Third party logistics (3PL) facilities are a vital part of our supply chain. They’re tasked with inventorying and transporting huge amounts of goods and merchandise every day. They are extremely busy hubs with vast amounts of people and vehicles coming and going. So, as we highlighted in Parts One, Two, and Three of this blog series, 3PL centers require robust access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection security systems. These security solutions work together to provide the level of protection that these facilities demand. And, as opposed to operating as separate, disparate systems, integrating them into one seamless platform enables them to work more efficiently and be accessed, monitored, and more easily managed from one program.
An integrated system not only reduces false alarms, it also enables remote access and real-time monitoring, resulting in a much quicker response to and resolution of security incidents. Consolidating access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection into one integrated system delivers many other benefits for 3PL facilities, as well.
Integrated systems can detect open doors or windows, movement, as well as changes in the number of products in an area. This ability to monitor inventory is particularly important for logistics centers, as they’re often targets of internal as well as external theft. Alerts can be sent immediately when any suspicious activity occurs to generate a swift response.
Many logistics warehouses store and transport food, making temperature control a must. Smart thermostats can usually integrate easily with security systems, especially those that have environmental monitoring features built in.
Our integrated security system solutions facilitate additional upgrades and integrations that help boost your operational efficiencies. Video analytics capabilities are providing users with actionable intelligence that can be leveraged to improve processes and elevate efficiency. Key features of our integrated security platforms can be tailored to meet the unique and security requirements of logistics providers; in addition to real-time monitoring, customizable reporting and seamless integration with logistics software for inventory management can also be accomplished.
Integrated security platforms are delivering a higher level of security to 3PLs than traditional, disparate security systems. And they’re providing to be a strong weapon of defense against the most formidable threat to logistics centers and warehouses – theft of goods and assets through criminal activities. Whether or not a specific site will be targeted often depends on where it’s located, the inventory it houses, and, very importantly, the robustness of the security measures it has visibly in place.
Unfortunately, theft isn’t always from an external source. Many threats to warehouse and distribution centers are often inside jobs. So, in addition, to implementing a strong security strategy and integrating them into one seamless platform, organizations can also work against insider theft by performing random searches of employee and sub-contractor bags and lockers, restricting access to sensitive areas to authorized personnel only, utilizing cages to store high-value items, and monitoring video footage around the clock.
Keeping watch over goods while they’re in transit is also important in reducing cargo theft. Attacks on vehicles give drivers little time to respond, making security awareness and empowerment for drivers a necessity. Cargo thefts have become very organized and sophisticated, but so too are the technological solutions to combat them – especially those that incorporate telematics to monitor vehicles and assets using GPS technology, remote immobilizers to prevent unauthorized use of a vehicle, sensors, as well as on-board diagnostics and video surveillance.
NextGen is a trusted partner to 3rd party logistics providers looking to enhance their security measures with comprehensive security solutions tailored specifically to their needs. Call on us to learn how we can assist in elevating your facility’s security.