Author: SysAdmin

5 Reasons You Need Access Control for Your Warehouse

Written by SysAdmin on February 26, 2024. Posted in Access Control, Warehouse Security.

Access Control Systems are a vital component to your warehouse’s security. There are plenty of benefits to installing a system in your building to ensure that you’re taking proactive measures to ensure that your inventory is protected and that your warehouse security measures are optimal.

At Alen Security, we’re happy to share the five reasons you need access control for your warehouse!

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Access Control: Managed Security & Asset Protection

Since you’re storing valuable goods in your warehouse, making sure that they’re protected in enclosed areas of your warehouse is crucial. It reduces the risk of theft and vandalism by restricting access to those who are authorized. It can also limit any unwanted damage that can result in unnecessary costs, allowing you to protect your inventory.

Ensuring Employee Safety

One of the reasons to limit access to certain areas of your warehouse can be due to health and safety. Whether you’re storing volatile chemicals, fragile items, or sensitive materials, limiting access to those who are authorized can reduce any unforeseen risks that could lead to harm to your team members. It can also help in an emergency situation, where an exit through an access-controlled door may be more accessible during an evacuation.

Remain Compliant

No matter the industry you’re in, most have strict regulations regarding the storage and handling of certain types of materials. Having access control systems and proper reporting in place can help you ensure that you’re being compliant with these regulations by limiting access to only authorized individuals.

Improve Your Operational Efficiency & Productivity

By having access control assigned to specific areas of your warehouse, and proper audit reporting in place you can help reduce any unwanted disruptions in your operations, thereby improving productivity while allowing authorized team members to work efficiently with little distraction. It can help maintain a smooth and steady workflow.

Manage Visitations with Access Control

Whether you’re having a surprise inspection, or a visit from a client, access control can help any unwanted entry to sensitive areas. This can help you maintain and manage your security measures by only providing easy access to approved areas for any visitors to your facility.

Installing Access Control Systems in Your Warehouse

Since you’re aware of all the benefits to having access control systems in your warehouse or facility, you may want to think of how installing these systems can enhance your security, efficiency, and the protection of valuable assets.

If you feel that your facility or warehouse can benefit from having access security systems installed, you can look to us at Alen Security for assistance. Not only will we conduct an audit to determine the best placements, we can also match these access control systems with other security measures like IP Video Surveillance, which works in tandem and provides you with more details of activities within your warehouse.

We’ll install the systems and provide training to your team members to show how the system works, how new approved members can be added, and we’ll even provide any necessary updates to your systems to ensure that they’re functioning properly and efficiently.

Get in touch with us to discuss your security needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does access control protect warehouse inventory?

Access control restricts sensitive storage areas to authorized employees. This helps reduce theft, vandalism, accidental damage, and the unnecessary costs associated with lost or damaged inventory.

Can access control improve employee safety in a warehouse?

Yes?

Yes. Access can be limited around volatile chemicals, fragile products, and other potentially hazardous materials. Access-controlled doors may also provide convenient exit points during an emergency evacuation.

How can access control help a warehouse remain compliant?

Access control limits the handling of regulated materials to authorized individuals. Its reporting capabilities also provide a record that can help demonstrate compliance with applicable storage and handling requirements.

Can access control improve warehouse productivity?

Yes. Restricting sensitive areas helps prevent unwanted disruptions while allowing authorized employees to move through the warehouse and complete their work efficiently.

How does access control help manage warehouse visitors?

Visitors, clients, and inspectors can be granted access only to approved areas. This allows a warehouse to accommodate visits without exposing restricted inventory, materials, or operational spaces.

The Top Methods for Warehouse Loss Prevention & Security

Written by SysAdmin on June 6, 2023. Posted in Commercial Security Systems, Warehouse Security.

Warehouses are essential components of the supply chain, and they store a vast amount of valuable goods and materials. As such, it’s crucial to ensure their safety and security to prevent losses due to theft, damage, or other risks. It’s vital to have warehouse security systems in place.

