Warehouse security is not simple. There are a variety of factors that make it a complex endeavor:

Warehouses tend to be large facilities, so there’s simply a lot of space to secure.

Warehouses process inventory, which means that they tend to have lots of items and people entering and exiting the facility (and generally need to keep track of them).

Warehouses are often zoned, meaning that different individuals are permitted to access different areas.

Consequently, keeping warehouses secure is a challenging task. It can be done – but the right systems are needed.

The best warehouse security solutions integrate a variety of critical systems to intelligently and comprehensively keep facilities secure. In combination, these systems can prevent theft, ensure accurate inventory processing, and mitigate the risk of unsecure warehouse operations.

So, what security systems are needed to secure a warehouse?

Warehouse security systems include:

1. Security Cameras / Surveillance System
2. Alarm System
3. Access Control
4. Inventory Tracking
5. Network Security Systems

Let’s take a look at each in more detail. In effect, we’ll break out the components behind each system, by examining what each requires and what considerations should be made to maximize its effectiveness. The end result, hopefully, will be a better conception of what’s needed to properly secure a warehouse.

1. Security Cameras / Surveillance System

Security cameras are one of the first components most people think of when considering building security. That’s for good reason.

But the cameras themselves are only one component of a video surveillance system.

The entire solution includes a variety of components:

• Wiring
• Server for video storage
• Application to access video
• Monitoring equipment (screens and controls)

When implementing a surveillance system, considerations include:

• Camera placement (location and number of cameras)
• Required recording quality
• Lighting requirements
• Amount of storage needed for footage (dependent on quality and how long it will be stored for)
• Monitoring requirements
• Integration with other security systems

When implemented effectively, a video surveillance solution can give a warehouse full visibility on its premises and seamlessly pass data to other security systems.

2. Alarm System

Alarm systems are often baked into other system components (like surveillance, access control systems, or emergency systems), but we’ve broken them out here because they don’t squarely fit into any single system – and because they’re important enough to warrant focused consideration.

Alarm systems include:

• Door and window contact sensors
• Motion detection sensors
• Glass-break sensors
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Flood sensors
• Security key fobs / cards / protocols
• Control and monitoring applications
• Wiring

When implementing an alarm system, considerations include:

• The necessity of remote monitoring
• Alarm recipients (who will be alerted if an alarm goes off)
• The type of materials being processed or stored at a warehouse (is there potential for hazardous gases, etc.)
• Facility zones and what should happen if unauthorized access occurs
• Integration with other security systems

When implemented effectively, an alarm solution can ensure that mistakes or dangers are quickly identified, and that harm is mitigated.

3. Access Control

Access control systems enable the monitoring and control of building entrances and exits. At its simplest level, this is a lock and a key. At its highest level, it’s something out of James Bond – face scanners, voice recognition, etc.

Access control systems include:

• Door stations
• Control panels / scanners
• Control interface
• Security key fobs / cards / protocols
• Wiring

When implementing an access control system, considerations include:

• Desired type of access (card, fob, biometric)
• Number of entryways and exits
• Level and frequency of traffic
• Administrative privileges (who will set controls, who will receive alerts)
• Integration with other security systems

When implemented effectively, access control systems can ensure that individuals are only able to enter the warehouse spaces where they’re authorized to be, and that the right people are promptly notified of unauthorized activity.

4. Inventory Tracking

Now, we’re moving beyond the obvious systems to the more advanced warehouse security systems. Let’s talk inventory tracking.

This is often considered separately from warehouse security, but it’s closely related to it; after all, tracking can go a long way toward preventing theft. And in some industries (like the cannabis industry, for example), inventory tracking is essentially a regulated part of warehouse security.

So, with all of that in mind, here’s what’s typically included in an inventory tracking system:

• Tags (barcodes, RFID, etc.)
• Readers (dependent on type of system)
• Video surveillance (can be combined with RFID tags)
• Monitoring software

When implementing an inventory tracking system, considerations include:

• Amount of inventory
• Rate of processing, transportation, and delivery
• Necessity of tracking through stages or at multiple locations
• Compliance standards (as in the cannabis industry, for example)
• And, importantly, integration with other systems (including back office / ERP systems)

When implemented effectively, inventory tracking systems can ensure that goods are securely moved through warehouse spaces in a way that maximizes efficiency, prevents loss or theft, and ensures compliance.

5. Network Security Systems

Finally, let’s discuss a level of warehouse security that isn’t strictly physical: network security.

Warehouses are understandably designed for the protection of physical premises. But in today’s world, protecting the physical premises means ensuring cybersecurity, too. Security systems are digital – they can be breached, leading to theft of physical goods or data. So, securing a warehouse requires securing its network.

Here’s what’s typically included in a network security system:

• Network cabling
• WAF
• Routers
• Switches
• Antivirus / ransomware monitoring solutions
• Managed backups

When implementing a network security system, considerations include:

• Systems and devices connected to the network
• The number of users on the network
• Network admin responsibilities
• Response protocols (who should be contacted and what actions should be taken in the event of an incident)

When implemented effectively, network security systems can ensure that warehouses are protected in the digital realm just as they are in the physical one.

Want to Make Warehouse Security Simple?

The reality is that warehouse security requires expertise. Systems have to be designed and implemented intelligently in order to do their jobs well. They must integrate well with other systems. And, in addition, they’ve got to be managed for continued effectiveness.

Warehouse security is a difficult task. But we can help.

At Medlin, we implement technology systems that empower warehouse facilities. We use cutting-edge technology, offer full-premises coverage, and provide an extensive selection of top-line systems that help warehouses fulfill all of their business needs.

Put simply, we’re experts at keeping warehouses secure. And we always get the job done right.

To learn more about our approach to warehouse security – or to discuss the needs of your warehouse – get in touch with us today.