Not all organisations are alike. Some may hold inventory for sale, some may hold it for other purposes. Large amounts of expensive raw materials, or curated works that need to be preserved and cared for require a diligent approach to protect, always considering the needs of the items and the likely threats against them.
For example, a warehouse holding large quantities of smartphones could be sitting on millions of dollars of inventory, while museums with priceless artifacts may not even have a full valuation of everything within its inventory.Â
The management priority is the same – protecting this at all costs is essential for not only the dignity of the items (in the case of organisations working within the heritage or art sectors), but so that these security and protective measures can be properly operated by your staff, preventing delays to your operational capabilities.
Finding that balance is tough. In this post, we’re going to discuss a few measures for achieving exactly that:
Access Approval Measures
Before someone enters restricted rooms, it can be helpful to set up access gates that prevent people from walking freely. This might involve a reception point for your storage areas with security, on top of that you can implement an intercom system so that secured doors simply do not open unless someone is present and ready. Access approval is a good way to gate off certain areas of your premises, and it can also be a good way to weed out those who may have managed to get through other, more pedestrian security measures.
Limitations On Devices & Coverage
Storage rooms with very expensive inventory should always be considered a target for thieves. That’s why it may be that when in this room, you prevent people from using their smartphones. Booking them in at reception is a good place to start. This can prevent anyone from taking pictures (even accidentally), and betraying the layout of the room. That might seem a little intense, but you’d be surprised just how even a little lapse in security can give someone with negative intentions a step up. While it may sound like you’re protecting against the plot of a heist movie, you’d be amazed at how common inventory thefts are.
Intrusion Detection Systems
It’s good to have certain alarms set up so your security team can respond to issues accordingly. This might be as simple as if the door opens without proper keycard verification, or if your fire doors have been opened from the wrong side in your secure exterior area. You can also use CCTV and a lanyard pass system to ensure everyone who comes into your firm is verified and can be easily located or identified. From here, you can respond to possible issues quickly and with focused attention. It will also enable your night shift staff to keep your inventory secure, even if less of them are on the job during that time of day.
With this advice, you’re sure to protect your priceless inventory within your organisation.