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As one of the UK’s biggest and most lucrative sectors, logistics and distribution businesses are in demand year-round. That brings with it a very unique and volatile risk profile, and one that can’t be understated when it comes to implementing the right security protocols. But what are those measures, and how do you put them into place?
ProFM Group’s latest article looks to address the question of “what is warehouse security”, what the practical measures are for logistics security, and how you can most effectively make the right decision for your site.
Warehouse security means the measures you have in place to keep your property, assets and staff protected at your warehouse or storage facility.
It encompasses both physical security (your security personnel, canine handlers, and more practical measures such as fencing and lighting) and more behind-the-scenes measures, like your insurance policies, access control and monitoring procedures, and staff awareness and training.
A good warehouse security package combines all aspects of both tangible security and those background elements, creating a solution that’s both robust enough to keep even high-value or at-risk assets protected and to comply with strict insurance policies.
Ultimately, investing in warehouse security equates to investing in cost savings. By implementing a more robust package (one that combines both physical security and security technologies, for instance), you’re lowering insurance costs, mitigating trespassing risks, and minimising the chances of theft both internally and externally.
With 30 years of experience in delivering logistics security, we’ve compiled what we feel are the most effective ways to secure your warehouse, and what you shouldn’t overlook in your planning phase.
Understanding where people gain access to your premises is arguably the most important question to consider, alongside what warehouse security is and how it can synergise with what you do. It’s easy to assume that your main entrance and exit are the main areas of concern, but that’s often not the case.
While your employee entrance, car parks and main doorways are so often under scrutiny (and for good reason), it’s equally important to dedicate attention to places that might fly under the radar, such as:
All of these can and should be identified during any initial security assessment or analysis and properly accounted for. Of course, assigning a manned security presence to each entry point isn’t always appropriate (unless it’s a bonded warehouse with very strict insurance requirements), but there are ways to ensure that each entrance is covered.
Many choose to do this through mobile security patrols, which offer the most immediate way to respond to incidents at any access point on your site. For a more budget-conscious option, security technology such as CCTV cameras or access controls can also allow for that additional layer of protection and coverage at your premises.
In any industry, there are peaks and troughs. Whether that’s seasonal surges for specific products, winter lulls in the travel sector, or the traditional Christmas rush in hospitality, we know you’re well aware of the times of year that your business is at its busiest. For security at warehouses, that should also be a major priority.
Increased retailer demands and online purchases naturally place pressure on logistics businesses and their supply chains, and a key point of consideration in that process is how you secure during those times. A key element of that is vehicle traffic and how that synergises with your security presence.
For instance, if you’re now seeing a two or even threefold increase in the HGVs or transport vehicles arriving at your site, your security solutions need to match that. That could be through a reinforcement of your existing solutions – extra hours or increased monitoring, for example – or an addition to your usual measures.
We’ve seen this time and again in response to increased demand, with a key example being where we were able to increase the amount of mobile security patrols at one of our client distributor sites. Not only did that allow for a more visible deterrent at a crucial time of year, but it also acted as additional reassurance for their staff, many of whom worked increased hours in the lead-up to Christmas.
It might also be that busier times aren’t as predictable for your distribution network, such as surges in popularity as a result of social media trends. That’s where a more reactive supplier is ideal, offering the short-notice coverage that those businesses so often demand.
Communication is integral to any protective services. At its core, it allows for a more comprehensive approach to protecting your assets, site and people, and in building a strong relationship with your staff members. That’s conducive to a long-standing partnership, as we’ve seen with our team over at Lloyd’s Transport.
What it also means is that, no matter the scope and scale of your operations, your team never feels disconnected or isolated. Warehouse security teams are often quite large, especially for major distributors, fulfilment networks and storage facilities, and how those officers work in tandem is integral to a well-rounded security solution.
That’s most evident through both in-person and remote communication, which allows for the instant identification and addressal of issues on site (such as trespassers, damages, or inclement weather) and a robust antidote to the issue of lone working. It’s also ideal for counteracting any problems that could arise from single office scenarios, like first aid emergencies.
Of course, where there are sites with only one officer (a gatehouse operative, for example), communication doesn’t factor in as much, but it’ll still play a crucial role in how they act as that welcoming presence for people arriving at your site. Communication shouldn’t end with how your officers liaise with each other – it’s also integral in maintaining your image across your site.
Customer-service-focused personnel and concierge security officers are the ideal way to do that. With warehousing and logistics businesses becoming increasingly customer-facing (reception areas, product line tours and even small wholesalers are all embedded into the modern logistical landscape), these take on an increased importance, and directly contribute towards your bottom line.
A trend we’ve noticed in warehouse security is that many businesses tend to stay stagnant in the solutions they have. While that can work for smaller facilities, most businesses will need to invest to stay current, stay protected, and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to criminal activity.
This is where smart investments in your security provisions play a pivotal role. As experts in the field, we’ve taken the time to pinpoint the most important changes set to impact warehouse security solutions:
As security technology continues to develop, you should strive to work with a partner who can help you stay abreast of those changes.
While it’s always a good idea to find a security package that works for you, there’s a lot to be said for centralising your services under a single, trusted provider of warehouse security solutions. Not only does it provide a single point of accountability, but there’s also the foundational importance of building a strong working relationship.
As we’ve touched on throughout this article, embedding your security officers as part of your on-site team – whether that’s in a reception, gatehouse or more proactive patrolling role – ensures that staff learn who they can trust, what those officers do, and how they’re acting as both a criminal deterrent and a reassuring presence.
It’s from there that you start to see the intersection of professional security services and your day-to-day operations. Operations become smoother, entrances and exits are controlled, staff feel safer coming into work, and insurance costs gradually decrease as a direct result of that continued investment.
Keeping it all under one roof also means you’ll have that central contact point. At ProFM Group, that’s our 24/7/365 National Operations Centre, which is manned around the clock by trained and SIA-licensed security professionals.
With a proven track record in delivering tailored solutions for the logistics and distribution industry, and a signature approach that sees us deliver bespoke solutions time and time again, ProFM Group are a trusted partner in warehouse security.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements, find out how we can help, and receive a free, no obligation quotation.
Emily is responsible for business growth and account development via new sales. She leads the Business Development teams through strategic goals and objectives in line with business targets and strategy. Emily is a friendly, approachable and a respected senior manager at ProFM Group who always strives to deliver service excellence.
