Why Security Fencing Is Important For Distribution Centres
Online shopping has risen massively, offering a convenient way when shopping. However, in March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic caused the temporary closure of non-essential retail shops, prompting many buyers to choose home delivery solutions for both essential and non-essential items.
This has caused a significant increase in online retail demand, many individuals choose to put convenience and safety as a top priority. And we’ve seen an increase in the value of goods that are being shipped due to added trust in online shopping.
The rise in trust has put pressure on distribution centres to keep all goods well protected from thieves and any damage that could happen.
And if any breaches in security should occur, this will not only cause dissatisfaction to customers, but it’ll also tarnish the reputation of the company.
Protecting Your Distribution Centre With Tested Fencing Systems
Customers won’t necessarily know (or care) about where their goods are shipped from. What they do care about is whether they, firstly, receive the item and, secondly, whether they receive it on time.
Losing items and damaging a distribution centres reputation is something that needs to be avoided at all costs and people will have more confidence in distribution channels if the site is secure.
This is why having high-security fencing systems in place is key. As it will deter unwanted access and remain durable against attack.
As a minimum specification, we would recommend LPS1175 B3 (previously known as SR2) security fencing.
Typically distribution centres opt for LPS 1175 A1 (SR1) or B3 (SR2). LPS 1175 A1 would prevent an opportunist attacker using bodily force and basic tools from gaining access for more than 60 seconds.
LPS 1175 B3 would deter an experienced attacker from using instruments with a larger mechanical advantage, such as bolt cutters, claw hammers, and drills, for more than three minutes.
Once you’ve chosen your security requirement, you will have whittled it down to a hand full of systems, probably the next question you will be asking is mesh or palisade?
Mesh Fencing Considerations
Many people specify mesh fencing over palisade fencing based purely on their aesthetics as it’s considered more aesthetically pleasing.
However, there are so many other differences in the system design which will affect its installation and performance, particularly in your distribution centre.
Something to note is that one of the biggest myths around the world is that 358 mesh fencing is “anti-climb”.
Although the small apertures make it difficult for a novice to climb, but using common instruments such as a knife and fork or a screwdriver in a similar way to mountaineering climbing aids 358 can be scaled.
Therefore, the majority of the time, mesh fencing needs to be installed with a topping to deter people from climbing and entering your distribution centre.
It’s extremely difficult to guarantee any fence is completely anti-climb as it depends on the intent and skill of the attacker. To deter climbing we would advise considering the height of the fence, the taller it is the further there is to climb (and fall), the other thing we would advise is adding a security topping or curving the pales/panels outwards.
Because mesh is visually more appealing than palisade, it may be seen to be less secure, and easier to attack. Standard clips and clamp bars on the front face of the fence are something that can be attacked with hand and power tools, and the relatively thin wires of the mesh can be cut with small hand cutters.
Mesh systems can be made more secure by adding accessories to strengthen the panel or by using a double skin. This results in additional pieces to build, or pre-assembled pieces that are larger and heavier, making it more difficult to manoeuvre.
It’s always worth checking the weight of the panel for how easy it will be to install. Good visibility is believed to be a pro of mesh, however, when adding accessories or double skin, the visibility through the panel becomes much more difficult.
Palisade Considerations
The threatening appearance of palisade fencing is one of its key advantages for distribution centres. In a single pale, the fence can be as high as 3.6 metres. The triple or single-pointed pale design deters individuals from climbing the fence because it’s easy for them to get caught or impaled on.
Security versions of palisade security fencing such as StronGuard or StronGuard SR2 is made with sturdy steel pales that have often been reinforced, which, combined with pointed tops, deters break-in attempts because attackers can see how difficult it is to get access.
It is also extremely easy to install and much more convenient in comparison to mesh fencing. Palisade comes piece small in individual pieces as opposed to large mesh panels, making it easier to manoeuvre and put together.
Conclusion
Security fencing is important for your distribution centre because, with the rise of internet shopping, customers are putting more and more trust in their purchased goods.
And to ensure the reputation of your distribution centre is maintained, fencing will help keep your distribution centre protected.
To find out more about the best fencing solution for your distribution centre, get in touch today
Or simply call 01782 319264 to speak to an expert today.
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