Warehouses are a necessary component of the supply chain process, and with the recent uptick in supply chain fraud, it is now more important than ever to have advanced security protecting your warehouse. Want to know how to make your warehouse more secure? Here are 8 ways to improve your warehouses security.
Upgrade Access Control System
Old access control systems like key cards are becoming outdated as they pose a higher threat to the security of your business. It is easy for an employee to lose or misplace a key card. Eliminate the risk of using outdated security measures by upgrading your access control system. Instead of using key cards and fobs, try investing into cloud-based software and RFID warehouse door locks. Newer technology allows you to utilize smart phones by having mobile credentials for your employees that allows access to sites in your warehouse versus having multiple key fobs for each access point. Having a digital system will allow managers to add or revoke key access at any time. A cloud system saves security data for later reference, making it easy to recall security access.
For valuable goods, consider investing into security cages with access controls. Security cages deter thieves from targeting valuable items at your warehouse, leaving your mind at ease.
Take Advantage of Remote Security Management
Companies who use remote security management systems have a higher ROI than those who chose other methods of security. Remote security methods that include cloud-based technology are able to notify you when important access points have been granted entry. No matter where you are physically, you can view security footage from your smartphone. A major benefit to having remote security management is that thieves are unable to destroy the footage in case of a break in. The remote security systems stores footage in a cloud that cannot be physically destroyed by thieves. Use motion detection to enhance your remote security even further.
Be Prepared with Emergency Plans
In case of emergency, all business owners should have a plan for their employees of what is expected of them. A successful emergency plan should include emergency exit locations, evacuation procedures, procedures of how to use and maintain PPE equipment, and lockdown procedures. Every warehouse needs a safe plan of how to evacuate safely from their premises for employees. When constructing safety plans, consider the type of equipment you house, the crime rate in your area, and your geographic location in case of natural disasters.
Don’t Rely on Manual Data Entry Practices
Like key cards, manual data entry practices are becoming outdated as new technology has been created to ensure less security risk for your warehouse. Instead, try mobile computers with barcode scanners or RFID readers to automatically enter data regarding inventory. Consider warehouse management software, as this makes it easy to record and store data. Manually entering data can lead to errors in inventory count, which is 100% avoidable with today’s technology.
Environmental Access Control
At your warehouse, you run the risk of disasters happening like fires caused by equipment, or gas leaks that you did not expect. By providing environmental access control for your warehouse, you are able to lift the risk of in-house fires by having controls that send notifications when it detects a rapid temperature increase. You might not have known you needed it, but environmental access controls are a necessary part of any functioning business. Be notified the moment disaster strikes in your warehouse.
Audit Your Security Regularly
Be sure to regularly audit your security system to look for opportunities of improvement. No matter how long you have had your security system, no system is safe from improvement. Some ways you can audit your security system is by testing warehouse door locks, checking system software for upgrades, replacing any outdated or malfunctioning hardware, perimeter security checks, and checking all security cameras to make sure they are working properly. When you audit your security, you have a better return on investment for your security system overall since it will perform better in the long run. After all, you’re better off safe than sorry!
United Security Incorporated | Video Surveillance Systems
We know every client’s risks and business objectives are different requiring customized approaches, policies, procedures and requirements. For 30 years we have brought peace of mind to our clients through the careful application of investigative talent and technology implementation. When it comes to the security of your building, it's best not to leave it up to chance. Be sure that you have made every effort possible to keep your property, employees, and visitors well protected. If you have any concerns, you should consider having your security measures evaluated by a reputable company.