At Alen Security, we aim to meet the commercial security needs of warehouses by providing warehouse security systems and methods for ensuring total security and protection for their warehouse, inventory, and staff. Here are some top methods for warehouse loss prevention and security:

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Implement Access Control Systems:

Limiting access to the warehouse can prevent unauthorized personnel from entering and stealing or damaging the goods. Access control measures like, Access Control Systems with Readers and Keypads with single or multi-layer authentication can help track who enters the facility and when. Access Control Systems allow you to put your doors on a schedule and provide Access levels for which personnel can access which doors. It also provides audit reporting to let you know who accessed which doors when.

Implement IP Video Surveillance Systems:

Installing a warehouse IP Video Surveillance System can help deter theft and damage and improve productivity. A warehouse security camera system can also provide real-time monitoring of the warehouse and alert security personnel in case of a security breach. The footage from your warehouse security camera system can record locally or ~~and~~ use cloud-based storage—allowing you to save the footage and access it remotely.

Install Warehouse Security Alarm Systems:

Installing warehouse security systems like a security alarm with motion detectors, door contacts, and glass break sensors can help provide peace of mind while deterring theft and potential damage. The central station is always there to alert you and local law enforcement in case any alarms are triggered.

Train Employees in Security:

Employees should be trained in safety and security procedures and should be made aware of the importance of maintaining a secure warehouse environment. They should be educated on how to identify suspicious activities, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to report security incidents.

Conduct Regular Inspections:

Regular inspections of the warehouse can help identify potential security risks and prevent them from escalating into larger problems. These inspections should include checking for damaged or missing inventory, ensuring that all security measures are functioning correctly, and identifying any potential vulnerabilities in the facility. Alen Security also provides an annual inspection of your installed security equipment as part of our annual service contract plans.

Inventory Management Systems:

Implementing inventory management systems can help track inventory and prevent losses due to misplacement or theft. These systems can provide real-time inventory data and help identify potential discrepancies in the stock levels.

Secure Loading Docks:

Loading docks are a common area for theft and security breaches. Securing them with Armored Door Contacts, gates, fences, and warehouse security camera systems can help prevent unauthorized access and ensure that all goods are accounted for.

Implement Environmental Controls:

Environmental controls like fire alarms and sprinkler systems can help prevent damage due to fire or water. These incidents can be spontaneous or be the result of human error. Having a contingency plan to extinguish the fire before it spreads is vital at ensuring that your warehouse inventory avoids damage and that your team is safe.

Partner with aCommercial Security Company

Security is vital to loss prevention in a warehouse setting. Having the right systems in place can help you monitor and mitigate theft or damage. When you’re trying to have a plan to enact and potentially avoid lost or stolen inventory, having a commercial security company as a partner can make all the difference.

If you own or manage a warehouse or distribution center, and you feel that your security and loss prevention could be stronger, get in touch with us at Alen Security. We can lay out a plan to help ensure that your warehouse and inventory are protected and surveilled with the right warehouse security systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do access control systems help prevent warehouse losses?

Access control systems restrict entry to authorized personnel and can assign different access levels for specific doors. They also create audit reports showing who entered each area and when.

What security systems should a warehouse have?

A well-protected warehouse may use IP video surveillance, access control, motion detectors, door contacts, glass-break sensors, and monitored alarms. Together, these systems help deter theft, document incidents, and alert the appropriate people when a breach occurs.

Why should warehouse employees receive security training?

Employees need to recognize suspicious activity, follow established safety procedures, respond appropriately during emergencies, and know how to report potential security incidents.

How can warehouses protect their loading docks?

Loading docks can be secured with armored door contacts, gates, fences, and surveillance cameras. These measures help prevent unauthorized access and ensure incoming and outgoing goods are properly accounted for.

What role do regular inspections play in warehouse security?

