Access control is an important aspect of warehouse management that can help improve security and efficiency. It’s uses reach beyond the obvious security implications to benefit warehouse owners.
Here are five of the top ways business owners use access control systems in their warehouses.
Five benefits of access control in warehouse management
ONE: LIMIT ACCESS
Starting with the most obvious, access control systems can limit access! As the warehouse manager, you can limit access to certain areas of the warehouse to only authorised personnel. This can help prevent theft and ensure that valuable inventory is kept secure. Warehouse managers who provide storage are able to utilise access control systems to ensure their customers can access only their own area of the warehouse, whilst keeping the whole premises secure. Another example is where deliveries need to be received into one area of the building, but without allowing access to the rest of the warehouse. New employees can easily be added, and anyone who leaves and no longer needs access can be removed from a system without fuss.
Work flows and Access Control in the Warehouse
TWO MANAGE YOUR TEAM
Managers can use access control to monitor employee activity in a a non invasive way. Rather than micromanaging, looking at the data provided you can see a bigger picture of how your premises is being used, who is accessing which areas and when. Access control systems can be used to monitor employee activity, such as when they enter and exit the warehouse or specific areas within it. It can highlight areas which might need to be streamlined or where some tasks are being duplicated. Some businesses use this as a clocking in and out system, integrating with payroll and streamlining a whole area of their business.
THREE: GO WITH THE (INVENTORY) FLOW
It’s easy to manage inventory within your warehouse using access control too. Access systems can be integrated with a whole manner of system. This include inventory management systems to track the movement of stock throughout the warehouse. This can help improve efficiency and reduce the risk of inventory loss. Controlling the flow of people and stock around the building with access control creates logs of activity. It also highlights areas where improvements could be made.
Safety & Accountability
FOUR: IMPROVE SAFETY
Access Control can enhance safety on site. This helps to keep the workforce safe and saves the business down time from accident recovery. The systems can be used to enhance safety by limiting access to hazardous areas or equipment. Providing different levels of access to employees in different teams, managers and visitors can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Does your warehouse contains hazardous materials or equipment, or has areas identified as high risk? If so, you’ll want to ensure only those with the appropriate training can access those areas. Those with machinery on the premises can provide access only to those with the approvals and correct licences to use it.
FIVE: ACCOUNTABILITY
Additionally, by tracking employee activity and limiting access to specific areas, access control systems can also help improve accountability and ensure that employees are following proper procedures and protocols.
Protect your business
If you’re looking to improve the security in your warehousing facility, get in touch. Keybury offer the full suite of fire and security solutions and can provide you with a free site survey to discuss your business’ requirements. Contact us today to schedule and appointment. Call 01535 661197 email sales@keybury.co.uk or book online.