Just one instance of theft can be devastating to warehouses and suppliers. Not only does the company lose stock but also the confidence of clients and shareholders. Meanwhile, employees feel unsafe when they know their workplace is vulnerable. This is why ensuring the security of the facility is a must. Here, Barclay Brand Ferdon outlines industries and types of goods where high-security material handling protocols are especially crucial.
Food and Beverage
The industry with the highest rates of theft is food and beverage. There are always mass quantities of these necessity items available, and oftentimes, the culprits are the warehouse’s own employees. Aside from being quickly consumed and having their wrappers discarded, food and beverage products rarely have serial numbers or intensive tracking technology, making it difficult to trace stolen snacks. As a result, food processors and warehouses must take extra steps to protect their inventory from theft.
Household Items
Household items are also a frequently targeted good, and for similar reasons to food and beverage products. Commonly stolen items include:
- Cleaning products
- Bathroom tissue, paper towels, and other paper products
- Pet supplies
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Gardening goods
- And more.
Many of these goods come at a low price point. As a result, few material handlers invest in high security for their stock. This is not an advantageous business practice, however, as even small amounts of stolen goods can add up quickly and affect their bottom line. Instead, implementing higher-security material handling protocols is the answer.
Tech and Electronics
Flat-screen televisions, smartphones, and gaming systems are high-value prizes that fetch big prices in the marketplace – making electronics theft a well-known problem across the industry. Most manufacturers and storage providers are aware of the risks and invest in heightened security to mitigate them. Still, it is worth examining your protocols for gaps. Regular evaluation and upgrades can make a difference against rising rates of cargo theft.
Construction Materials
Finally, construction and building suppliers are seeing a significant uptick in theft incidents. This trend is not widespread, though, with surges occurring in areas where the housing market is at its strongest. With a truckload of stolen supplies, builders can cut back on construction costs for new homes and developments. Those homes will still be sold at market price, however, creating significant profits for the builder.
Construction supplies are often stored in open lots, making them difficult to secure effectively. While this only makes them more tempting to thieves, it adds an extra level of challenge for warehouse owners. Make sure you think strategically and research all security options available that are focused on outdoor storage.
Enhance Your Security with Barclay Brand Ferdon
If your company operates in any of these industries, it may be time to consider heightening your security protocols. Barclay Brand Ferdon offers top-quality material handling solutions that may be able to help. Located in South Plainfield, New Jersey, we serve our state, as well as four counties in New York. Contact us to learn more about our products for high-security material handling.
