Warehouse Security Checklist
Need to make sure you have the bases covered for the security of your warehouse or light industrial facility? We’ve got just the thing for you. Here is a list of things you will want to consider.
This isn’t exhaustive, but at 4 pages, it’s enough to make sure you aren’t missing something obvious if you’re new to warehouse security.
PERIMETER
Check that fences and building envelopes have not been compromised
Ensure exterior lighting covers parking areas and approaches to buildings, gates, and docks
DOORS AND ACCESS - BASIC
Confirm all pedestrian doors, dock doors, fence gates, and loading bay barriers open, close, and latch correctly
Commercial-grade (e.g. ANSI Grade 1) locks on all exterior doors and inventory cages (ensure adequate egress for fire safety)
If applicable, commercial-grade locks on doors between internal zones (e.g. between office and operations floor)
Locking or barred windows
Audible alarms for emergency exits, back doors, and dock doors
Clear paths to emergency exits
Locking cabinet or closet for server equipment
Visitor sign-in station with log
Clear policy for visitor access, badging, and escorting
Hardened steel-body padlocks for roof-access ladders and hatch doors
Controlled keys with logged assignments
Limit access to dumpsters
DOORS AND ACCESS – UPGRADES
Electronic access control for exterior doors, zone barrier doors, inventory cages. Ensure system can deliver:
Individual credentials for all employees, contractors, and vendors
Scheduled and role-based access
Event logging and reporting
Incident notifications for disabled credentials, passbacks, holdopens, after-hours access, and other door issues
Credential management between sites (for multi-site operations)
Scope backup power and/or redundant access for blackout conditions
SIGNAGE
Identify entrances by role (e.g. employee-only, visitor, vendor, etc) where necessary
Signage for restricted areas and areas requiring visitor escorts
Post reporting information for security and safety incidents and concerns
ALARM
For facilities that close at any time (nights, weekends, holidays):
Municipal alarm permit (required for an alarm in most jurisdictions)
Door contacts for all doors, including dock and roll-up doors
Interior motion sensors
Motion detection or glassbreak sensors for zones with windows
24/7 system monitoring
Dedicated alarm sensors/zones for high-value inventory
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE - BASIC
Ensure sufficient lighting throughout floor and exterior perimeter
Ensure sufficient resolution to identify people and/or vehicles
Ensure camera coverage of:
Exterior entry/exit doors
IT closet doors
Timeclocks
Lobbies or customer waiting areas
An internal and external view of all dock doors
Any safes or inventory cages
General coverage of warehouse floor and/or aisles
Configure motion detection zones
Configure notifications for after-hours motion
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE – UPGRADES
Assess use of AI video processing to detect and notify you of dangerous conditions, including:
Forklifts in pedestrian zones
Missing PPE
Rack climbing
Dock/trailer gaps
Review our in-depth article on warehouse camera coverage. Consider whether your facility will need:
Upgraded Coverage
High-Security Coverage
Co-Located Facility Coverage
SENSORS
Check the 3 Vs for your inventory:
Visibility – Does the facility or the inventory go long periods of time without being seen or observed by staff?
Value – Is the inventory valuable or value-dense?
Vulnerability – Will water, humidity, temperature, etc. damage the inventory? If so, are there environmental factors - like overhead water pipes, outdoor storage, high duty cycle enclosures, poor drainage – that make damage more likely?
If you checked two or three boxes:
Install networked environmental sensors, support with:
Configured notification thresholds and rules
Response and escalation procedures
SHIPPING & RECEIVING
Verify carriers, drivers, purchase orders, and delivery paperwork
Reconcile receiving, shipping, and inventory records
Require at least two employees for handling or pack-breaking valuable inventory
Separate receiving, shipping, inventory adjustment, and approval roles as practical
POS & CASH MANAGEMENT
If facility will include a sales floor or handle cash:
Require at least two employees for cash handling
Maintain cash-in, cash-out records
Use a drop-safe or other secure storage for cash
TRAINING & HR
Training to identify theft and suspicious activity
Recover keys/access credentials at termination
Lost key/credential reporting policy
Emergency contact list
Reporting and response procedures for theft, suspicious packages, and workplace violence
Coordinate with local emergency services where appropriate
Conduct periodic security drills/reviews
Document incidents and corrective actions
SECURITY SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Change default passwords on networked devices like cameras
Require MFA where supported
Role-based permissions for control, alarm, and video systems, separated by viewer, user, and administrator
Apply security patches regularly
Incident video retention policy
Incident video sharing policy
Security system testing and maintenance procedures
Regularly review permissions; revoke unused accounts
Require employees to use corporate credentials to access systems (not personal email addresses)
Create standardized incident response forms to document:
Theft
Suspicious packages
Violence or threats
Vandalism
Environmental property damage
Notification policy for when to notify law enforcement, HR, management, legal, insurers, and/or customers of security incidents
If this seems like a lot, give us a call and we can help you work through it. Many of these steps are covered during our free assessment and planning phases. We also have templates and resources available for our customers, as well as a well-developed network of specialists. If you’d like to hear more, get in touch: