Top 6 Warehouse Security Tips
Security is a major priority in any warehouse, along with productivity, efficiency, and safety. Good design and equipment can boost security, protect inventory and shelving systems and eliminate theft and other serious security breaches. These are six practical warehouse security tips that can be used for any warehouse or industrial storage space.
1. Data Security
All electronic data points in your warehouse management system should be password protected with unique passwords or I.D. entry requirements for every staff member. These points can include receiving points, when shipments are delivered and clocked; put-away points; picking; packing; and shipping or load points. In addition to passwords, warehouse managers may want to implement physical locks and chains to secure hardware.
2. Staff Checks
Employee theft can be costly to warehouses, and performing thorough background checks is a core part of reducing loss from employee theft. Setting access levels that reflect staff members’ role can be used as a complementary measure to initial staff checks.
It may be worthwhile to re-screen periodically for roles with significant responsibility. Other onsite policies, such as the ‘two-man rule’ (where at least two employees must be present when a locked cage or locked pallet racking area is being accessed), can be implemented to further improve security.
3. Shipping or Loading Dock Areas
Shipping or loading docks are one of the more vulnerable sections in the warehouse as transport personnel and others outside your organisation can gain access to your warehouse through receiving or shipping doors.
Security features for your loading areas include:
- Locate the warehouse manager’s office so that the manager has direct visual contact with shipping and receiving dock areas.
- Fence off the external area surrounding your loading docks so it’s difficult to gain physical access without a check. Shut or lock the fenced-off area at all times. Prohibit personal vehicles from these areas.
4. Alarms and Surveillance
Alarms and some level of surveillance are an integral part of any warehouse. Fire alarms, motion sensor lights and alarms, and video monitoring devices are vital security features. Managers may choose to concentrate video surveillance in high value cages and rooms. It’s also a good idea to place monitoring devices at entry and exit points.
Very large warehouses frequently onsite security personnel at checkpoints for spot-checking of inventory, and for regular security rounds. For smaller warehouses, it’s often sufficient to combine electronic alarms and regular surveillance rounds conducted by managers. Managers can also find it useful to conduct security audits to test the robustness of the site’s security features.
5. Securing Entry Points
Entry points are, of course, crucial for warehouse security. The following are some great ways to keep entry points secure in your warehouse.
- Every door should be locked. Use electronic tags or pass keys that allow managers to monitor which employees are accessing which areas. These electronic keys can’t be duplicated and access can be terminated in case the key is lost or stolen.
- Windows should be barred and fitted with security alarms.
- Have a fixed policy for outside personnel who may gain regular access. For example, drivers can be designated a specific waiting lounge to eliminate the need for them to access other interior areas.
Limit the number of exterior doors that can be used to gain access by employees. Fix doors with a sensor that alerts management when they’re accidentally left open.