Top 7 Mistakes Companies Make with Security Seals (and How to Avoid Them)
Security seals are essential tools for protecting goods, assets, and operations across various industries. Yet many companies unknowingly compromise their security by making common, easily avoidable mistakes. To help you strengthen your processes, here’s a rundown of the top seven mistakes businesses make with security seals—and simple ways to fix them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Seal Type
Not every seal fits every purpose. Using a plastic seal where a robust cable seal is needed can lead to breaches and losses.
How to Avoid:
Evaluate your security needs thoroughly and choose a seal based on application—whether that’s cable seals for containers, bolt seals for high-value cargo, or plastic seals for smaller items.
2. Poor Seal Application
Improperly applied seals are as good as no seals. Loose or incorrectly secured seals provide easy access without evidence of tampering.
How to Avoid:
Train your staff to apply seals correctly, ensuring seals are secured tightly and positioned so any attempt at tampering is obvious.
3. Ignoring Regular Inspections
Seals that aren’t regularly inspected risk unnoticed tampering. This oversight can lead to significant security breaches.
How to Avoid:
Implement a routine inspection schedule. Regular checks ensure seals remain intact and secure, helping identify issues quickly.
4. Not Keeping Accurate Records
Failure to document seal numbers and conditions makes tracking and audit trails impossible.
How to Avoid:
Maintain a detailed logbook or digital tracking system to document serial numbers, conditions, and seal applications consistently.
5. Using Generic, Unmarked Seals
Generic or non-branded seals increase the risk of counterfeit replacements, making unauthorized tampering easier to conceal.
How to Avoid:
Always use customized, uniquely marked seals with serial numbers, barcodes, or company logos for easier identification and authenticity verification.
6. Underestimating Tamper-Evident Features
Some companies treat seals merely as a deterrent, ignoring the importance of visible tamper evidence.
How to Avoid:
Prioritize seals with clear, highly visible tamper indicators, so staff can immediately recognize signs of interference.
7. Neglecting Staff
A lack of proper training means employees might miss signs of tampering or misuse seals unintentionally.
How to Avoid:
Conduct regular training sessions, ensuring staff fully understand correct seal handling, application, inspection, and reporting protocols.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes enhances the effectiveness of your security seals, safeguarding your assets, improving operational efficiency, and building customer trust. Security is a continuous process, and choosing quality products like Acme Seals—coupled with best practices—will significantly reduce vulnerabilities in your supply chain.
Reach out to Acme Seals to find the right seal solutions tailored to your company’s needs.