How to Improve Warehouse Security in Five Steps

If you’re looking for practical tips on how to improve security in your warehouse, our guide will boost your understanding of this topic.

Security is about protecting assets. Warehouses, by nature, offer rich pickings to ad-hoc criminals and organised gangs alike. Distribution centres may have hundreds of TVs, laptops, iPads and other goods generally sought after by thieves.

These are all solid reasons why improving warehouse security should be front of mind for site operators.

Other warehouses may contain tools, car parts and toys. All of these items are a source of income for criminals.

That’s not to mention, warehouse workers stealing goods from under the noses of their bosses.

In this blog, we take a quickfire look at how to improve your warehouse’s security measures in five easy steps.

How to improve warehouse security

Now, let’s take a look at the five of the best ways to improve security for your warehouse.

• Have a warehouse security checklist

• Use CCTV monitoring services

• Deploy robust perimeter protection systems

• Install security camera solutions

• Use access control to manage entry

Now, let’s take a look at the benefits of having a checklist to help you improve your warehouse security measures.

Have a security checklist

Security is the responsibility of the business owner. However, everyone can play their part. We always recommend having a daily security checklist.

Have you locked all windows? Even the ones in the toilets?

Have you locked the doors and set the alarm?

Is there a designated keyholder?

What happens when they are on holiday?

Does somebody regularly check the perimeter fence? Any easy access points through rusting fence wire?

Looking for ideas? You can get some by reading our warehouse security checklist.

Improving warehouse security with remote monitoring

Many warehouses employ physical guards who cost a lot of money in salaries.

Remote CCTV monitoring enables warehouses to have their cameras viewed remotely by a team of security professionals.

When an alert is triggered, your off-site CCTV monitoring team views the live footage and performs the role of a security guard.

They can contact the authorities or even communicate (warn) the intruder via Tannoy that they have been spotted.

Looking to find out more about how CCTV monitoring can improve security for your warehouse?

Why not read these blogs?

• How does remote CCTV monitoring work?
• The costs of CCTV monitoring

Improve the first layer of defence with perimeter detection systems

A site’s perimeter is the first layer of defence. Altogether, robust perimeter security systems are key for warehouse operators looking to improve their security systems.

Security lighting often helps to warn off would-be intruders. This is fine, but only serves one purpose- a deterrent. Criminals are smart, they know they have time.

Safeguard Systems has designed and installed many perimeter protection and detection systems at a range of sites in the UK.

Here are a few systems that can boost a site’s perimeter protection.

CCTV

Cameras monitoring the perimeter should help spot threats and deter criminals. For this setting, PTZ, thermal and long range turret cameras are suitable choices.

For more information and insights, read our article covering the different types of CCTV cameras for warehouses.

ANPR

These number plate recognition cameras can be installed to track the number plates of vehicles approaching the perimeter.

If the system logs the same plate late at night several times, this could mean you have someone scoping the premises.

In summary, these solutions are an excellent way to improve security across your warehouse operations.

Beams and sensors

Just like in Mission Impossible, beams can be set to trigger and alert when the path of the beam is broken.

Make sure you have an effective CCTV system installed (internal and external)

You would be surprised to learn that not all warehouses have CCTV. In today’s world, CCTV systems for warehouses are vitally important. The bare minimum is having alarms, as it is a requirement by insurers.

External cameras can and will deter criminals.

Internal cameras can deter employee theft, keep staff safe, and spot incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Looking into CCTV for your warehouse?

Here are a couple of blogs to help improve your knowledge:

• The best surveillance camera systems for warehouses
• The different types of CCTV camera systems for businesses

Use access control systems to manage access and track staff whereabouts

Here we will look at two types of access control.

• Key fob door entry
• Intercoms

Key fob door entry

These door entry systems help to manage access effectively in, out, and around the site.

Staff can be provided access to the areas they work in. Access can be restricted, to areas they don’t have or where sensitive information, hazardous areas, or cash needs protecting.

Intercoms

Video intercom can screen guests and visitors giving reception staff peace of mind.

Furthermore, audio intercoms can be used to grant access internally to sensitive areas of the site where access is generally restricted.

If you’re looking to improve your warehouse security management, intercoms are a solid option.

If you would like to brush up on your access control knowledge here are a couple of blogs for  you:

• Access control system advantages and benefits
• Are key fob entry systems the best form of access control?