Warehouses are high-risk areas due to the large amount of stock, materials, equipment, and inventory readily available within them.
These facilities are usually set in quiet industrial estates and low-traffic areas, making them an ideal target for thieves and vandals — especially during non-working hours. Security in warehouses is essential to avoid financial losses, prevent unauthorised access, and protect staff safety.
Our team has been installing warehouse security solutions since 2003, so here are our top tips on what types of security must be in a warehouse, backed by years of experience and insight.
- Install warehouse security gates
Perimeter security measures should always be installed as a first line of defence for warehouses. Security gates can act as a foreboding physical deterrent, making unauthorised access difficult for opportunistic trespassers.
They are an effective security solution as they can be matched to the height of any new or existing warehouse security fencing, providing a robust and impenetrable perimeter — especially when combined with razor and barbed wire, spike roll toppings, and anti-climb paint.
There are many different types of warehouse security gates to choose from, including sliding, swing, bi-fold for vehicles and pedestrian gates for easy management of authorised personnel.
They can also be automated for streamlined operations, which is especially handy for warehouses where delays may cause issues and backlogs.
- Use turnstiles for secure warehouse access
It’s important to note that internal warehouse theft is also a common occurrence — it’s not always down to an unknown trespasser. With so much stock available, it’s not surprising that staff may take advantage of their access.
Security Turnstiles can act as an effective deterrent to minimise this risk — especially if full-height turnstiles are installed. When placed in front of high-value inventory areas, they can prevent unauthorised staff — and the public — from accessing valuable stock.
As well as preventing cases of internal theft, turnstiles can also be combined with an access control system so management can track employee movement within the facility and its different areas.
This is also handy for managing and controlling foot traffic levels inside a busy warehouse to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and overcrowding.
- Implement security barriers for vehicles
Busy warehouses can have tens to hundreds of vehicles passing through every day. With this in mind, regulating which vehicles and personnel can access the facility is important.
Security barriers are an effective solution for preventing unauthorised vehicles from entering the warehouse and its surrounding area, protecting internal stock as well as items waiting in loading and unloading bays.
Automatic rising arm barriers are motorised and can grant access when an authorised vehicle is detected, either by automatic number plate recognition or vehicle safety induction loops.
In the case of an unknown vehicle, the barrier will remain closed to block access. When combined with CCTV, security barriers ensure you can stop potential thieves in their tracks and deter them from continuing onto the premises.
Road blockers and rising bollards can also provide robust security after hours to prevent thieves in vehicles attempting to steal a large volume of stock.
- Utilise an access control system
Access control systems are one of the best ways to ensure all-round security in a warehouse. These systems can be integrated with many of your existing warehouse security measures.
They work in combination with either security gates or turnstiles and only allow access when an acceptable entry method is presented. Depending on the logistics of your warehouse facility, this could include:
- Cards
- Key fobs
- Remote controls
- Biometrics
- Audio intercom systems (with or without video)
- Keypad (for a password code)
- Coins/tokens
Why is warehouse security important?
Warehouse security should be a top priority for any facility handling valuable stock for a variety of reasons. Reliable and durable perimeter security solutions can:
- Prevent the theft of products, equipment, and materials.
- Enhance employee safety by preventing accidents, injuries and unauthorised access.
- Reduce business losses by acting as a deterrent for internal and external thefts.
- Improve operational efficiency with the use of access control and monitoring systems.
- Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999.
Invest in your warehouse security with Security Solutions
The experienced team at Security Solutions will work with you to design tailored security measures that meet the unique needs and safety requirements of your warehouse — no matter its scope or size.
We also provide a service and maintenance contract which covers all of our security products. Our professional servicing team can handle breakdowns, repairs, replacements, and upgrades for your peace of mind, ensuring the safety of your stock and staff is never compromised.
Contact our team for more information about our bespoke warehouse security solutions or if you have any questions.