Regular inspections can uncover damaged inventory, malfunctioning security equipment, and vulnerabilities before they develop into larger problems. They also help confirm that existing loss-prevention measures are working correctly.

Access Control Systems Add Security and Convenience to Growing Company

Written by SysAdmin on April 14, 2023. Posted in Access Control, Commercial Security Systems.

The Challenge:

A growing national marketing and software company, soon to be expanding globally, needed something different with their access control systems. Systems that were hands-off and could maximize their ROI with automatic updates and provide relative ease of use when adding new team members to the systems was very important to them. It was also vital to their day-to-day operations that they save time and expense and have the capability to access the system from any of their locations.

They were also looking for the ability to use a credential on their Smartphone and a way to send a temporary credential via email in a moment’s notice.

The Solution:

After learning of their concerns and wanting to assist in their growth, goals, and efficiency, we implemented cloud-based access control systems within their offices. These systems work based off a user-friendly app that team members can download on their smartphone—allowing for no-touch access.

The system is Bluetooth-capable and allows for remote short-notice credential access. It also works in tandem with their cloud-based video surveillance system—giving them a full spectrum of security across all locations.

They also maintained access to standard features like user roles, audit reporting and facility lockdown, among others, while also being able to remotely view their cameras at any of their locations.

The Result: The client realized immediate efficiencies and saw improvement with their mobile credentials and ease of access with their security systems. So much so, they’re looking to implement their cloud-based access control systems into their European expansion—providing remote access from across the Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the growing company need a new access control system?

The company needed a system that could support its national and international growth while reducing the time and expense required to manage security across multiple locations.

How did cloud-based access control improve the company’s operations?

The cloud-based system provided automatic updates, simplified the process of adding new employees, and allowed authorized administrators to manage access remotely from any location.

Can employees use their smartphones as access credentials?

Yes. Employees can use a user-friendly smartphone app and Bluetooth connectivity for convenient, no-touch access to approved areas.

Can temporary access credentials be issued remotely?

Yes. Administrators can send temporary credentials by email on short notice, making it easier to provide controlled access to visitors or other approved individuals.

Does cloud-based access control integrate with video surveillance?

Yes. The company’s access control system works with its cloud-based video surveillance system, allowing administrators to manage access and remotely view cameras across all locations.

antimicrobial-door-handle-vs-traditional-door-handle

Bacteria Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against Antimicrobial Door Hardware

Written by SysAdmin on November 17, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

The Challenge: More than ever before employers, employees and customers are thinking about their health and wellbeing in the workplace and will expect the highest standards of health and cleanliness in their business environments.

The Solution: Use the best innovative technologies, such as our antimicrobial door and security hardware that fights bacteria 24/7 to make your work environment safe and secure.
You already know Alen for security and fire alarm solutions, among other core services, but did you know we also have expertise in Health-Based Safety and Security solutions? We are committed to helping companies feel safe and healthy, especially now with everyone being more health conscious, and more focused on cleaner offices.

Antimicrobial Door and Security Hardware has a unique Ionic Silver (AG+) coating with a formulation that inhibits bacteria and mold on doorknobs and other high-touch surfaces. This hardware solution is well-equipped for a wide variety of industries such as healthcare, government, retail, education, corporate and foodservice. Our antimicrobial hardware is available in many different styles, functions and finishes to suit any workplace environment.

The Result: An environment that feels safe, healthy and adaptable to the ever-changing world so your employees and businesses can continue to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is antimicrobial door hardware?

Antimicrobial door hardware features a specialized coating designed to inhibit bacteria and mold on frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and door handles.

How does antimicrobial door hardware work?

The hardware uses an Ionic Silver (AG+) coating formulated to provide continuous protection against bacteria and mold on the treated surface.

Why is antimicrobial hardware useful in the workplace?

Door handles and other security hardware are touched frequently throughout the day. Antimicrobial hardware adds another layer of health-focused protection to help businesses maintain cleaner workplace environments.

