Mitigating the Insider Threat with Integrated Turnstiles and Metal Detectors

The risk of workplace theft is a serious concern for businesses of all sizes. In a recent survey of 1,000 workers, Business.com found that 67 percent have committed at least one type of theft at their current job—including taking sensitive company information.

To mitigate this risk, organizations should implement a combination of strategies that address the root of the problem and invest in the right security technology to create a safe and trustworthy work environment. Some companies have asset protection professionals on the payroll with a job description of reducing shrink—specifically, minimizing employee theft, which often involves removal of unauthorized equipment or data.

While traditional security protocols mandate screening for both inbound and outbound pedestrians, this process often lengthens the time, manpower, and space required, which can lead to inefficient security checkpoints. The core challenge for security professionals is finding a solution that can reduce risk, expenses, and shrinkage, while maximizing employee throughput. This can be a cumbersome task without the right technology in place.

Implementing an Integration Solution 

The search for a streamlined, effective solution has led to innovations that now couple as a metal detector with an access control flap-barrier turnstile. This type of integration offers a unique and compact solution for managing and securing both entrances and exits seamlessly.

Combining turnstiles with metal detectors enhances security in settings like public transportation, sports venues, government buildings, and office buildings. An integrated system provides dual-layered security by detecting prohibited items and physically preventing unauthorized entry. It improves traffic flow, streamlines access control, and enhances the user experience, while making it cost-effective for the user to combine functions.

The goal of this new technology is to address the insider threat of employee theft. But there are key technology features that can help reduce shrink:

• Outbound pedestrian scanning modes. Access control technology that offers configurable modes, including specific modes dedicated to outbound pedestrian scanning, can be used to minimize employee theft or shrink.
  
  
• Integrated metal detection. Solutions that incorporate an integrated 15-zone metal detector with digital signal processing to provide anti-interference performance can be vital for detecting unauthorized assets—such as tools, small electronics, or devices used to carry data—that an employee might attempt to use to remove sensitive data from the workplace.
  
  
• Access control denial.Unlike non-integrated metal detectors, which often require an additional guard and are not connected to an access control system, look for a system that uses a physical barrier. It can be programmed to remain locked shut until it confirms the pedestrian is not carrying dangerous metal objects. The ability to restrict a pedestrian’s exit upon metal detection is a critical innovation that helps prevent the loss of unauthorized equipment.
  
  
• Dual authentication. Double authentication combines the metal detection scan with the pedestrian’s credentials (card, phone, or biometric). This ensures that only authorized personnel are screened, and positive detections are associated with a specific identity.

Real-World Impact on Asset Protection

Traditional threat prevention and response systems often require hiring additional security guards, which can increase payroll costs. Having an integrated access control system in place drastically reduces this dependence and minimizes costs and floor space, offering a compact and effective footprint.

Retailers typically deploy access control systems in their distribution centers with the primary goal of not only reducing workplace violence, but to minimize employee theft. By using a single, integrated device for outbound screening, businesses can dramatically improve their loss prevention efforts while maintaining employee foot-traffic throughput.

This integrated approach represents a new hope for businesses and asset protection professionals seeking a technological solution that maximizes throughput, uses a small footprint, and effectively deters the unauthorized removal of assets.

Prata Khadilkar is the marketing manager at ZKTeco USA. With more than 12 years of experience, Khadilkar specializes in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies that drive brand awareness, engagement, and revenue growth in business-to-business and business-to-consumer environments.

© Prata Khadilkar