A distribution center or warehouse can hold tens of thousands of products requiring security to be a top priority. Installing video surveillance and access control can help prevent loss, improve operations and create a safer working environment for employees, which translates to a better bottom line.

There are some who may think they are entitled to take merchandise. We know as a security company the presence of video cameras can decrease theft.

Advanced Video Surveillance Capabilities – Video surveillance technology today can:

• Provide broad coverage of an area
• Zoom in to clearly identify a person, object, or vehicle
• Highlight an image and use advanced search technology to scan large amounts of footage
• Allow administrators to follow a person, vehicle, or object and track their path throughout the facility

Strategic Camera Placement – Cameras should be installed:

• Inside and outside the facility
• With special attention to shipping and receiving areas
• Positioned to view parked trailers with merchandise still inside

Access Control Beyond Entrances – While you may already have an access control system for entrances and overhead doors, consider:

• Adding access control to cages and rooms with expensive merchandise
• Ensuring that if something goes missing, an audit trail can be retrieved
• Matching access logs with surveillance video for positive identification
• Preventing misuse of credentials by checking against video footage

Credential Management vs. Traditional Keys – Access control administrators can quickly disable credentials when an employee leaves or is terminated.

• If using traditional keys, access cannot be revoked as quickly, increasing security risk

A few tips to keep in mind when securing a warehouse or distribution center:

• Receiving should be located away from the shipping area; it creates an easy access point for theft when they are located in close proximity.
• Employee parking should be located away from the shipping or receiving areas, again it creates an easy access point for theft.
• Create specific entrances and exits for employees that are not in the shipping or delivery areas.
• Do not allow unauthorized people to wander around the building, such as truck drivers looking for a bathroom.
• Do not leave unloaded merchandise unattended on the loading docks.

With multiple warehouses or distribution centers located at different places, security can be difficult to manage. With the use of a cloud based system access from anywhere can be done with ease.

Choosing the right security provider is a critical way to help eliminate risk, when there is a large volume of inbound and outbound traffic. Whether you have one or multiple warehouse locations we can create a security, access control, and video surveillance system just right for you. Contact a DU Family of Companies location near you.