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While the advances in technology will outline an easier path for monitoring security breaches, cargo security best practices still require a strong foundation of fundamental programs.
Developing and maintaining the minimum standards of C-TPAT means a corporation must first focus on threat awareness and then identify and prioritize the vulnerabilities in its supply chain. From there, it's essential to develop a multidisciplinary team that's focused on cargo security standards and trained to work together to target and reduce risk.
These are two basic steps a corporation should take before embarking on additional enhancements in supply chain security. At that stage, the need to embrace a continuous cargo security improvement plan is critical, as these programs tend to remain stagnant when they don't produce results or boost the bottom line.
From a government-to-government point of view, this means developing true global standards that are capable of thwarting terrorist threats and adaptable by all corporations internationally. Customs agencies worldwide must be aligned for greater sharing of data and resources and develop a more trustworthy approach to confidentiality that will encourage greater participation in government-to-business programs.
Suzanne Richer is president of Customs & Trade Solutions Inc., a consulting firm specializing in international trade and cargo security. She can be reached at (609) 896-2210, Ext. 101, or via email at smricher@ctsiadvisors.com 1397778242
