Warehouse security is one of the most important aspects of many commercial businesses. Companies all over the world depend on their warehouses to store valuable aspects of their business, and security problems will result in financial losses as well as lower employee morale. That’s why logistics companies and storage facilities must have physical barriers and security deterrents that guard against unauthorized access. Below we have compiled some quick tips about the important features within a warehouse security system. If you spot anything that you are currently lacking, consider upgrading your system.
Alarm Systems and/or Video Surveillance Cameras
Alarm systems and high definition video surveillance cameras are both essential elements of warehouse security. Retrieval of recorded activities is now both readily available and easily accessible thanks to digital recording and state-of-the art DVRs that offer maximum protection and numerous benefits including:
- Superior video quality
- Real-time recording across multiple sites
- Remote monitoring
- Quick retrieval of video data
- Simultaneous recording and playback
- Unattended archiving
- Seamless integration with other security systems
On of the most valuable benefits on the list is remote alarm monitoring. With this feature, business owners and warehouse managers can utilize their IP-based video surveillance systems to monitor video data from virtually anywhere, at any time. Supreme also offers a text message alert system that sends an alert every time an entrance into the building has been accessed.
“The one thing I really like with Supreme is the fact that I signed up for the text messaging,” said Fedway Associates Special Projects Manager David Kengere. “So, every time the building is opened or closed, I get a text and I really like that.”
Building Structure
Buildings must be constructed of materials that resist break-ins and protect from outside tampering. It is recommended that periodic inspections and repairs are done to your building’s structure. This can help prevent false alarms and the fines that come along with them. If you pair a solid structure with a professional alarm system, your warehouse will be optimally protected.
Wende Cambri Senepole, the Vice President of Cambria Automotive Companies, was struggling with false alarms before she made the switch to Supreme.
“We did have an alarm system that was installed by a professional alarm company, however, it just wasn’t working,” she said. “It was going off every other night and it was actually causing us to get robbed because people knew that we’d been having so many false alarms that it wouldn’t likely generate much of a response. Also, after two times a month, our local police department charges for calls, so we just needed a complete change.”
After switching to Supreme, Cambria Automotive Companies has experienced zero robberies.
Critical Facility Protection Systems
Facility protection systems like fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, hazardous gas detection systems and air scrubbers should be secured and monitored for unauthorized tampering or shut-down, by an approved professional alarm company. As with the building’s structure, these critical facility protection systems should be periodically tested to ensure that they are working properly.
Fencing
Perimeter fencing around your facility’s yard should enclose every area that surrounds your storage facilities. If there is no fencing around your yard, either install some or implement procedural techniques to secure the yard from unlawful entry. Also, it is recommended that protection from outside intrusion be documented. This documentation process can be made extremely easy and effective by the implementation of an access control system. Access control systems are highly sophisticated, yet easy to use if installed professionally, and can be integrated into a number of other commercial security systems for maximum effectiveness.
Lighting
Adequate lighting must be provided inside and outside the facility, especially in the following areas: entrances and exits, cargo handling and storage areas, fence lines and parking areas.