Better Safe than Sorry: Warehouse Security in the Modern Age
If you own and operate a warehouse, you’ve heard all the crazy stories about people sledgehammering their way through walls to steal merchandise or slipping inventory into the trash for later retrieval. 44% of all burglaries are non-residential, and some experts call warehouse break-ins a growing epidemic. But how can you be sure your warehouse security is up to the test?
Oh By Gosh, By Golly – It’s Time for a Security Audit
It’s the right time of year to evaluate the strength of your security measures. With the holidays just behind us, you’ve probably noted some potential issues that may arise or become aggravated during times of increased activity and frantic production. While you’ve been busier than ever, so have potential thieves.
If you want to check your security against the latest and greatest innovations, keep reading. Here are five tech-savvy suggestions for keeping your business under lock and key.
- Commit to Password Security
The first step any company should take toward data security is password management. If you’re worried that your virtual privacy isn’t up to scratch, start by subscribing yourself and your employees to a password management program like LastPass or Dashlane. These programs store passwords safely, so you don’t have to worry about losing track of login info, but they also offer password generators for increased security.
You may also want to activate two-step verification on any platform that offers it. Two-step verification ensures that only the owner of an account can log in by providing an additional verification step (usually a one-time-use code sent to your email or phone).
- Hire On-Site Security Personnel
Sometimes we forget that even the most advanced technology is no match for a good pair of eyes. Increased traffic and high employee turnover can cause a lot of confusion, so consider hiring some additional security personnel to monitor your warehouse and its surrounds.
A security guard’s presence can also act as a visible deterrent against theft and other property crimes. Your employees will feel safer, too; even in the early spring night can fall quickly, and a security guard can escort workers to their cars after dark.
- Eliminate Manual Inventory Management
Manual inventory reviews are time consuming and prone to human error. Invest in an automated warehouse management system so you know exactly where your product is at any time. You can often tailor your chosen system to your business’s needs, and the platform coordinates inventory management with transportation, ordering, and shipping needs.
Inventory is a necessary facet of loss prevention. If you have an accurate picture of your warehouse’s contents, it’ll be easy to spot a theft before it becomes a larger problem.
- Evaluate Your Layout
You probably already know that a warehouse manager should be able to see the main entrance from his or her office. It’s a simple security guideline, and prevents just anyone from wandering inside.
But you should also consider the line of sight for all your security cameras! Make sure all high-traffic areas are adequately covered and the camera is equally effective during all hours of the day and night. If your camera is directly in the path of sunlight for two hours every day, the glare might obscure any footage it captures during that time.
- Branch Out with Your Surveillance
Don’t make the mistake of installing a few cameras and calling it a day. Motion detection systems and perimeter fencing can help elevate your security. Access control is also a valuable tool – keycard-controlled entry can prevent unauthorized persons from entering your warehouse.
Safety procedures and alert systems are also important to overall security. If you haven’t updated your fire suppression system or emergency response plans in a while, consult a professional to learn about the latest innovations.
Better Safe Than Sorry
If you’re prepared for any eventuality, a warehouse security breach can never catch you or your company off-guard. These tips can help you achieve a modern, secure warehouse environment.
For more information on warehouse best practices and commercial real estate, check out our blog.
Sarah Mudge joined Lee & Associates as an associate in 2018 with experience in business development and property management. As a member of Lee’s Dallas office, she specializes in industrial tenant and landlord representation. To learn more about Sarah, visit our website.
