Warehouses are of vital importance in keeping various stock and inventory secure. But unfortunately, the fact that warehouses often house such numerous and valuable goods often makes them inviting targets for thieves - both inside and outside the warehouse.
This then poses several warehouse security issues, all of which could lead you to some hefty losses in profit, not to mention damage to your business's reputation if you don't have the necessary security in place to solve them.
The good news is that these warehouse security issues CAN be solved by understanding the tools and techniques available to warehouse owners. Let's explore the four most common challenges.
When we think of warehouse security, we often immediately think of preventing unauthorised entry from outside individuals. So perhaps it's not surprising too, with thefts from warehouses making up 14% of overall global cargo theft.
What's more, what you store in your warehouse can affect how likely it is that theft may occur. For example, food and beverages rank among the most common commodities stolen (31%), while others such as electronics are generally lower (9%).
While there are various ways to combat warehouse break-ins, the tried and tested method of effective access control is always the best route to take. Instead of manual doors with a lock and key, think of higher security entry options, such as revolving doors or security portals, which offer multiple levels of security. This, when combined with other access control options, offers unparalleled levels of warehouse security.
With warehouse security, you also need to focus your efforts on the internal as well as the external, as internal theft is very much a real warehouse security issue. While hiring only the best and vetting them ensures you are likely to have only honest workers, sometimes good judgement is simply not enough.
In many cases though, not all workers need access to every area of the warehouse. As such, limiting access to stock in your warehouse can limit the number of workers in any given area and ensure those authorised to work and operate in specific areas can.
Security portals, in particular, help ensure only authorised users can access specific areas of the warehouse. What's more, many modern security portals come with anti-tailgating and anti-piggybacking technology, meaning the risk of someone entering behind someone immediately, either knowingly or unknowingly, is prevented.
Lack of visibility across your facility is a common warehouse security issue, which is why monitoring the area with various forms of video surveillance is needed to give you the necessary coverage.
Some of the most common video surveillance options include security cameras, with options such as bullet and PTZ cameras. Bullet cameras are versatile and can withstand harsh conditions, making them suitable for monitoring outside warehouse areas. However, when it comes to indoors, PTZ is often the better option due to their wider field of vision, ensuring maximum visibility.
It's also important not to play down the importance of manned security too. While it has seen a decline in the face of new security technology, warehouses, in particular, can still benefit from some degree of manned security to help deter criminals both outside and inside the workplace.
While the main target for criminals at a warehouse is often the inventory itself, warehouse security must also focus its attention on data security too. Valuable data such as customer information can all be exploited if not secured effectively, and a data breach can cause both financial and reputational damage.
Best practices to avoid such a breach include limiting who has access to such data in the first place, such as ensuring suitable access control is available that allows only those authorised to access the relevant data as needed. Training of staff is also necessary, as evidence shows that 90% of data security breaches occur due to phishing attempts.
Is your warehouse in need of a security upgrade? From upgrading existing technology to installing new entryways, we’re here to keep you, your staff, and your visitors safe. Contact us today for more information.