What’s needed to maintain warehouse security

More and more, the concept of smart logistics has gained momentum. With warehouses being a key element of the whole logistics process, how to maintain their security, then, becomes critical.
 
Warehouses are where goods are stored before being transported to other locations. As these goods are to be delivered to customers or used in the next part of the production process, they must be properly protected against theft or other criminal activities.
 
This has become more important than ever especially among warehouse thefts. According to CargoNet, there were 188 cargo thefts across the United States and Canada in the third quarter 2018, with the average cargo value per theft at US$143,949, for a total estimated loss of $13.9 million. Among the locations where thefts occurred, thefts at warehouses were the most common in third-quarter 2018, and 19 percent of cargo thefts in third-quarter 2018 took place at a warehouse location, the agency said, adding warehouse thefts also accounted for more than $3.7 million in loss value in third-quarter 2018.
 
Against this backdrop, end users have realized the importance to secure warehouses with security systems, which entail the following.
 

Access control

 
Needless to say, access control is key to warehouse security, providing a mechanism that keeps unauthorized or unwanted people at bay. “You should restrict access to sensitive areas of your warehouse, for example shipping/receiving and storage, with key card/code-based locks. This will prevent outsiders from moving through the facility. You should also maintain different levels of access for each of your employees — that is, provide access to specific parts of the warehouse on a needs-only basis,” said a blogpost by Veridin.
 

Intruder detection and response

 
Intrusion detection and managed alarm monitoring systems are also suggested, the post said. “You should have motion sensors on each entry point — including potential ones, such as windows — and a system that will sound-off an alarm when the intruder tries tampering with the system or breaks in,” it said. “With managed alarm system monitoring, you’ll get a team to monitor your facility and, in case of an event, alert you and law enforcement of it. Your managed alarm system provider can also monitor your facility’s safety and environmental disaster systems, such as fire alarm and suppression and air scrubbers.”
 

Video surveillance

 
Video surveillance also plays a critical role in warehouse security. Advanced analytics features such as facial recognition, license plate recognition or other algorithms should be included in the system to identify individuals or detect abnormalities.
 
Further, to meet the user requirements, security cameras must include certain functions and features. According to a blogpost by Reolink, these include high resolution, night vision supported with IR LED lights, mobile app support enabling monitoring by users from anywhere, and waterproof rating of IP66 to ensure cameras installed outside the warehouse can withstand harsh weather.
 
Due to the fact warehouses are typically large spaces, cameras allowing wide coverage and panoramic views are preferred. “A large-sized warehouse requires a camera product with a wide angel, covering every corner. Fisheye security cameras and PTZ cameras are all good warehouse security cameras with a wide viewing angle and coverage,” the post said.
 
Multisensor cameras and fisheye cameras are both ideal for covering large spaces such as warehouses. Compared to traditional box and bullet cameras which point to one area at a time, multisensory cameras – which include several lenses in one unit – and fisheye cameras – which include a single, fisheye lens – can both cover a wide area with one device, thus saving the cost of purchase and installation. Both have pros and cons. Multisensor cameras allow detailed images yet are bulky and heavy, while fisheyes are light but may not offer crystal clear images.