What industries can use antimicrobial door hardware?

This hardware is suitable for many environments, including healthcare facilities, government buildings, retailers, schools, corporate offices, and food-service businesses.

Is antimicrobial door hardware available in different designs?

Yes. Antimicrobial hardware is available in different styles, functions, and finishes, allowing businesses to choose options that fit their security needs and workplace appearance.

avigilon-security-camera-in-corner-of-room

IP Video Surveillance System Helps Secure a Local NJ Food Bank

Written by SysAdmin on October 11, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

The Challenge: Local Food Bank Offices and Warehouse Robbed Twice

The Solution: IP Video Surveillance System to protect both inside and out
Believe it or not, an important community benefactor, which has been helping its New Jersey community and surrounding areas for over 30 years with emergency food assistance, had been robbed several times. Each time the culprits gained entrance in different ways. Once it was through a bathroom wall, another time was through the basement, knowing there was no video surveillance system. While there, these thugs helped themselves to the contents of the safe and even food supplies for those in need. That’s when the the organization called on Alen Security. They tasked us with a way to catch these criminals in the act or deter them in the first place.

After a careful review of their facility and consultation and tour with their Managing Director, we devised a Security plan to secure their new facility. It was decided that they would maintain their current Security Alarm System and add an IP Video Surveillance System to complement that alarm system.

The IP Video Surveillance System included two 5MP Bullet cameras with IR to view the Front Entrances and Street. We also deployed 3MP Bullet cameras to patrol the Driveway, Side Warehouse Door, Rear Parking Lots and Loading Dock. Meanwhile, Alen Security installed 2MP Dome Cameras inside to protect the General Offices, Warehouse, Storage, Thrift Store, Food Distribution and Basement. The cameras would run to a 24 port; 9TB Video Appliance to record all of the activity. The new IP Video Surveillance System offers live viewing and playback with a feature-rich; user-friendly video management software application. Alen Security also installed a fiber network to keep the video off of their local network.

Remote access was also provided for viewing of the new cameras on their phones and tablets away from the office.

The Result: A happy customer with a way to deter any new break-ins and identify anyone foolish enough to attempt another robbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the food bank need an IP video surveillance system?

The food bank’s offices and warehouse had been robbed multiple times through different entry points. A surveillance system was needed to deter future break-ins and help identify anyone attempting another robbery.

Did the food bank replace its existing security alarm?

No. The organization kept its existing security alarm system and added IP video surveillance to provide visual monitoring and recorded evidence alongside the alarm protection.

What areas of the food bank were covered by cameras?

Exterior cameras monitored the entrances, street, driveway, warehouse door, parking areas, and loading dock. Interior cameras covered the offices, warehouse, storage areas, thrift store, food-distribution area, and basement.

Could the food bank view its cameras remotely?

Yes. Authorized users could remotely view the cameras from their phones and tablets while away from the facility.

How was the surveillance footage recorded and managed?

The cameras connected to a 24-port, 9TB video appliance that recorded activity and supported live viewing and playback through video-management software. A separate fiber network kept the video traffic off the food bank’s local network.

Thermal Camera Systems

Written by SysAdmin on February 15, 2021. Posted in Uncategorized.

The Challenge: People are concerned about inadvertently contracting COVID-19 as we all head back to work.

Here are a few important facts we know about the virus:

Elevated body temperature is an indicator of this and other illnesses
COVID-19 does have a lifespan on a variety of different surfaces
Hand and surface contact can be a means of transmission from person to person

As we all plan to return to work, we are helping many employers prepare their office environments to ensure their employees will feel safe and protected from inadvertently contracting coronavirus. Like the Food Distribution Company in Hamilton who wanted to put a process in place to perform a temperature check on incoming drivers. We recommended, and they installed, one of our Thermal Camera Systems to their continued satisfaction.

