Appropriate warehouse security saves you money.
That’s according to an FBI report on crime, anyway. In 2015, property crime in the United States led to an estimated $14.3 billion dollars’ worth of losses.
Clearly, property crime is a risk in the US. For warehouses in particular, where inventory and cash holdings can present a serious target, there’s a real risk of losing lots of money.
Having the right security systems in place is a sure-fire way to help. But what security measures help? What systems do you need to keep your premises and employees safe?
Keep reading to discover ten things every warehouse security checklist should include.
10 Warehouse Security Checklist Essentials
Let’s go through ten items anyone concerned with warehouse security should be thinking about from day one.
1. Assess the Risks
Risk assessments are a crucial tool at the disposal of those in charge of warehouse security.
They should be the first point of call. You need to ask certain questions. What/where are your warehouse’s weak points? What security measures should you consider?
It’s a good idea to hire a professional security company to undertake the assessment. With their expertise and warehouse knowhow, they’ll be able to identify any vulnerabilities you may have.
They’ll also be able to recommend and install the security measures required to manage your risks.
2. Have Closed Circuit Television
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is another effective way of keeping your warehouse secure.
It’s rare to see warehouses, or any other privately owned commercial property for that matter, without CCTV installed. And for good reason.
CCTVs are of vital importance to your premises’ security. You can observe warehouse goings-on 24/7; inside, outside and wherever else it’ll help to have eyes-on.
You can now watch things remotely from your smartphone too.
As well as possibly reducing insurance costs, these systems act as a deterrent to would-be criminals. They also help you track down perpetrators and provide evidence against them at a later date if needed.
Be sure to put signs up notifying that CCTV is operating in the area as well. This can discourage anyone who’s up to no good.
3. Incorporate Motion Detection Systems
A key component of most warehouse security plans is the use of motion detectors.
Everyone’s experienced them in some shape or form. Think of lighting in public bathrooms, for instance, which turns on automatically upon entry.
The same happens for security purposes, though the outcome is more complex. Movement triggers a sensor, which sends a signal to your security system. This may have an effect at your end (a spotlight or alarms could trigger, for example).
It’ll also signal to a central monitoring center, alerting those responsible for your warehouse’ security.
4. Have A Quality Fenced Perimeter
Ensuring the protection of your warehouse and the valuables inside is of paramount importance.
A fence around the premises is an effective way of doing so. Though rarely impermeable, a well-made fence acts as an initial obstacle to warehouse entry.
This is helpful in preventing unwanted access.
This is helpful in preventing unwanted access. The fence also deters lazy criminals at the outset who don’t want the bother of scaling or breaking through a fence.
5. Use Bright Lights
Fences work best when there are bright lights around the perimeter.
Your warehouse is far more of a target under the darkness of night. With bright spotlights illuminating the area it’s far harder to get in, or escape, unnoticed. The lights can link with a motion detector system.
Lights are crucial for CCTV systems that don’t have night vision capabilities. After all, there’s no point in cameras if you can’t see anything!
6. Have Keycard Warehouse Entry
Keycard entry, otherwise known as ‘access control‘, means that your warehouse is constantly locked to anyone without a keycard. Employees scan their cards when they wish to unlock the door.
Access control allows warehouse owners to have a constant handle on who can enter the premises. Not only that, but you can cancel any keycard’s access-rights if needed, locking unwanted guests from the system.
Access control is a stellar option as far as warehouse security procedures go.
7. Employ Security Personnel
Patrolling security officers are another popular warehouse security measure.
You may choose to have 24/7 support or a nighttime presence. Also, you could have a patrolling security officer or someone stationed at entry points. You may elect to have all the above.
Whatever you decide, well-vetted security personnel are a valuable method of enhancing security and deterring criminals.
An added benefit is the speed of response. Imagine that there’s an issue in the warehouse. You have a security person patrolling the area. Due to their proximity to the problem, they’ll be able to react immediately and prevent the crime from unfolding.
Without the security person, you’d have to hope that emergency personnel responds in time to your issue.
8. Remember Your Online Security
With so many physical warehouse security considerations it can be easy to forget about online risks. It’s important to recognize that the risk of online security breaches is ever increasing.
Be sure to protect yourself from this threat too.
For instance, have a fine-tuned system for employee passwords.
Not only should passwords be complex from the outset, but they could also require two-factor authentication. This means the initial password should trigger a second security key that enables access.
Employees should have to change their passwords on a regular basis to improve data security.
9. Use Automated Data Entry Systems
Obviously, the danger of crime, such as theft, isn’t limited to external sources.
Anyone on the inside can be responsible for manipulating the systems in place for their own gain.
There’s plenty of room for error when things during manual exercises, such as data entry or hand counting inventory. These errors leave you open to theft of money and products.
As such, use automatic systems whenever you can. For instance, log the entry of inventory as soon as it arrives, using RFID readers.
10. Test Test Test
The final suggestion for your warehouse security checklist is to test your systems often.
It’s no good assessing the risks and carrying out the necessary security measures only to realize your alarms or cameras don’t work when they’re needed.
Regularly test everything you’ve put in place. For instance, a weekly alarm check is an important way of ensuring they’re operating at an optimal capacity.
Time to Wrap Up
There you have it: ten essentials for your warehouse security checklist.
Each consideration is an important way to improve the security of your warehouse.
Hopefully, you’ve gained some new ideas for practicing effective warehouse security. Did you gain any new insight into how to protect your premises?
Let us know in the comments! And be sure to contact us to see how we can help with your security needs.