10 quick actions you can take to improve warehouse security

Warehouse security is a tough tightrope to walk, and increasing it often feels overwhelming. You’ve got to balance protecting the company and products with setting the right tone and culture so that employees don’t feel like you’re always accusing them of something.

We’ve put together a few different methods you can use to start securing your warehouse quickly but also tie to larger initiatives that benefit employees too.

1. Use a WMS for automatic inventory counts

Manual data entry for inventory and shipment verification leaves plenty of room for mistakes and fraud. Instead, secure your inventory with accurate, automatic counts through your WMS and handheld device or RFID readers. You’ll reduce the chance of theft by adding goods into your system as soon as they arrive as well as eliminate opportunities for someone to fudge numbers to steal a product.

2. ID badges with RFID

In today’s warehouses, many RFID-enabled sensors and gates are used to track goods as they move from receiving to storage, down through picking and finally out the door. Adding RFID tags to existing employee IDs can use much of this same equipment to track activity and movement. This data can help you maintain personnel and asset security by monitoring for safety best practices as well as theft. IDs also help you monitor delivery drivers or other individuals who should not be in certain areas of your warehouse.

Guide: get over 120 WMS feature ideas to help you build a requirements list and shortlist vendors

How do I restrict warehouse access to certain users?

To restrict warehouse access to certain users, follow these guidelines:

• Role-based access control (RBAC): Set up a system that grants access based on user roles. For example, only warehouse managers may have access to sensitive inventory areas.
• Badge and keycard systems: Use RFID-enabled badges that can restrict entry based on the individual's role or department.
• Biometric access: For highly sensitive areas, consider using biometric access control like fingerprint or facial recognition, providing a more secure alternative to keycards.
• Log access attempts: Keep a log of all access attempts to review if unauthorized entry is detected.

3. Fence in your location

You can’t control what you haven’t contained. Fencing in your area is a smart way to keep people out of areas they shouldn’t access. It also creates an atmosphere of protection. Pair it with decent, bright lights and thieves may pick another target without pressing your security.

How can we prevent theft in our warehouses?

Warehouse theft can be a significant issue if not proactively managed. Here are some actionable steps to prevent theft in warehouses:

• Limit access to sensitive areas: As mentioned above, use access control systems to restrict unauthorized personnel from critical zones like inventory storage and shipping.
• Real-time surveillance: Implement 24/7 surveillance using CCTV cameras with remote access to catch theft or prevent it by increasing visibility.
• Employee monitoring: Track employee movements via ID badges and RFID tags to ensure they are only in authorized areas.
• Perform regular inventory checks: Ensure frequent stock checks to detect discrepancies early, minimizing the window for theft.
• Employee engagement and incentives: Building trust with your employees and recognizing good behavior can help reduce internal theft.

4. Install CCTV

For small warehouses, this can be a relatively quick action thanks to a new breed of Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras. You’ll just need access to an outlet and Internet in your warehouse. They’re a great tool for protecting assets as well as staff. Even better news, CCTV can sometimes reduce insurance costs, especially if you can tie it to a reduction in injuries or losses.

5. Add motion detectors

Motion detection is a core part of most security systems, though sometimes warehouses stop at motion-activated lighting. Today, you’ve got access to a wide range of sensors that detect and track motion while sending alerts to managers or law enforcement. Keep people out of areas they shouldn’t be in with detectors as well as signage for the security system you use.

6. Use environmental controls and sensors

Security is more than just about preventing theft. You’ll also want to prevent damage to and loss of goods plus harm to your people. Look for ways to integrate your environmental controls into your dashboards. You can monitor the temperature to act quickly in case of a fire, monitor the status of refrigerators to prevent spoilage, and even track and reduce power consumption. Environmental sensors are a top defense against disasters and emergencies.

7. Hire security personnel

What’s the biggest gap in your warehouse security?

If you’re taking a second to think and aren’t sure, or worry you might not be right, it’s time to add a professional to your team. Security members aren’t primarily there to accuse your staff; they are there to protect your staff.

Someone committing fraud and theft may assault your staff, or continued theft can put jobs at stake. Tell your entire staff the reasoning behind security hires and show how it’s a move to protect them.

8. Secure all passwords

Today we see as many threats online as we do in the warehouse itself. The first step in keeping your system secure is to make passwords complex and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). You can use 2FA that sends a text message to employee phones or provide a dongle that displays a special password and updates regularly.

Keep your systems secure by implementing training for smart passwords as well as specifically spelling out when an employee should give out their password or when IT should give someone a new password.

9. Simplify your processes

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your warehouse operations? Are teams spending a lot of time in the back corners away from others? Do you have dozens of touches for each order?

Over time, our warehouse work accumulates layers, and we adapt. We get used to extra steps. However, increased steps and waiting also raise the risk of threats or harm. Streamline your workflow to reduce temptations and time for crime - from both internal and external sources, like how long delivery drivers stay in your warehouse.

10. Engage with employees

Understanding the threats you face requires understanding your warehouse team. Get a feel for their impression of their jobs, gripes, complaints, what they like, and where they think problems may be occurring. You might be able to improve morale and reduce theft by implementing incentive programs or “thank you” programs or finding out about problems you didn’t notice.

Warehouse security checklist

To help ensure your warehouse remains secure, it’s essential to follow a comprehensive warehouse security checklist. Here’s a simplified guide to start:

• Ensure perimeter security: Fence the area and install bright lighting.
• CCTV and motion detection: Install Wi-Fi-enabled cameras and sensors.
• Secure access control: Use ID badges with RFID and establish controlled access zones.
• Regular audits and inspections: Conduct routine checks on inventory, security equipment, and employee activity.
• Employee training: Provide security awareness training for all staff.

This checklist allows you to proactively monitor and improve different aspects of your security setup regularly.

What are the three types of access control?

Access control can be classified into three main types, which are useful for a warehouse access control system:

1. Discretionary Access Control (DAC): The owner of the secured system or area determines who can access certain zones.
2. Mandatory Access Control (MAC): Only the system's owner or administrator can manage permissions. This is common in high-security warehouses.
3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Access is granted based on the user’s role within the organization, making it easier to manage access across departments.

Conclusion

Strengthening warehouse security requires a combination of strategic access control, employee collaboration, and regular assessments. By implementing systems like RFID badges for monitoring movement, CCTV surveillance, and comprehensive access control protocols, you can create a secure environment that protects both inventory and personnel.

Continuously updating your security checklist and engaging with employees ensures that security measures stay effective and responsive to new challenges. The goal is to prevent theft and keep operations running smoothly without disrupting daily workflows.