For businesses that deal with hardware products, warehouses are of significant importance. All of their hardware equipment is stored in warehouses, which are usually located in far-off places, away from their distribution centers.
For this reason, strong security measures are required for warehouses so that theft and vandalism can be deterred. Many businesses tend to neglect the very simple steps involved in managing a security plan, which results in major losses for their companies.
Understanding the Different Types of Security Cameras and Their Uses in Warehouses
Ensuring that your warehouse remains secure means that the entire area’s vulnerable spaces are adequately covered. This includes the entrance and exit doors and gates but is not limited to these. A prominent aspect of protecting your warehouse is safeguarding your inventory, such as moving machinery, goods, and equipment.
One of the best ways to protect your warehouse from theft and vandalism is to install suitable cameras that cover every nook and corner of your property.
Here are a few types of security cameras for warehouses that you can choose from.
Dome Cameras
Dome cameras tend to blend smoothly with their surroundings, owing to their circular shape and compact design. They are amazingly versatile, as they can work both outdoors and indoors. If we consider their usage in warehouses, they can monitor goods and employees without interfering quite effectively. Moreover, they can also safeguard the outside areas of the warehouse without being very noticeable, thanks to their unimposing design.
Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras are also a great option when it comes to protecting your warehouse, as their design offers a high-scrutiny performance. Where the dome cameras work discreetly, bullet cameras are best when one wishes to have a visible deterrent for the thieves. For instance, for warehouses, bullet cameras tend to be a constant and strong reminder to both the employees and the criminals that they are being watched. This definitely helps keep the warehouse protected and secure.
PTZ Cameras
Pan, tilt, and zoom cameras, also known as PTZ cameras, are a remarkable choice for warehouses as they come with functions such as panning left and right and tilting up and down. Moreover, these cameras also have the ability to zoom in on the targets. Because of their unique view capabilities, these cameras are perfect for use in warehouses. The best part about using PTZ cameras is that only a single camera is enough for most of the space as it can focus on certain objects and provide optimum protection against threats.
Turret Cameras
Turret cameras are a perfect solution for warehouses that wish to have external and internal surveillance. These cameras tend to integrate with IR lighting, allowing them to provide high-quality video. This lets them detect threats even in darkness. If we talk about their physical build, they are compact, small, and easily adjustable.
Thermal Cameras
As previously discussed, the key to managing warehouse security is the timely detection of threats. Thermal cameras are a great way of boosting warehouse security as they possess a versatile and unique ability to produce images that the human eye is unable to. This is made possible through the infrared sensor inside the cam that is able to convert objects into a colored image, making them ideal for use in warehouses. They also can detect threats in both low and no-light settings.
Key Features to Look for in Warehouse Security Cameras
Here are some essential features of the warehouse security camera system.
Night Vision Capabilities
Cameras inside the warehouse security systems need to have a high resolution along with excellent night vision abilities that can provide detailed and clear images. This ensures that there is perfect visibility even during nighttime, making it convenient for individuals’ identification of incidents and objects.
Motion Detection
Motion detection alerts are mandatory when it comes to warehouse security cameras, as this way, warehouse managers and security responders can effectively identify suspicious activity inside or outside the warehouse whenever it happens. When there is a motion detection feature inside the cameras, these devices begin working when an action or motion is detected around them.
Wide and Dynamic Range
Warehouses need to be monitored at all times, both day and night. It is best to have warehouse security cameras with a dynamic range, which means they have sensors for balancing the distinction in lighting for a single clear image.
Field of View
The security camera selected for a warehouse must have a wide coverage to ensure that all critical areas are being monitored efficiently. In order to decide how many such cameras you require, determine the layout and size of your warehouse.
Warehouses are really huge and have large perimeters. Therefore, it is best to determine how many cameras you require for comprehensive coverage.
Advanced Features
Warehouses must use security cameras that come with other advanced features such as facial recognition, license plate detection, and integration with other security systems. These features allow for quick threat detection and easy scalability, improving the overall security of your warehouse.
