Sigma Pharma expanded from 125 legacy cameras to 350 cloud-managed cameras, gaining remote oversight, ERP-integrated video evidence, and greater visibility across sensitive pharmaceutical operations.
Key Outcomes
350 cloud-managed cameras: Expanded from a 10-camera pilot, replacing 125 legacy cameras with broader, higher-resolution coverage.
Remote and centralised oversight: Enabled authorised teams to monitor facilities and securely review incidents from desktop or mobile.
ERP-integrated video evidence: Connected tote-tracking events with timestamped footage and imagery to help resolve fulfilment disputes.
Greater visibility in sensitive areas: Added row-by-row and 360-degree coverage across warehouse and controlled-drug areas, reducing blind spots.
Background
Founded 40 years ago, Sigma Pharma is a family-run UK pharmaceutical wholesaler, exporter, and services provider employing approximately 500 people. Its operations include supporting clinical trials, packaging and labelling medicines imported from the EU, and delivering prescription medication directly to patients who are unable to visit a pharmacy.
When Vincent Mulgrew joined Sigma Pharma as Head of Digital Transformation in October 2024, his remit was to professionalise and unify the technology supporting the company’s ecommerce, manufacturing, and enterprise resource planning systems.
Physical security was an immediate priority. Sigma’s existing CCTV environment was fragmented, difficult to access remotely, and limited in its ability to support investigations and operational oversight.
The Challenge
Before adopting Verkada, Sigma Pharma relied on an on-premises CCTV system used primarily for recording and local playback.
Because footage could only be reviewed on-site, authorised personnel had to travel to the facility whenever an investigation was needed. This made it difficult for leadership and security teams to maintain oversight across locations or respond to incidents outside standard operating hours.
The limitations were especially apparent in controlled-drug storage areas. Without real-time alerts or automated event detection, missing or misplaced stock might only be identified during a later inventory review. Employees could then spend hours searching through footage to determine what happened and when. Footage also had to be reviewed from a shared technology office. Because employees regularly passed through the area, preserving discretion during HR and security investigations was difficult.
Sigma needed a system that could accelerate investigations, provide secure remote access, and improve visibility across sensitive operations.
The Solution
Sigma Pharma began with a 10-camera Verkada trial before expanding from 125 legacy cameras to 350 cloud-managed cameras. The company also deployed Verkada Intercoms and Viewing Stations to support deliveries, live monitoring, and security operations.
Rather than completing a like-for-like replacement, Sigma reassessed camera placement and expanded coverage throughout its facilities.
Broader Warehouse Coverage
Sigma installed cameras row by row throughout its stock warehouse to improve visibility into the handling and movement of inventory.
High-resolution cameras provide clearer visual detail, while fisheye cameras offer a 360-degree view of entire rooms. This helps reduce blind spots across stock areas and locations where sensitive products are handled.
Connecting Video with the ERP System
Sigma connected Verkada with its enterprise resource planning platform using Verkada’s APIs. As a medication tote passes designated tracking points along the conveyor system, an automated event captures corresponding video or imagery.
If a customer reports missing stock, the team can use the timestamped evidence to confirm whether the tote left the warehouse with the expected contents and identify where a discrepancy may have occurred.
Coordinating Deliveries with Verkada Intercom
Sigma uses Verkada Intercom at its reception entrance to manage visitors and deliveries. Incoming calls can be routed to the main security office, reception, or warehouse, helping the appropriate department verify the visitor and respond.
This is particularly useful for late-night medication deliveries, allowing warehouse personnel to communicate with drivers and coordinate access outside normal reception hours.
Live Monitoring Across Buildings
Verkada Viewing Stations give security personnel live visibility into vehicle, personnel, and stock movement between three buildings.
The stations are configured for live viewing only, while footage review remains limited to authorised operations, HR, and security leaders.
A Phased Deployment with Tellivue
Sigma Pharma partnered with certified Verkada integrator Tellivue to complete the installation without disrupting daily logistics.
The company’s pick-and-pack shifts and bulk operations primarily take place overnight, beginning around 9:00 PM. By early morning, warehouse activity is significantly lower, creating an installation window between approximately 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Tellivue worked floor by floor during these quieter periods, allowing the team to complete the installation without interfering with overnight operations.
“Tellivue were great—simply world-class. They worked methodically during our off-peak morning hours, when warehouse traffic was less busy, ensuring there was no disruption to our business.”
The Benefits
Greater Oversight of Controlled Drugs
Sigma uses line crossing alerts to monitor activity around controlled-drug storage areas. Virtual boundaries are configured near entry points, and security personnel receive an alert when someone crosses the designated line.
This gives the team greater awareness of activity around regulated substances and supports faster investigation of potential stock discrepancies.
According to Vincent, “Regulators who reviewed the deployment described it as some of the best technology they had seen within the pharmaceutical sector.”
Faster, More Confidential Investigations
Secure remote access allows authorised HR, operations, and security leaders to review incidents from desktop or mobile without travelling to the facility or gathering around a shared monitoring station. Search tools help teams narrow down relevant footage faster, while Live Face Blur obscures individuals’ faces during live monitoring to support employee privacy.
Remote access also gives authorised leaders visibility outside standard operating hours. During a serious incident, Sigma can share live visual information with emergency responders to help them assess conditions before entering the building.
Operational Insights for Health, Safety, and Facilities
Sigma uses video analytics and search tools to identify opportunities to improve warehouse processes and working conditions. For example, after reviewing how employees accessed elevated stock, the company identified an opportunity to improve the available equipment and introduced kick stools to support safer handling.
The team also uses animal detection and video search to identify pest activity. Clearer visual evidence helps Sigma provide pest-control vendors with more accurate information and plan a targeted response.
Faster Resolution of Fulfilment Disputes
By connecting tote-tracking events with timestamped video and imagery, Sigma can quickly verify whether an order left the warehouse with the expected contents. This gives the team objective evidence when a customer reports missing stock, helping resolve disputes without relying solely on manual records or employee recollection.
Looking Ahead
Sigma Pharma plans to expand camera coverage across its remaining operational facilities and bring more of its physical security environment into one centralised platform.
The company also plans to use heatmapping and occupancy trends to understand foot traffic, improve facility layouts, and align staffing with peak operating periods.
Sigma is evaluating Verkada Access Control for approximately 16 doors, with the goal of replacing its legacy keycard system with options like mobile credentials.
“Having access to the level of actionable data Verkada provides enables us to make much smarter operational decisions and streamline the resources traditionally required to monitor these systems. Verkada has saved us time and made us a lot smarter.”