Digital transformation across many industries is a work in progress. The transition from legacy systems and infrastructure into a digital-only integrated solution continues to evolve. Just like in any other industry, the food and beverage sector faces challenges, especially in data breaches and security. A solid IT infrastructure aims to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, support and 24×7 accessibility that is secure and even enhances customer experience. Therefore, the food sector must recognise the criticality of a unified infrastructure management solution to simplify all network and systems management in food companies, highlights Satish Kumar V, CEO and Founder, EverestIMS Technologies Pvt Ltd in interaction with Akansha Pandey (cbedit@imaws.org). Excerpts.
How can a solid security system impact the bottom line of the food companies?
A robust security system is a lynchpin for all enterprises, including the food and beverage industry. Only a zero-trust security solution can ensure that verification comes well before trust. Food companies are likely to face data breaches without secure services as they store voluminous data on their customers. In the wake of the pandemic, food companies have relied on online transactions to survive. It means that they have gathered far more data to meet their customers’ needs. This data, if left unsecured, can have far-reaching consequences, not limited to losing customers. Cyber threats are real and growing as fast as digital solutions. Only a strong security system and consistent monitoring can ensure that the data is safe and that it can prevent potential risks. Losing customers to cyber threats means a direct hit to the bottom line.
What are the security risks attached to food companies?
Food companies are vulnerable to cyber threats, especially to attacks on industrial control systems. They depend on these industrial control systems to manage their food production operations. Not all companies in the food industry have moved from the traditional practices that were not set up with cyber security or infrastructural monitoring tools. However, these legacy systems are being linked to workstations on company networks opening the door to hackers and increasing security risks.
In this tech age, why and where do you think food companies are lacking in IT infrastructure?
While this is the age of digital transformation across industries, some food companies still lack quality infrastructure and an unskilled workforce. Many are yet to adopt technology to ensure better monitoring and management of infrastructure and continue to struggle with legacy systems and outdated business processes.
IT infrastructure runs the gamut – from production, processing, distribution, retailing, consumption and storage to waste management. Using technology to monitor and manage the food services supply chain requires the company to invest in tools and skilled resources. Many food companies continue to operate in siloed business units, on-premise and several data sources. Such a siloed infrastructure makes it challenging for food companies to meet customer expectations.
How old is the brand and how has it fared in the culinary industry?
Established five years back, Everest IMS is a software company specialising in providing integrated IT solutions, IT operations, and IT infrastructure. It is currently operating in the I&O space with a major concentration on AI and AIOPS based IT management, service management, network automation and telecom management. Their products are all under the brand name of Infraon (InfraonIMS, InfraonDesk, InfraonNCCM, etc.) and have two suits of products catering to SME/enterprise and telecom sectors. They are also working with some of the largest food industry aggregators that possess a large IT presence. We are at various levels of deployment engagement catering to multifarious IT needs.
How does Everest IMS ensure a robust security strategy for food sector?
Food companies may not always have data security as a priority, although it must be in these times of credit card, delivery systems and online and mobile ordering for food and service. Customers share their data, credit card information and addresses. Unfortunately, this sharing makes the food industry a perfect target for cybercriminals. EverestIMS ensures security by increasing the security governance of all enterprise systems from a unified platform.
Any new technology being offered by Everest IMS that you strongly recommend for food companies?
Specific to security, EverestIMS’ Infraon SecuRA is a one-stop solution that provides business agility with its remote access, authorisation and security platform with centralised policies and zero trust features. SecuRA can help food companies with a zero-trust model that ensures authentication and authorisation preventing data breaches at every level. Additionally, the Infraon Suite can help them with the following:
- Monitoring their network;
- Powering change and compliance management;
- Enabling remote troubleshooting;
- Ensuring seamless and secure collaboration and
- Empowering the new remote working models.
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