Ways to Improve Your Warehouse Security

Shergroup

3 years ago

A warehouse is an important part of your business units that stores valuable goods and machinery in a safe location, making them an essential part of any supply chain. However, as a place holding large quantities of high-value goods, they are a prized target for opportunist criminals.

Warehouse security is a tough tightrope to walk. With their often-massive size and complex layout, vulnerabilities often occur that can expose your inventory to not only external threats such as break-ins but internal threats such as employee theft. With the pandemic looming in for the past 18 months almost all UK warehouses are full as businesses stockpile goods amid the uncertainty, meaning more pickings for thieves. Any complication within a supply chain could be disastrous for a business.

There are other risks in your warehouse’s security too, such as issues with your access control or data tampering by unauthorized individuals. You must strike a balance between safeguarding the company and its products and establishing the appropriate tone and culture so that employees do not believe you are constantly accusing them of something.

You never know when someone could break into your warehouse and steal supplies, so don’t get complacent and increase security in your warehouse or distribution centre and protect your valuable inventory and assets from theft and vandalism.

Security measures to improve your warehouse security

Here’s a list of security measures to improve your warehouse security |

1. Secure the perimeter

The perimeter of the warehouse is frequently the first line of defence. Even professional criminals will be deterred from attempting to gain access to the compound if security fencing is installed around the whole perimeter. To make it more difficult for unauthorised entry, make sure the fencing is at least 7 feet high and incorporates an anti-climb mesh and welded construction. Security barriers and gates at the site’s entrances can also be used to regulate vehicular access. Authorized vehicles will be able to enter using technology such as number plate recognition.

2. CCTV Warehouse CCTV

CCTV cameras provide a significant increase in security. They function as a strong deterrent to thieves by increasing the chance of being identified and apprehended. Modern security camera systems can capture high-definition video and send it to an offsite server, making it easier to identify burglars and preserving evidence if they try to tamper with the cameras or onsite recording stations. Any information acquired can be given to the cops, who can use it as evidence against anyone caught. Because not all employees are honest and may steal, these should be employed both internally and externally.

3. Security alarms

Alarm systems can be a valuable tool for deterring theft attempts, reducing the number of goods stolen by thieves, and summoning security or police in time to prevent the thieves from getting away. Knowing the property is secured by an alarm system thieves would not want to enter and get caught. If the warehouse is in an area where sound isn’t likely to be heard, a silent alarm linked directly to Police works just as well. Getting an alert from a silent alarm helps security and police arrive on the scene quickly so thieves can be detained before they make off with valuable products. Place signs around the warehouse to warn people of any alarms and make them think twice before attempting a break-in.

4. Security guards

Is there security on-site at the warehouse to help deter thieves? Do they go about checking to make sure there aren’t any intruders hiding in security camera blind spots? Manual security patrols on the premises can be a powerful deterrent to casual thieves and trespassers, reducing the danger of large-scale theft. Security officers usually patrol the location late at night when it is quiet to ensure that everything is in order. Intruders are generally scared away by a continual human presence since they are afraid of getting caught in the act.

5. Access control

Only authorised personnel have access to the facilities, thanks to access control systems. Some systems, which come in the form of a passcode, fob, or key card reader, even allow administrators to track who and when opened the door. Only give access authorization to trusted employees, as there is a risk of codes being leaked or cards being misplaced. Theft may occur if an access control key slips into the hands of a potential intruder.

6. Secure entrance and exits

Doors and windows are often the most vulnerable part of a building as they are the easiest entry point to breakthrough. A security door is usually the last line of defence in stopping an intruder from gaining access to a building. Steel security doors are, designed to offer enhanced security for industrial and commercial sites. Steel security doors delay thieves, increasing the likelihood of them getting caught by police/security.

7. Employee Background Checks

Internal theft is one of the most common causes of inventory shrinkage in any company. It is vital to evaluate someone’s trustworthiness before entrusting them with all of your most valuable possessions. Employee background checks are an important component of the vetting process for new workers, especially if they will be handling small, high-value items often. To assist manage these risks, many organisations use background checks to evaluate their personnel.

8. Warehouse Lighting

Yes, lighting is an important aspect of warehouse security. Poorly lit warehouses can be a safety problem for warehouse employees and security personnel, as well as protecting criminals (making them harder to recognise). As a result, keeping warehouses well-lit is an important safety precaution—both to deter theft and on-site accidents.

9. Inventory Tracking

What methods are used to keep track of inventory at the warehouse? How often is inventory inspected for missing items? Inventory tracking software is essential for detecting inventory shrinkage rapidly (and that inventory availability reports in your warehouse are accurate). So, it’s important to keep track of your inventory and don’t lose out on your valuables.

Summing-up

How many of the security measures does your warehouse now employ? Do you have the funds to improve or add new security measures? Examining the list of security measures and filling up any substantial holes can go a long way toward strengthening the overall security of your institution.
The security measures here will help you put together a strong security structure and fill any gaps in your overall security system. If you need more help with your security systems, you can hire a professional security services provider who can guide you with the best security measures to use. Contact Shergroup today for a more layered approach to all security requirements.

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