If you are in charge of a warehouse, then you will understand just how important it is to minimise theft and shrinkage. Lost products hurt your warehouse’s bottom line, and repeated damage or loss can lead to lost income and even reputational harm to your business. As such, you should place a high value on protecting your warehouse from break-ins and even internal theft. The best way to do this is to invest in reliable security door locks, right?
To help you understand the value of installing suitable security door locks, we asked Locks & Handles for some advice. They provided us with a breakdown of why security door locks are so useful in the warehouse industry. How can the right lock and door hardware help keep your warehouse secure? And what are the best security door locks to consider installing for your premises?
Theft In Warehouses: A Hidden But Extensive Cost
In a warehouse, you often think about your expenses, such as staff wages, as well as heating and lighting to ensure safe, well-lit working spaces. Shrinkage, though, costs a lot!
Many warehouses do not invest in the right security door locks, making them easier to break into than they should be. Using the same basic front-door locks you use at home makes your warehouse an easy target for criminals. Unfortunately, it can encourage less scrupulous staff to try to get away with taking freebies!
Shrinkage and theft are huge costs and can be seriously damaging to your warehouse’s bottom line. It can also hurt your relationship with suppliers and partners, as they need to then replace any stock that was damaged and/or stolen. Theft in warehouses is unfortunately common, which is why it pays to have access to high-quality security door locks that deter unauthorised entry.
Employee theft, external theft, and shrinkage all add up to quite a hefty end-of-year expense. By investing in stronger security measures, including door locks, you can help contain and reduce the risk of theft in your warehouse. What lock door hardware, though, makes the most sense?
The Best Security Door Locks For Warehouses: What Works?
Of course, one challenge you might face when choosing security door locks for your warehouse is the lock type. There are many different lock types, so what is the best lock for warehouse doors? Really, it depends on where you are installing a lock. Let’s investigate the ideal options.
Deadbolt Locks
The first place to start is likely a deadbolt or a deadlock. These are highly secure locks that can be fitted to most wooden and composite doors. The main benefit of a deadbolt is that it is usually fitted into the door itself as a mortice lock, making it far more difficult to remove from the door. An external door lock with key access can be simply removed from the door by a criminal.
If you go for a mortice deadbolt, you’re likely to get something far more secure. The bolt is much more resistant to physical damage, while the steel plates are ideal for resistance against break-in methods such as lock drilling. A deadbolt is ideal for most external doors to your warehouse, or for internal doors where you really want to limit access and protect what’s inside.
Reinforced Keyed Locks
For internal storage areas and entrances to the warehouse proper, a keyed lock might be sufficient. However, make sure you get a high-quality and reliable door lock, such as a Yale front door lock, as these are far more likely to be suitable for a warehouse setting.
Of course, once you have a key, you need to create a system to manage it at all times. You need to know where the key is, who has the keys, and also create a system for returning the keys at the end of each working day. Only management, supervisors and security personnel should have keys, too. This reduces the likelihood that keys will fall into the wrong hands and put your warehouse at risk.
Also, be sure to invest in a reinforced keyed lock. Anything that meets British Standards should be ideal, though it’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what keyed lock level they require to meet their policy requirements.
Digital Locks
Of course, the best option might be to use a digital lock – especially for warehouses with many staff. Digital locks can be set up to open with a PIN code, a key fob, or even a scan, such as a fingerprint. Each access code is unique to the individual, though, improving access tracking.
You can then review your systems to see who entered the building and when. Has a staff member’s access code been used when they are supposed to be off work? Was the warehouse accessed after hours by a certain code? You can then cross-reference access times and codes with camera footage and other security systems. Thus, it becomes much easier to track and catch internal crimes and theft.
Also, digital locks are keyless, making them much harder for criminals to break into. When there is no keyhole, most criminals will look for another target, as breaking through a digital lock is much more complex than simply picking a lock.
Invest In Heavy-Duty Locks: The Cost Is Worthwhile
Many warehouses note that shrinkage and theft are among their largest expenses. It only takes one break-in, and you could lose hundreds of products to theft or damage. That can cost a lot.
Heavy-duty locks, then, should be a priority to install. Hire a locksmith, and they can guide you in selecting the right lock for your warehouse doors. From internal locks on specific storage areas to an external door lock with controls, there are various choices to consider. Get a professional involved, and they can provide you with advice specific to your warehouse.
Whatever you choose, though, make sure it is heavy-duty enough to ward off criminals from even attempting to break in. The sturdier your locks, the less likely a break-in is!
