Are You Getting The Best Security Service For Your Warehouse Facility?

Warehouses face threats from all angles.
Theft and misfortune arise from both internal and external sources.
For example, 95% of employees admit to stealing from their employers.
When your own staff members are at the forefront of company losses, you know it’s time to act. You may already have security systems in place. But are they functioning as well as they could be?
Maximizing the effectiveness of your systems is of utmost importance. Everything from your security service to your online safety procedures must be functioning as effectively as possible.
If they aren’t, then your warehouse is far more susceptible to security threats. Wondering whether you’re getting the most from your warehouse security systems?
Read on for a selection of top tips for doing exactly that.

1. Testing, Testing, 1,2,3

When was the last time you tested your systems?
The key to flourishing warehouse security is an ongoing evaluation and updates. You need to know everything you currently employ is fully operational and fit for purpose.
Banks are great at this.
They literally pay people to rob them. Banks will hire hackers to try to steal from their digital vaults; sometimes, they’ll employ people to try to rob their actual vaults!
The banks see first-hand any flaws in their systems and identify potential weak points that thieves might exploit.
You don’t have to go to such extreme lengths. However, the idea remains the same: aim to regularly assess your systems for flaws and necessary updates.

2. Vet Your Employees

Most warehouses keep many valuables on site.
Everything from old stock to cold hard cash can be stored there.
That makes your warehouse a target for thieves. And, as we’ve seen, the threat is often from inside the business. Employees are responsible for significant levels of thievery.
They know the systems, layout, and procedures in place; they have the access required.
That’s why it’s important to screen your employees before hiring them. Pay close attention to references from previous employers and consider running a criminal background check to explore historic issues.
This process can create peace of mind. There’s a higher chance of employing honest, trust-worthy individuals to the team.

3. Check the CCTV Systems

Closed-circuit television is often a key component in warehouse security.
It provides eyes on the premises when you can’t be there in person.
Thieves, intruders, and employee misdemeanors are all caught on camera. That’s helpful for everything from identifying and prosecuting criminals to filing insurance claims on losses.
However, it isn’t fool-proof.
Like all electronic devices, CCTV cameras can stop working. Likewise, some systems have weaknesses such as poor night-vision, grainy footage, and inadequate range of vision.
Having CCTV isn’t enough. You need fully functional, quality cameras. Also, you need lots of them! Rogue employees and thieves will be quick to realize blind spots. Be sure to have all your bases covered.

4. Limited Access

Access control is another foundational part of warehouse security.
Basically, you want to prevent people from just wandering into the facility. Warehouse owners place electronic locks on the door. Employees require a keycard to enter the property.
It’s an effective means of having a say in who can and can’t come and go. Consider going a step further and limiting access within the building too.
Most employees don’t require access to higher-value locations. Restrict their access to these secure areas. Instead, cultivate a system whereby only a select few certified individuals have the right of entry.
Taking this step can drastically minimize the likelihood of internal (or external) issues. It narrows down the list of suspects if you ever experience a problem.

5. Enlist Quality 24/7 Security Personnel

Security personnel provide the gold standard of warehouse security.
You’ve got eyes, ears, and feet on the ground. They patrol the area, working to deter and prevent any crime or transgression. Equally, hiring security staff can help ordinary employees feel safer on the job and restore focus to their work.
However, ensure the security you hire offer adequate support.
For example, when the potential reward is high enough, some intruders will take the risk regardless of on-site unarmed security guards. Your warehouse may require 24/7 armed personnel and/or guard dogs to properly defend the property.
Equally, not all security companies are as reputable as others. Many promise more than they can deliver. Make sure you regularly review the effectiveness, professionalism, and work ethic of any person you hire.
Here’s how to know you’re working with a quality security service.

6. Update Cyber Security

Responsible warehouse owners double-down on their cybersecurity too.
Why? Because the financial implications of a cyberattack can cripple any business. Indeed, the average online attack in 2018 cost $1.1 million to resolve. That’s a bad day at the office.
Maintaining the highest levels of cybersecurity is now an unequivocal warehouse necessity.
Again, don’t rest on your laurels. Cyber threats are changing and advancing all the time. They’re becoming increasingly complex as time goes by, making it your job to stay on top of the situation.
Identify any issues and create a cyber-threat policy for the business. Distribute it among all employees. Everyone should know both what to do, and what not to do, in order to prevent attacks.
Install anti-virus software on computers, be vigilant against phishing strategies, and ensure passwords are complex and changed at strict intervals.

Time to Improve Your Warehouse Security Service

There you have it: 6 essential ways to guarantee the effectiveness of your warehouse security service and systems.
Businesses are a frequent target for thieves. Unfortunately, the threat’s often as likely to come from an internal source as an external one. Warehouses, in particular, can be a high-value target.
Installing appropriate security measures is essential to averting criminal activity. What’s more, those measures must be functioning at full capacity.
Hopefully, this post has provided some useful ideas on how to ensure that’s the case.

Is your warehouse based in Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Jersey City, or Washington? Are you looking to improve your security? We can help. Contact us today to learn more.

OPS Security Group has over 80 years of combined experience protecting executives, businesses, residents, guests and government officials throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C. and New Jersey. As a regional security alternative with a service-first approach, we offer a level of customer service that international providers are too big to deliver. If you’d like to learn more, you can contact us at https://opssecuritygroup.com/contact/