Unbreakable chain: an automated approach to improve efficiency in the logistics sector

The last couple of years highlighted how tightly connected economies are across the globe. A well-oiled supply chain is of the essence to guarantee the stable transfer of goods from producers to the final customer. Either they are a loving parent looking to put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas morning, or a prominent manufacturer, they all rely on modern and efficient logistics channels.

Modern systems and processes, state of the art technology, and knowledgeable professionals guarantee a dynamic flow of goods, but even with the powerful developments in the logistics industry, a hiccup in one stage can cause turmoil in the whole chain.

We saw this happening when the container ship Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal’s bank. For almost a week, the canal was blocked, and the ripple effects were felt across the industry. Now, the shortage of truck drivers in Europe, especially in the UK, is raising worries about the supply of basic goods in the last quarter of the year, when the economy historically heats up due to the festivities.

With so much at stake, there is an ongoing effort to avoid any further disruption in the channel. Due to its essential nature – economically relevant and cross-nation – the logistics sector deals with the potential risk of being the target of crime.

It can be affected by a low-level crime of opportunity, for instance, when a small box disappears from a logistics centre or delivery van. More acutely, it is also targeted by steal-to-order or people-trafficking organised gangs and suffers from fraud and cybersecurity threats.

In EMEA, most cargo theft is perpetrated by small-time gangs and low-level crime groups not linked to significant syndicates, yet the losses cannot be underestimated. According to TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association), in August 2021, at least 127 attempted or completed cargo thefts were recorded by members in 12 countries across the region. They sum up to a loss of €2,746,660 in less than a month.

Smart access management  

To tackle many of these issues experimented with by logistics and warehousing operators, we provide a smart solution for access control integrated with visitor management and sector-specific systems that are designed to streamline efficient processes.

From our experience working with major transportation and logistics organisations, for instance, Emirates Airlines, a fully integrated platform solution performs more efficiently than stand-alone, siloed systems. As a result, companies can rest assured that their sites are robustly secured, and the collaboration between third party hardware and software makes the whole day to day operation much more effortless.

A great example is a modern approach we gave to ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). We haven’t stopped on reading plates – we went a step further. Now, we offer an integrated solution with video and biometric access. Once a customer is invited to visit a site, they receive via e-mail a secure QR code containing their information. Using their own mobile device, they are able to safely enter the premises, with their whole journey – from the perimeter gate to the meeting room – recorded automatically.

By integrating access control with next-generation visitor management systems, the whole structure can be automated. The visitor is no longer coming or had to change an appointment? Not a problem at all: all changes can be done instantly. The flexible workflows allow site managers to change the time permitted on site set security levels according to the risk and regulations of each site.

Compliance and identity management

If industry or national requirements change, requiring more rigorous security checks, new COVID vaccination information or updated site-use instructions, all changes can be done centrally. The automation saves time, closes loopholes, and takes the pressure off security and facilities staff, which can work more efficiently without so much paperwork, reducing possible human error.

Security managers can decide if further checks are necessary, for instance, driver and passenger ID checks. All this can be backed up by enhanced verification in control rooms or reception staff, including facial recognition technology.

Integrated complete site management

A Maxxess eFusion integrated system provides this modern approach to access control. The interface offers seamless connectivity with existing video management software, over 20 leading surveillance manufacturers, intruder and fire detection systems, and popular databases such as Microsoft Active Directory, not forgetting the potential to connect to logistics operations software.

It significantly enhances visibility and control of access. Related on-site activity control is boosted with intuitive maps, easily searched audit trails, and a dashboard that provides real-time status of doors, controllers and batteries. It grants a complete system health monitoring, always following industry, local and international compliance standards.

Through one platform, Maxxess eFusion allows security managers to handle all administration and site control tasks. They can respond and verify alarms from multiple systems, respond to an incident, view real-time and playback images from cameras, and all that being able to communicate via audio devices.

Digitizing processes and workflows to enhance security

Digitizing makes it easier for authorised customers, auditors, and contractors to gain access to protected logistics centres and warehouses. Better yet, it makes it harder for criminals to exploit the old fashioned paper-based processes prone to human error, exploit system vulnerabilities and gaps in security caused by siloed systems.

As theft from vehicles are the type of crime most accounted for by TAPA, representing almost half of the occurrences in the logistics sector, being able to keep a tight track of the whereabouts of trucks, vans and drivers definitely offer an extra layer of security, drastically lowering the potential access of unauthorised personnel within a logistics centre or warehouse.

Maxxess is committed to offering solutions to improve security systems and access control. With that in mind, we are now developing a practical digitisation solution for loading bays, with an automated recording of driver check-in to replace labour-intensive paper systems.

Ultimately, companies must focus on their main line of work, avoiding unnecessary hurdles and expenses related to access and surveillance. Our solutions aim to help the industry to be more efficient and secure.