Warehousing is a kind of industry where you need to give utmost priority to safety and security. Many security concerns are rising nowadays in warehousing, and finding suitable answers for them lies in the hands of ‘modern technology’. That is when you need a straightforward solution like ‘Smart Warehousing Technology’.
In this article, you will find the answers to all your concerns about this, from the potential security concerns to implementing this technology to boost the protection of goods and workers.
An Overview of Smart Warehousing Technology
A smart warehouse is an automated space that employs digital technology to boost output, save costs, and maximise efficiency. So, what is the main purpose of developing this technology? It is specifically developed to simplify and enhance a variety of warehouse processes by utilising cutting-edge technologies such as Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
The primary purpose of a smart warehouse is to enhance efficiency and optimise inventory levels while minimising costs. This technology has been introduced to provide some outstanding solutions for the rising challenges in the warehousing process.
If simplified, Smart Warehousing Technology is a fusion of robust industry 4.0 technologies that work together to increase the productivity and efficiency of the warehouse. It is visible that this is a good way to minimise the number of human workers while decreasing potential errors.
What are the Safety and Security Concerns in Warehouses?
External and Internal Theft
Warehouses are stuffed with a lot of valuable goods that are utilised in the production process or ready to deliver. This nature makes warehouses vulnerable to thefts. If further explained, security issues with theft, both external and internal, are significant in warehouses.
What is the difference between these two types? Internal theft refers to dishonesty among staff members, while external theft includes unauthorised outsiders entering the building. Both have the potential to cause significant financial losses and business interruptions.
Employee Safety
It is visible that employee safety is the top security issue in warehouses. Accidents, injuries, or even fatalities can result from heavy machinery, forklifts, and high shelves. This complex nature can not be avoided or restricted as it impacts the efficiency levels of the warehouse. But it is also necessary to ensure the protection of the employees.
How can this be done? Understanding the potential threats, Implementing rigorous training programs, following tight safety procedures, and providing appropriate protective gear are all necessary to ensure employee safety. Plus, it is highly necessary to have an alarm system to notify the workers if something goes wrong inside the warehouse.
Infrastructure Collapses
It is quite visible that warehouses are heavy buildings with a lot of unbearable weight held inside. Therefore, infrastructure collapses are a potential security concern when it comes to warehouses. Heavy objects on shelves might weaken a structure and cause it to collapse at any time. It puts the workers and valuables at risk as a result.
When the security of warehouses is concerned, the authorities must routinely inspect and repair the facility to stop this. However, while the process is ongoing, the structure should be investigated to find the bearable weight and reduce the amount of access weight.
Fire Threats
According to the Singaporean Civil Defense Force, there were nearly 935 fire incidents reported in 2022. Because of the potential for catastrophic damage, fire risks are a major security concern in warehouses. It is common knowledge that electrical systems, equipment, and the storage of flammable materials all raise the possibility of a fire. Smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and other effective fire protection methods are essential.
No authority can put a full stop to threats like fires, as they can occur anytime, anywhere, especially inside a warehouse. However, they can make their employees prepared, inform them about potential fire threats, conduct drills, etc. Apart from them, there should be sensors, CCTV, and robust technology must be implemented to know the risks in advance.
How Can Smart Warehousing Technology Optimise Warehouse Security?
Surveillance and Monitoring
High-resolution security cameras strategically placed throughout the facility are the best way to have real-time visibility into activities. These cameras can be powered by machine learning and AI algorithms to quickly warn authorities of abnormalities or illegal access. The device also offers remote monitoring, which enables security staff to evaluate the situation from any location.
The data they receive is stored digitally for easy accessibility and analysis by the authorities. It assists with any incident-related investigations occurring inside the warehouse. The smart monitoring and surveillance through smart warehousing technology can be seen as offering a proactive strategy for warehouse security. It is the ideal path to lowering risks and guaranteeing a safer environment for goods and workers.
Access Control Systems
As warehouses contain millions of dollars worth of goods, it is highly necessary to take control of the parties that can access them. This employs cutting-edge authentication methods such as biometrics, smart cards, or PIN codes to restrict entry to authorised personnel only. It can help in preventing unauthorised access, theft, and tampering. Another benefit is ACS keeps track of entrance and departure information, generating an electronic record for accountability and auditing needs.
Integration with central monitoring platforms enables real-time surveillance and quick reaction to security breaches. This technology ensures a more safe and effective warehouse operation by greatly reducing the danger of internal and external security threats as an outcome.
IoT Sensors and Alarms
The latter is empowered by robust technologies such as IoT, sensors etc, as we mentioned above. These sensors can be put in strategic locations throughout the building to look for odd activity, prohibited movement, or environmental anomalies. For example, they can keep an eye out for sudden door openings, temperature changes, or vibrations that can indicate tampering or break-ins. These sensors immediately inform alarm systems. That makes the authorities take action automatically, such as closing down entry points or alerting security staff.
This solution is coupled with powerful capacities for real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities. IoT sensors and alarms integrated in this technology can enhance security, minimise losses, and contribute to a safer warehouse environment.
Inventory Tracking and Auditing
The latter offers significant improvements in security through advanced inventory tracking and auditing capabilities. Warehouses can maintain real-time visibility over inventory and precisely locate each item’s position by using RFID or barcoding systems. This lessens the possibility of internal theft by preventing theft and assisting in promptly spotting irregularities.
Automated inventory audits through this system further improve security by routinely comparing physical inventory with digital records and immediately highlighting any differences. When such technological accuracy is there, it ensures that the proper items are easily accessible.
Cybersecurity Measures
Warehouses are more and more dependent upon digital technology in today’s world, making them open to cyber crimes. It is visible that protecting against data breaches and unauthorised access requires the use of modern firewalls, data encryption, and intrusion detection systems.
As the technology we talk about enables routine system updates it is ensured that the infrastructure is strong to rapidly-changing cyber threats. Smart warehousing technology ensures the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data while maintaining the security and efficiency of warehouse operations.
Cerexio Advanced Warehousing
Cerexio-empowered Smart Warehousing is a state-of-the-art technology influenced by the capabilities of Industry 4.0. With high levels of integration with other solutions varying from IoT, AI, Digital Twin, Predictive and Prescriptive Maintenance, etc., it will revolutionise the way you operate warehouse missions. From displaying every aspect under a singular screen to encouraging data-driven warehouse decisions, Cerexio is the ideal destination if you are looking for an innovative way to manage your warehouse.
Making a Problem-Free Business Environment with Technology
Modern technology is the bridge that connects your business aspirations and real-world success. Most of the concerns regarding safety will be resolved when implementing the right strategy and technology. It is high time to turn your head away from traditionalism and walk towards digitalisation.
