2023 has begun, and there’s nothing better than starting a year by reflecting on what went right or wrong in your business regarding safety and security during 2022. For brands with an online presence or 3PLs, one of the century’s more significant challenges is implementing better security services to protect their companies’ data from hackers and scammers who frequently look for new ways to take advantage of the security system and other vulnerabilities.
This article will present the main advantages of implementing an ISO-27001-certified Warehouse Management System (WMS), and how your warehouse(s) can stay up-to-date on OSHA rules and regulations.
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What is ISO 27001?
ISO, also known as the International Organization for Standardization, is an auditable information security standard. ISO-27000 is a family of standards that intends to provide the best practices, advice, and guidance on the implementation and maintenance of Information Security Management (ISMS).
Usually, companies acting in the technology branch use ISO to implement security features and maintain compliance. If your company decides to implement a technology service, like a warehouse management system, and you choose a technology partner that does not have an ISO certification, you are likely taking a risk. That technology company could be following unsafe, or even unethical practices.
Shipedge has proudly been audited by the National Quality Assurance (NQA), who certified us in our ISO 27001:2013 compliance. We are currently being re-audited to assure our clients that we stay up-to-date with our security systems and protocols. In the following section, we will discuss some of the advantages of choosing an ISO-certified WMS.
Benefits of Partnering with ISO-Certified Technology Companies
For an online business that is looking for new ways to guarantee the security of its stakeholders’ data, a WMS with ISO compliance standards will ensure:
- Client confidentiality: Consumer data will be strictly protected
- Quality Assurance: With better and more secure working conditions
- Security Management: Reducing risks of vulnerability against online criminals and cyberattacks
- Generate peace of mind: Shipedge is committed to high levels of information security that will be valuable in helping win your stakeholders’ trust
By using an ISO-certified technology partner, your data is secure in multiple ways. Not only are our servers encrypted, making it difficult for hackers to get ahold of information, but using cloud-based software allows for a second level of security in your business. When using outdated, on-premises warehouse management systems, you are opening an opportunity for criminals to access secure information at your physical warehouse. Additionally, with a cloud-based system, employees can work remotely without fear of a compromising data leak.
As mentioned earlier, a warehouse software company that doesn’t work according to ISO protocol could be performing unethical or illegal practices. To protect the privacy of customers, using a WMS that follows the regulatory rules of ISO is essential for data security.
What is OSHA?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, better known as OSHA, is a federal agency created by the United States Department of Labor (DOL) in congress to ensure healthy working conditions for laborers, employees, and workers in the United States. For warehouse workers, OSHA is particularly important because warehouses can be hazardous environments, with risks such as heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and the potential for falls or other accidents.
OSHA sets safety standards and regulations that warehouses (and other locations) must follow, and provides training and educational materials to help employers and employees understand and comply with these standards. If you hired more people in 2022 or are planning on growing in 2023, now is a good time to review these resources.
By following OSHA regulations, warehouse employers can help prevent injuries and accidents on the job, which can not only protect the well-being of their workers but also save the company time and money that might otherwise be lost due to accidents or injuries. Additionally, OSHA can provide workers with recourse if they feel that their employer is not providing a safe work environment.
Overall, OSHA is an important resource for promoting and protecting the safety and health of warehouse workers and helps ensure that warehouses are safe places to work.
Why Follow Health, Safety, and Security Standards
Aside from the main benefits mentioned above, there are many benefits you can see as a business owner when you start following health, safety, and security standards. These include but are not limited to:
- Protecting your workers: by completing health and safety seminars, your worksite can better assist your workers in case of injuries or illness. Understanding your workplace hazards and remedies will help prevent workplace catastrophes.
- Improving the e-management of your company: According to OSHA experts, a well-managed company will also produce better productivity rates, which can be a contributing factor to superior product quality.
- Improving the outcomes of your business: It’s proven that an exemplary safety and health program is, “good business sense” that will also bring potential financial advantages with the reduction of injury rates or decreasing worker’s compensation costs.
- Reducing data breaches and information leaks: using cutting-edge technologies reduce the risk that cybercriminals pose to businesses. The last thing you want to do is inform your clients that their information has been compromised. Keep information secure and confidential with technology partners you trust.
If you are operating a warehouse and didn’t quite reach the security and safety goals you set for yourself last year, 2023 can act as a clean slate to set some new resolutions and business goals to get yourself set up properly for the future. When you decide to improve the security and safety of your warehouse, you can expect better results on all business fronts, from employees and stakeholders to tangible financial results and customer satisfaction.
