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Modern Entrance Control Keeps Workers, Assets Safe
I used to think security was a pain in the … neck. Now, office and warehouse security are just as important as profit and loss statements.
Back in the day, the worst that could happen might be an unauthorized person sneaking in. Maybe some of your staffers would be uncomfortable. Annoying, but not exactly a crisis.
That was then. Now, security is a whole different ballgame, and my thinking has changed.
These days, warehouses are filled with high-value goods that can disappear without a trace. And it’s not just warehouses. Office security breaches can lead to bigger problems, from stolen intellectual property to the rare but serious cases of workplace violence.
You need solid office and warehouse security systems.
From Cabs to Uber – A Lesson in Trust
I liken my shift in thinking on security to how I once viewed taxis versus Uber.
I used to stand on a street corner in New York with my wife, flag down a cab and hop in without a second thought. It looked like a cab. It had a laminated card, maybe a medallion. But did I really know who was behind the wheel?
Now, with Uber, I know the make, model and license plate of the car. I see the driver’s name and picture. Sure, things can still go wrong, but the layers of verification drastically increase safety and security.
Access control systems do the same thing for your workplace. They keep unauthorized people out by providing visibility, accountability and peace of mind.
The Real Cost of Weak Security
Companies that don’t take security seriously pay the price in more ways than one:
- Unauthorized access: If you don’t know who’s coming and going, you’re at risk. One of our partners helped a distribution center that had no idea who was entering their secure fence line. Now, they have real-time data ensuring only authorized, badged personnel are on site.
- Shift change chaos: Ever seen a warehouse grind to a halt during shift change? Some companies take 20 to 30 minutes just to get people in and out. One partner integrated entrance control with time clocks, eliminating delays for 700 workers per shift. No more badging in for a buddy who’s running late.
- Tailgating and piggybacking: These aren’t just terms for football. Tailgating is when someone slips in behind an authorized employee. Piggybacking is when an employee props the door open for a friend. Both happen all the time, and both can be prevented with smart entrance control.
Security goes beyond stolen goods or lost IP. In today’s world, warehouse management must worry about their employees’ physical security.
While rare, active shooter situations happen, along with other workplace violence. Proper entrance control might not stop such a situation, but it could slow down an intruder. That layer of protection could give employees precious time to escape. Sadly, today’s business leaders must take such potential threats seriously.
What You Need to Look for in a Security System
Controlling access requires more than using Google or AI to find the slickest websites. Systems with the following features will truly reduce risk and prevent theft:
- Ensure the system effectively addresses potential security threats, such as unauthorized access and tailgating.
- Make sure the system integrates with existing facility management systems. Companies that program their own firmware will offer the flexibility to integrate and adapt to evolving operational needs.
- Opt for systems that provide valuable data and metrics to inform decision-making. Modern entrance control systems function as IoT devices, delivering rich data to facility management to help reduce security risks.
- Only select systems that you can customize for your work environment. From access control gates to alarm systems to the software that powers it all, you should be able to tailor the system for different spaces and design preferences.
- Consider the manufacturer’s reputation for quality and customer support. Look for a vendor (Tompkins Ventures has some great partners) with a history of ongoing customer support.
And, while not absolutely necessary, I would recommend one system and one standard. Yes, you can upgrade your current warehouse security environment and keep some of what you have. Just make sure whatever you choose integrates well with current systems. (See No. 2 above.)
But really, the last thing you want is a patchwork of security measures. If the front door has one type of access control, the warehouse has another and the back door yet another, who takes responsibility?
No one. Because everyone points their fingers somewhere else.
It’s best to select one solution that secures your entire organization operation – every warehouse, every office, every entry point.
A Safe Workplace Sends a Message
Far from being an inconvenience, a well-secured workplace shows that leadership actually cares. When I walk into a building with strong entrance controls, I feel safer. When I walk into one without security, my gut reaction is, “Wow if they are weak on security, what else are they weak on? Do these folks have their act together.”
If you’re still treating office security and warehouse security like an afterthought, it’s time to rethink your approach. Just like Uber changed the way we think about transportation, modern entrance control solutions are changing the way we think about workplace security. The risks are real, but the solutions are clear.
Reach out and let’s find a solution that works for you. Because it’s time to step up.
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Jim Tompkins, Chairman of Tompkins Ventures, is an international authority on designing and implementing end-to-end supply chains. Over five decades, he has designed countless industrial facilities and supply chain solutions, enhancing the growth of numerous companies. He previously built Tompkins International from a backyard startup into an international consulting and implementation firm. Jim earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
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