Devising a Strategic Plan for Warehouse Security
Security for warehouses in critical to maintain inventory and goods, as well as ensuring a safe work environment for warehouse employees. Although the how and why might be obvious, determining a strategic security plan is another important aspect of your a comprehensive security solution.
Devising and implementing a proactive warehouse security strategy requires assessing your needs and resources and planning for a system that meets those needs. Keep your plan scalable for growth and adaptable for change in requirements.
Initial Warehouse Security Audit
Evaluate Your Warehouse. Depending on the entrance to the warehouse facility, the driveway may be open or gated. Keep your security gate in good maintenance and functioning properly. Whether you employ a security officer to monitor access or an electronic system, controlled access is part of your first line of defense. Security systems using key cards are a good way to monitor access without a standing guard. These key cards can be connected to employee ID badges, as well as allowing access to various parts of the warehouse facility.
Identify Vulnerabilities.
Asses the vulnerabilities where security measures should be in place or where they need to be upgraded. Look for areas that need better lighting, more access control, lack signage or blindspots that pose security or safety weaknesses.
Document Your Findings.
When documenting, prioritize which areas need upgrades first – which areas have the least amount of security on your property or are the biggest security issues. A quick way to prioritize your list is to assign red to a “critical need,” yellow to a “important but not critical need” and green to a “can wait” need.
Next Steps
Consider Your Resources. We all want the best of the best, especially for security systems. We are also all on a budget. Make sure to choose the best systems and security equipment that offers the functionality you need with your budget. Security is an investment and most security systems can be upgraded at some point – so while you might not start with your first choice, but you can always make a plan to upgrade in your annual budget
Put the Plan into Action. Once you have a priority list and have the necessary resources, start your upgrades. Having to make choices in what to do first is tough because everything is important, so start with a critical aspect of your security, or start with an item you need to add vs. an upgrade.
Upkeep. Ongoing upkeep and audits of your security system are important. Keep your security equipment well-maintained, perform any software upgrades, and schedule regular cleaning and maintenance checks. Schedule tests for alarms, fire systems and emergency procedures. A regularly scheduled walk-through with your security team is recommended. Remember to do the same for your perimeter security devices.
Smart Choices
Equipment Choices. The security industry offers a wide range of everything from cameras and alarms to lighting and access control systems. It can be overwhelming. When you do your security audit, determine criteria that is most important to you. For instance, is it critical to have a security camera with night vision capabilities when your property and warehouse are well-lighted?
Scalability and Growth. Look for equipment that can “grow” with your needs. Whether that means you can upgrade to better equipment or you can add other components to your system, a security system that expands with your needs allows you to stay safe in the future.
Compatibility and Integration. When looking for your security equipment, make sure to confirm that these components can all be integrated, even if you upgrade your equipment. Does your alarm system integrate with your fire system or smoke detection system? Sometimes it happens that existing equipment or software was not made to integrate with the new thing you’re considering. Keep in mind that if your next component or software upgrade is compatible with this current new component, the end resulting system may be better in the long run.
User-Friendly Systems. Some systems offer more user-friendly experiences and support than others. If you don’t have an in-house IT department, look at solutions and software that is uncomplicated to install and maintain (software updates, connecting cables, compliance). Consider the kind of customer support offered – if you troubleshooting issues on your own is a hurdle, you may want to opt for a solution that offers a good support plan.
Security Audits Maintains Your Security Integrity
After have your system in place. the components are integrated and you’re satisfied with the coverage. remember to schedule regular security audits of your warehouse and property. Whether you do it quarterly, semi-annually or annually, perform and document thorough security audits consistently. You’ll have a record of your equipment, replacements or upgrades and will be aisle to monitor if any changes in vulnerabilities or threats to security (such as damage to a perimeter fence or water damage to the building). Proactively take care of your facility before your defenses can be exploited.
Click here to review warehouse security including your warehouse entrance, perimeter and property.
Rapid International Offers Community Solutions
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
All kinds of industries rely on warehouses; comprehensive security systems protect operational continuity.
Andrew Calderon – Rapid Security International, Inc.
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Warehouse at night photo courtesy: Shutterstock