Inside a Distribution Center: The Shocking Security Risks I Uncovered in Just One Week

I was supposed to be assessing the security of a busy distribution center and found a few common weak spots – nothing unusual. Yet in my first week on-site I saw much more than expected. The risks ranged from structural vulnerabilities to internal gaps in processes. But it showed me that in such environments even minor oversights can cause major problems. This changed my whole perception of facility security.

First Red Flag: The Perimeter

The perimeter of the property needed better control from day one. Areas around the site were bent, rusted, or missing entirely. Some security cameras were visible, but most had low range and left large blind spots. A few loading docks had no direct surveillance at all. Nighttime sections of the property were so poorly lit that it was nearly impossible to see any movement after dark. All these oversights were leaving the facility vulnerable to break-ins, unauthorized access, and theft, and no one seemed to be paying attention to just how exposed it was.

Inside, Access Control Was Virtually Nonexistent

The problems continued once inside the warehouse. Employees, delivery drivers, and even casual visitors were able to walk through key areas of the facility with no identification or verification. No ID badges were worn, and there was no digital system in place to log who entered or exited specific zones. This lack of control and monitoring highlighted the need for a more robust warehouse security systems design. Without that baseline level of accountability, it would be nearly impossible to conduct a meaningful investigation if inventory went missing or if an incident occurred that required reviewing who had been in the area.

Surveillance Was Old and Spotty

The lack of exterior cameras wasn’t the only issue. Inside, the few surveillance cameras that were present were mostly outdated. Some had been out of service for months, and others recorded grainy, low-resolution video that couldn’t capture enough detail to identify people or events. Critical spaces like the receiving area and high-value inventory zones were either left unmonitored or watched by unreliable equipment. Instead of providing peace of mind, the camera system gave a false sense of security.

Weak Spots in the Inventory Were an Easy Target

As I watched the day-to-day operations unfold, it became clear how easily items could go missing. The inventory system lacked real-time tracking, relying instead on manual entry. Without consistent visual inspection, errors or discrepancies often went unnoticed. In a high-volume warehouse, these small mistakes or unnoticed thefts pile up quickly. Over time, they damage more than just numbers—they hurt the company’s reputation and disrupt trust between teams and partners.

Digital Security Was an Afterthought

Physical vulnerabilities were one thing, but digital security was equally neglected. The warehouse’s Wi-Fi network wasn’t secured properly, and team members often shared login credentials across systems. There was no consistent protocol for software updates, and phishing awareness seemed nonexistent. With so much sensitive information flowing between vendors, carriers, and customers, a digital breach could cripple the operation. The lack of planning here was especially risky and could open the door to major disruptions.

Emergency Preparedness Was Missing Entirely

Another gap I hadn’t expected was in emergency planning. Evacuation routes weren’t clearly posted, and some employees openly admitted they hadn’t been trained on what to do in case of fire, severe weather, or workplace violence. There had been no drills. There was no reliable system to communicate quickly with staff in a crisis. Without a proper plan, the entire facility was unprepared to respond efficiently and safely if something went wrong.

Why Security Must Be Strategic and Holistic

These risks weren’t caused by bad actors. They came from outdated habits and lack of strategic thinking. Security needs to be layered and intentional. It has to include physical access control, inventory protection, emergency readiness, and digital safeguards. One weak point in the chain can compromise the whole operation. But when approached correctly, it can all be addressed without disrupting daily workflows. 

The Right Expertise Makes a Real Difference

Through this experience, I learned that the best security solutions come from experts who understand the unique needs of each facility. Not every provider is equipped for that level of customization, but some are. In our case, we worked with Forbel, a team that offers tailored solutions based on real operational needs—not just plug-and-play tech. Their work spans everything from surveillance and access control to helping companies proactively plan for future risks. 

One Week on the Ground: Lessons Learned

In just one week, I saw how even well-run distribution centers can be several steps behind when it comes to security. And these aren’t always visible problems. They hide in corners and routines until something goes wrong. That’s why prevention needs to be the focus. It's about staying ahead of threats, not reacting to them after the damage is done.