Every inch of the warehouse is valuable and can be utilized to store items, making security even more important. This is where eufy E120 camera comes in to provide state-of-the-art surveillance with crisp 2K HD real-time views, allowing peace of mind and a hassle-free experience for your safeguarding assets in the warehouse. You will get instant notifications via the eufy app to remain in the loop on what is happening in the warehouse. Moreover, its on-device AI technology minimizes false alarms, making it an efficient guardian against unauthorized access or unexpected incidents.
Strategic Placement of Cameras for Optimal Surveillance
Imagine investing in an expensive warehouse camera system and still not being able to detect any suspicious activities. This sad situation is bound to occur when your cameras have not been strategically placed around your property for optimal surveillance. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be sure to place surveillance cameras in open, vast areas such as warehouse floors.
- All entrance and exit doors must be covered by video cameras to oversee shipping and delivery, as well as documenting all your warehouse visitors.
- Position video cameras in inventory storage areas.
- Ensure warehouse security cameras are also placed inside management areas and offices so that no theft of petty cash or documents can occur.
Covert or Overt?
An important aspect of maintaining warehouse security is to strike the right balance between overt and covert cameras. So, how can you decide whether you need an overt camera, a covert camera, or both? It all depends on the nature of security that you require for your warehouse.
Sometimes, you may want to catch a thief or detect abuse or harassment inside your warehouse, in which case a covert camera is the right choice for you. On the contrary, you might need a camera that blends in perfectly with your warehouse environment but is also recognizable so that people around it can be wary of the fact that they are being watched.
Technological Advances in Warehouse Surveillance
With the thieves improving their technological front, it has become even more important that warehouses use innovations in security systems to have a competitive advantage over these thieves. Here are a few innovations essential to improving your overall warehouse surveillance.
Automated Control of Inventory
Automated control of your warehouse inventory improves its overall safety by improving accuracy and organization to minimize accidents related to misplaced or miscounted items. It also reduces physical strain on your employees. Next time a piece here or there is missing, you will be automatically notified.
AI and Data Analytics
Looking into optimizing your workflow processes, inventory management, and warehouse layout?
Artificial intelligence and data analytics are the answer for you. AI can be leveraged to immediately detect any hazards, equipment failure, or human errors to avoid disruption. Through AI, warehouse security can be significantly improved.
Cloud Storage Solutions
One of the basic steps towards safeguarding your warehouse data is a cloud storage solution. In case of any mishap, fire, or any other loss of an important document, when all of it is saved in the cloud storage, it can easily be accessed and shared by the relevant people for reference.
Remote Access Capabilities
Having remote access to your warehouse is mandatory to maintain its security. Owners can have remote access to all the physical points of the warehouse as well as the security system. They can switch it on or off when required. Moreover, the doors and the gates can also be remotely locked or unlocked at any time.
Cost Analysis and Budgeting for Warehouse Security Cameras
The cost analysis of warehouse security systems can be divided into four main categories. Here are the general details of the expenses that you will incur.
Hardware
The hardware involved in the warehouse security systems is possibly the most expensive part of the entire package, and it may cost you between $1000 and $2500. Surprisingly, this cost is associated with only one business location. However, in order to open new locations, the price will go up.
Activation and Installation
Your hardware will require the involvement of professionals in activation and installation. This service can go up to $500.
Business Monitoring
Business monitoring and maintenance per month needs around $120. This involves tracking individual devices such as cameras and alarms.
FAQs – What More You Need to Know About Warehouse Security Cameras
- What are the best practices for data storage?
The best practices for data storage include cloud storage, which lets owners have remote access to the stored data.
- What are the benefits of a waterproof camera?
Waterproof cameras offer enhanced durability and reliability by providing surveillance in various weather conditions, ensuring consistent performance regardless of moisture or rain.
- What is the lifespan of a security camera?
Warehouse cameras can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years if maintained properly. However, after a few years, the image definition will start to decline, making it challenging to perform monitoring tasks. It is recommended that these cameras be replaced promptly.
- How do you maintain a security camera?
A few ways of maintaining a security camera are regularly cleaning the camera lenses, checking its housing, periodically checking the power supply, and dusting it properly.
