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Print ArticleContainer Security: What works? What doesn't?
Jim Giermanski
Editor's Note: Last month we asked our security technology expert Jim Giermanski to define the four categories of container security technology currently in use in today's global supply chain. In fact, that feature became the most read feature online during the month of October. We decided to offer a short expert below, but if you'd like to read the feature in its entirety go to logisticsmgmt.com/security .
What works depends on the user's level of need and the financial consequences produced by the technology. If a smart container moves the shipper through Customs faster and that improved speed and visibility turns a larger profit for the shipper, then a smart container it must be for that company.
However, if the user only locks the doors with a seal because Customs requires it, that can be perceived as effective security as well. Let's quickly revisit the four distinct levels of technology and attempt to assess their level of effectiveness.
1. Doors-only : In this writer's view, doors-only is not the best way to go. I have bypassed seals in a number of ways without disturbing the seal or the hinges. If you want to get in, you can.
E-seals can be even less effective than barriers seals. First, RFID is not applicable globally. There are too many divergent frequencies, protocols, and infrastructure problems. What's worse, RFID for container security as it's mandated in the United States serves as an improvised explosive device (IED), making it a vulnerability, not a security technology. Even CBP acknowledges its limited use.
