Heras Mobile Fencing & Security
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At Heras, we support companies in the transport and logistics sector with external security. In addition, we also provide our expertise to enable these companies to organize their processes in the field with maximum efficiency. In this article we share five important questions that logistics companies must take into account when designing their site security solutions.
As experts in perimeter protection, we offer support for the most complex logistics operations in Europe. From cargo transport at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to the medical distribution centers of Rhenus Logistics. These locations feature designs and layouts complying with the latest operational guidelines and equipped with advanced technology. Many organizations consult with us for advice on the design of their security solutions.
Why? Every outside area has its own nuance and complexity. Much of the difficulty depends on the available space around the building – or a lack thereof – and the type of goods handled on site. The space on a site mainly influences logistical movements. The type of goods on site largely determines how much risk a company must anticipate for theft or burglary.
A well-designed and well-secured site therefore not only keeps unwanted and unauthorized people out, it also ensures that all traffic on the outside moves to where it needs to get to as quickly and efficiently as possible. All this is achieved in a way that does not compromise the safety of all people on the site. Moreover, you will avoid unexpected surprises, which are costly and time consuming to deal with.
External security therefore requires a clear picture of your daily procedures. Any scenarios which would impede these procedures are what you want to prevent. To determine those scenarios, there are five questions that you must ask yourself. Thanks to our many years of experience, we know exactly which questions these are. We list them for you.
1. Is my value inside or outside?
What is the value of your goods? How easy are these goods to transport? Are your goods mostly inside or outside? These are the most important security questions that apply to every company in logistics services when assessing risk. The answers largely determine which measures you must take. If valuable goods are outside – for example, raw materials or containers – and are easy to carry, your security must be of a high level. This way you prevent criminals from entering your premises, or at least not being able to leave your premises with your goods. Are your valuables inside? Even then, good security of your site is important to slow down possible intruders and increases your response time to incidents.
2. Am I open 24/7 or does my company close in the evening?
Are you open for 24 hours or do you only operate during the daytime? This question seems simple, but it has a considerable impact on the design of your security. If your premises are occupied day and night by staff, the need to deter criminality outside of peak hours is not as prevalent. Not that you can sit back, but the level of security is lower than a building that is closed at night. For this you need to take more measures to prevent theft or burglary. Think of a more robust fence, protection against breaking your definition and detection with cameras and sensors.
3. Which traffic flows do I have to deal with?
Logistics is, by definition, a complex process that involves many different stakeholders. This is clear when assessing external security. You have to deal with staff, visitors, suppliers and other parties. That is why it is wise to create a detailed inventory of the traffic flow that must be dealt with at any time of operation. How do you ensure that freight traffic enters the site as quickly as possible? Where does your staff enter the site? Where can visitors park their car? How do you ensure that emergency services get access to your site as quickly as possible? All of these are relevant questions that require answers before you can organize the different traffic flows on your site.
4. How many logistics movements are taking place on my site?
It is important to gain insight into the amount of logistics movements on your site. This way you ensure that you can process these movements as efficiently and safely as possible. Both when granting access and routing on site. If dozens of trucks and vans drive onto your site per hour, you probably need several access points. That way you can grant multiple vehicles access simultaneously and quickly. It may even pay to automate access control (in part) with license plate recognition.
5. Which laws and regulations do you have to deal with?
Consider carefully what current laws and regulations you are dealing with. That way you know for sure that you meet all requirements. Don’t just look at the government. Because there are also other parties that draw up rules and guidelines. Consider the sector organizations such as the Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA) or your insurer. These parties usually also provide useful tips or tips on the design and security of your outside area.
As you can see, there are quite a few things that are important for the design and security of your outside area. As a result, it seems possible to get a hefty job answering these questions. And to then give the correct interpretation to it. Fortunately, there are many companies in your industry that run into the same questions and have already answered them. Recently, Rhenus Logistics shared how they arranged the security of their outside area together with Heras. You may also benefit from this.
Would you like to know how we can support your project? Request a free consultation with one of our experts.