Using Thermal Camera Systems is just one component of our comprehensive approach to keeping your employees safe. Thermal Camera Systems give you instant confirmation if an employee or visitor has an elevated temperature before they enter the workplace. Our “contactless” thermal cameras process a body temperature scan for pass/fail with audible alert sounds in less than 3 seconds, and within an accuracy of +/- .9 degrees Fahrenheit.

The system also offers subscription-based remote management software to allow for email and text alerts. The technology is configurable to deny entry to any employee with an elevated temperature status, and can also be configured to allow/deny entry. Since this procedure of temperature checks will be new to most companies, HR professionals will need to put certain guidelines and policies in place. To assist them with the process, we have an HR Consultant available for guidance on policy and implementation procedures.

Features of our Thermal Camera Systems:

Tablet style display
Reads and displays temperature instantly with confirmation of pass/fail
Configurable temperature thresholds
Accurate within +/- .9 degrees
Optional face mask check
Commercial grade hardware
Ability to integrate with controlled access

The Result: Our Thermal Camera Systems are just one of the innovative health-based safety systems that help to comfort your employees and keep illness out of the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a thermal camera system check?

The system performs a contactless body-temperature scan and provides a pass-or-fail result, helping employers identify employees or visitors with an elevated temperature before they enter the workplace.

How quickly does the thermal camera provide a result?

The thermal camera completes its scan in less than three seconds and can provide an audible alert when it detects an elevated temperature.

How accurate is the thermal camera system?

According to the article, the system measures body temperature within plus or minus 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can a thermal camera integrate with an access control system?

Yes. The technology can be configured to allow or deny entry based on the temperature result and can integrate with controlled-access systems.

Can employers receive remote alerts from the system?

Yes. Subscription-based remote-management software can send email and text alerts. The system also offers configurable temperature thresholds and an optional face-mask check.

Wave Hello to “Contactless” Door Technology

Written by SysAdmin on June 16, 2017. Posted in Access Control, Monitoring Solutions, Uncategorized.

The Challenge: As companies transition back to the in-office environment, employees and customers should feel safe, healthy, and protected.

The Solution: Alen Security’s Health-Based Safety & Security solutions offer best-in-class innovative technologies for the new, “clean” office, including “contactless” automatic door openers that can be activated with just a wave of the hand or arm.

When employees do return to work, their first stop will be the front door to the office. A new contactless door system will help to reassure them that they are about to enter a clean, safe and secure environment. The technology also works well for restrooms and certain doors that must be kept closed for compliance with the fire code.

Alen Security’s contactless doors are very easy to use with motion-activated microwave sensors that use the wave of a hand, phone-based Bluetooth technology^® or with the option of integrating into a card access system. There is no need to ever touch a doorknob or keypad again.

Our electromechanical automatic door openers are relatively quick to install, so we can get you up and running within a short timeframe. We will then follow up with annual visits for recommended calibration and maintenance.

An investment in health-based safety and security is truly an investment in your employees, your customers and the peace of mind it provides. We can work together to ensure they feel confident entering the businesses they love without having to worry.

The Result: An environment that feels safe, healthy and adaptable to the ever-changing world so your employees and business can continue to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a contactless automatic door opener work?

The door opener can use a motion-activated microwave sensor that responds to the wave of a hand or arm, allowing someone to open the door without touching a handle or keypad.

What other methods can activate a contactless door?

In addition to wave sensors, the system can use phone-based Bluetooth technology or integrate with an existing card access system.

Where can contactless door technology be installed?

Contactless systems can be used at office entrances, restrooms, and certain doors that must remain closed to comply with fire-code requirements.

How long does it take to install an automatic door opener?

The article explains that electromechanical automatic door openers are relatively quick to install, allowing businesses to begin using them within a short timeframe.

Do contactless door openers require maintenance?

Yes. Annual visits are recommended to calibrate the equipment and perform maintenance so the automatic door system continues operating properly.