Businesses that maintain IT systems in a warehouse environment may find it challenging to keep these networks secure. Accidental damage, theft, and other catastrophes can cause major service interruptions or data loss.
There are many ways for companies to combat these technology issues, take control of their inventory systems, and grow their business. Take a look at these four ways to safeguard your IT systems and data in a warehouse environment.
1. Routine maintenance
IT professionals should be running regular system updates and backups, so your hardware and software continue to operate without a hitch. Companies should think about data that is critical to the business, and make sure there are multiple backups of this information.
Just imagine how your business would function if your main servers and computers were damaged or stolen. Organizations that have regular backups should be able to get running again with minimal delay.
2. Technology rules
In a bustling warehouse environment, it is crucial to direct traffic safely. You want to minimize the amount of risk that your hardware is subject to. This means that inventory pallets, liquids, and heavy machinery should not be moved or placed near server racks and computers.
Areas with technology should also be climate controlled, so your equipment does not overheat and crash. IT professionals should also make sure the newest security updates are installed, to protect against unauthorized access and digital attacks.
3. Secure password practices
Employees should be instructed to adhere to a strict password policy — for example, rotating their credentials once every few months. Staff should be trained never to log into systems for others or give out their passwords.
This should ensure that confidential information stays in-house, and your clients’ private data remains safe. The strongest type of password is actually a phrase, containing a few words with a capital letter, numbers, and punctuation symbols. Some IT systems will remind employees each time it’s necessary to change their password.
4. Warehouse management software
Dedicated software can increase warehouse efficiency, provide employees with real-time logistical information, boost product accountability, and ensure accurate inventory counts. Inventory can be quickly scanned into a digital database with the use of barcode labels.
Software that specializes in warehouse management can help your company identify customer needs and adjust product inventory to respond quickly to demand. Systems that are connected to a cloud infrastructure make it easy for company leaders to log on and check metrics from any location.