For many businesses, the warehouse forms an integral part of the day to day operations. It's where many hold their valuable inventory and equipment and for others, it's a space for workshops and packing.
But with so much activity happening in the warehouse it can become a considerable target for theft and damage from intruders. So how can you keep up the robust security protocols of your warehouse whilst still maintaining the rhythm and momentum of your operations?
Secure Your World has broken your warehouse security system down into two key areas, property and people.
Property
People often wonder how they can improve their warehouse security. First, you need to assess if your property is vulnerable to internal or external threats. A high-security warehouse ensures the safety of your staff and your inventory. We list down the different kinds of technology that can help you:
Install CCTV
Install hardwired CCTV cameras throughout the warehouse, both inside and outside common areas. We recommend installing these cameras in the following strategic areas:
Ensure you have a space dedicated to keeping all the stored footage, along with monitors to view. It's a good idea to have this room well secured. This is something that is best left to the security professionals to install. Remember, the main objective of using CCTV cameras is to deter criminal activity and to provide assurance, security and safety to those utilising the spaces covered.
Motion detectors
The inside of the warehouse needs to have good security too. Install motion detectors and motion-activated lights. Motion detectors can detect and track movement and send real-time alerts at any time. Another plus to using motion detectors rather than cameras is it doesn’t invade the privacy of your employees. Because it doesn't visually record activities, it removes the feeling of being watched. Finally, place signage indicating security devices are active on the property. This acts as a deterrence for those opportunistic out of hours snooping by potential thieves.
Security system
Test your environmental controls and sensors on a regular basis. This includes alarms, lights, PA, and any other security and safety device. You want this to be working in the event of an emergency. Don’t forget to also check the integrity of all your windows and doors. Are the hinges on the inside and maintained? Are there any cracked windows? Are the window grilles secure and in good order?
Signage
Having simple signage located at entrances to specific areas of the warehouse that advise workers and guests where they can and cannot enter is important too. It can be to alert workers of possible dangers or of what areas require authorisation to enter. This can be for areas where there are plenty of hazards and as such require wearing hi-vis vests, helmets, PPE and/or safety ear-muffs to be worn at all times. It can be for security purposes, such as a data room or the CCTV control room. It can even be a simple sign of do not enter for certain times of the day or week, such as for cleaning. Hence signage can help prevent unnecessary or unauthorised access by different workers.
Fencing
By installing an adequate fence for your warehouse, it creates one further barricade a thief has to go through. Get the right lock for your gate and secure it at the end of each day.
People
Aside from high-quality technology, you need trusted security personnel and robust security protocols to maintain your warehouse’ security. How can you prevent theft from happening? Here are our recommendations:
Access
In order to identify staff members easily particularly those who work casual hours, use ID badges. Finally, by adding RFID it can make accessing the warehouse easier for staff whilst at the same time providing great security too. This means the doors should be locked at all times when access is granted through the RFID or a fob.
Guest log
Ensure guests sign in so you have a log of everyone coming and going into the warehouse. If they enter a space where there are hazards, ensure that they wear all the appropriate safety gear such as hi-vis vests, hard hats and closed shoes.
Explore our commercial security products today and you will definitely find one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
