up until now?
Do-it-yourself offers cost savings – that’s why many startups choose this route. You can start small and tailor the solution as you learn and grow. This is a learning experience; you’ll need to have hands-on management to ensure you’re covering it all. You’ll need to pay attention as you bring on new vendors, add new systems, or work with new employees. Every step will bring more need for you to learn and overcome.
A professional team brings expertise and experience to the table. When you work with a team with knowledge of the cannabis manufacturing industry, they already understand the nitty-gritty details of regulations. That means you can have a comprehensive solution that scales to whatever level you’re currently at. You’ll also know that what you’re building is scalable, with advanced technology that provides you with what you need most. You’ll know you have a reliable system installed for quick deployment, meaning you can focus on what you do best while the professional team does what they do best.
Security for a cannabis manufacturing facility can be straightforward:
- You’ll need access controls
- You’ll need monitoring with video surveillance
- You’ll need an intrusion detection system
- You’ll need properly trained employees
All things you can get with either do-it-yourself or by partnering with a team.
You’re here now, looking for someone to help you scale, grow, and maintain good standing with regulatory bodies. Reliable support and faster deployment; when you partner with someone with built-in knowledge, it gets you back on the road to doing what you do best.
And staying secure in the process.
For IT Strategy, Security and Compliance, or Help Desk Services, reach out to us at Cannabis Technology Partners 360-450-4759.
