Data is like the DNA of any business, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Everybody knows the pain of losing their progress on a document, or even the pain of losing data because of a device malfunction. Extrapolate that to your business as a whole, and the importance of a data backup and recovery solution becomes crystal clear.
For pharmaceutical companies, losing critical data can be disastrous from a range of standpoints: operationally, financially, reputationally, and legally. That’s why backing up data is not just helpful; it’s essential! This blog will guide you through the why’s and how’s of backing up data for your pharmaceutical business. Let’s dive in!
Why Backing Up Your Pharmaceutical Company’s Data is Critical
Data is the backbone of pharmaceutical companies. This includes everything from drug formulas and trial results to patient information and manufacturing protocols. All these are governed by strict regulations like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Losing this data could mean more than just financial loss—it could affect lives.
Recovering lost data can be expensive and time-consuming. It will take most businesses anywhere between weeks and months to recover from something like a data breach or a permanent loss of data due to a server malfunction. This makes robust IT support and IT solutions crucial for creating effective backup strategies to protect these invaluable assets.
What Options for Data Backup are Available?
There are several data backup options available, each suitable for different needs and budgets. For most pharma and biotech companies, the best aligned solution is likely to be cloud backups, however. But in any case, how these are set up is the key:
- On-site Storage: This means storing data physically at your location, like on hard drives. It’s fast and easy to access, but it risks being destroyed if there’s a disaster at the site. Securing these physical stores and updating them regularly enough are key aspects of getting the most from this backup strategy.
- Off-site Storage: This involves keeping a copy of your data at a different location. This could involve using secure facilities designed specifically for data storage.
- Cloud Backup: Cloud services provide remote storage on the internet. This not only protects you from physical damage but also allows you to access your data from anywhere in the world. It’s important to configure cloud backups to global cyber security standards, such as the ALCOA+ framework.
- Hybrid Solutions: Of course, companies choose a mix of these methods to balance accessibility with security. This might mean having an on-site backup for quick access and a cloud backup for added security.
The Pros and Cons of Different Data Backup Approaches
Each backup strategy comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which can make one solution more ideal than others.
On-site Storage
Pros:
Quick Access and Control: Data stored on-site can be accessed rapidly without the delays that might come with internet dependency. This is particularly useful for data-intensive operations that require high-speed access.
Customisable Security Measures: Companies have complete control over their physical and network security protocols, allowing them to tailor security measures and backup protocols more precisely to their specific needs.
Cons:
Vulnerability to Local Disasters: While unlikely, data stored on-site is susceptible to natural disasters, such as fires, floods, or earthquakes, which can lead to total data loss.
Risk of Theft or Damage: Physical servers can be stolen, vandalised, or suffer from hardware malfunctions, posing risks of data loss or breaches. Cloud backup solutions mitigate this risk by virtualising data backup between multiple different servers.
Off-site Storage
Pros:
Protection from Local Disasters: Storing backups at a geographically separate location safeguards them from being destroyed in the same incident that might affect the primary site.
Enhanced Physical Security: Off-site storage facilities often have robust security measures, including surveillance and restricted access, which can reduce the risk of theft or tampering.
Cons:
Setup and Management Complexity: Transporting backups to off-site locations and managing multiple storage sites can be logistically challenging and require additional coordination and resources.
Recovery Time: Accessing data from off-site storage can be slower, especially if physical transport of storage media is involved, potentially delaying recovery operations during a crisis.
Cloud Backup
Pros:
Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud storage solutions can easily scale up or down based on the company’s needs, offering flexibility as business requirements change.
Remote Accessibility: Data stored in the cloud can be accessed from anywhere, making it ideal for businesses with multiple locations or those requiring remote access capabilities.
Cons:
Recurring Costs: While initial setup costs might be low, cloud storage often involves ongoing subscription fees that can accumulate over time.
Data Security and Compliance Issues: Ensuring that the cloud provider complies with pharmaceutical regulations (GMP, GCP, and GLP) and data protection laws is critical. There’s also the concern of relying on a third party for the security of sensitive data.
Hybrid Solutions
Pros:
Optimal Balance: Hybrid systems combine the immediacy and control of on-site storage with the security and accessibility of cloud solutions, providing a balanced approach to data backup.
Flexibility in Data Handling: Critical data can be duplicated both on-site for quick access and in the cloud for disaster recovery, enhancing overall data protection strategies.
Cons:
Increased Complexity: Managing a hybrid environment involves coordinating between different platforms and ensuring compatibility, which can complicate IT infrastructure.
Higher Costs: While offering numerous benefits, hybrid solutions can be more costly to implement and maintain due to the need for sophisticated technology and skilled personnel to manage a diversity of systems.
Choosing the Right Backup Strategy
For pharmaceutical companies, the choice of a data backup method should consider several factors, including the sensitivity and dynamism of different kinds of data, regulatory compliance requirements, and the potential impact of data loss. IT service providers, especially those specialising in the world of pharma, can really simplify and empower this process. They can help you find the most secure, cost-effective, scalable, and reliable solution for your current and upcoming needs.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each backup approach, pharmaceutical companies can secure their data against a wide array of risks and ensure business continuity under any circumstances.
Backing Up Cloud Data Compliantly
For pharmaceutical companies, complying with GMP, GCP, and GLP is non-negotiable. This extends to how data is backed up. When using cloud services, it’s critical to choose IT services that ensure compliance. This means:
- Ensuring data encryption using the latest encryption methods, both during transfer and at rest.
- Opting for cloud and IT service providers who are compliant with industry regulations and standards, especially global ALCOA+ standards.
- Regularly reviewing and updating access controls and backup procedures from the point of view of risk reduction and evolving compliance requirements.
IT support teams play a crucial role in setting up and maintaining these cloud backup systems. A provider that understands GxP and regulatory requirements will be best placed to fulfil them, giving you the best technology has to offer while minimising risk.
Final Thoughts
Backing up your pharmaceutical company’s data is like having a safety net or a lifeline. It ensures that even if something goes wrong, you can get back on track quickly and efficiently.
There are different data backup and recovery options, and they each have their pros and cons, which will be relative to each business. One of the best, when done securely and compliantly, is cloud backup solutions. Investing in a comprehensive data backup and recovery solution is an important aspect of ensuring your business’s continuity, resiliency, and compliance.
So, make sure your data backup plan is robust, compliant, and ready for anything the world might throw at it! Need a hand with making it happen? We’d be glad to help you find the most empowering way for your business.
