Protecting your wares

zoom

Despite its usefulness in warehouse security, companies need to avoid falling into the ‘technology trap' by devoting their budgets exclusively to such devices.

One of the simplest, yet most effective solutions to protecting warehouses is ensuring an effective and well-trained security team, which understand the potential risks and threats to the facility.

"Investing in the latest technology is important, but companies must not neglect the recruitment of efficient security personnel, who should be regularly trained to provide a solid foundation for security operations," argues Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, divisional senior vice president of group security for Emirates Airline and spokesperson for Transguard, the security and valuables handling company of Dubai-based Emirates Group.

As the only authorised security agency to escort all valuable cargo at Dubai International Airport, Transguard is well versed in all aspects of secured cargo handling.

"Cargo is moved safely and securely from the aircraft to the airport vault and vice versa under complete CCTV surveillance. High security storage is also available for valuable goods," explains Al Hashimi.

Implementing a HID access card system, in addition to CCTV surveillance and biometric checks, Al Hashmi is evidently comfortable in using the latest technology to protect any cargo being handled in his facilities.

However, he also remains a staunch supporter of the human factor.

"Even with these technology systems in place, it is imperative to recognise the importance of the right personnel in ensuring that security controls are effective," he points out.

Similarly, for logistics operator DHL Exel, the role that employees play in ensuring security through heightening awareness of the potential risks that exist in the security of its warehouses is paramount. "Training, awareness and standardisation are vital to any security programme."

"It would be pointless to have a lot of plans and detailed procedures if no one knew about them or were unable to utilise them at the time of an incident," says Ray Armstrong, compliance manager, DHL Exel Supply Chain.

With the focus of its security operations on protecting personnel, assets and stakeholders material while maintaining business continuity, Armstrong maintains that, in the company's view, security accepts no compromises.

"Effective security operations use information to predict any imminent changes to the security environment so that an appropriate protective response may be applied," he says.

"However, security threats may occur with little or no warning, so security arrangements must be flexible and able to respond rapidly to a sudden increase in the alert state of the business."

Security systems for DHL Exel operations are specifically designed to integrate with normal operations, providing flexibility, a low profile presence and protective posture during normal operations, as well as being capable of scaling up protective operations rapidly to meet any such periods of high activity and/or emergencies.

Print | Email | Discuss this article

| Share |

READERS' COMMENTS

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Arabian Business would like to point out that only comments relevant to the story will be published. Any containing personal insults or inappropriate language will not be approved.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Enter the words above *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM