Logistical nightmares: a thing of the past | International Security Journal March 2023

Jón Jörundsson , Director of Sales (EMEA), ICT explains in the International Security Journal (ISJ) how for logistics businesses, access control is more than just letting people in or keeping them out.

Security is undoubtedly a major concern in the logistics sector. 60% of Institute of Supply Management members surveyed reported a supply chain security incident in the past two years. And – in the US alone – cargo theft is estimated to cost the industry $35 billion a year, with 25% of thefts happening from facilities.

Complexities at scale

Access control and security are crucial for logistics companies to manage valuable assets and sensitive information. The complexity of multiple entry points and a mobile workforce makes it challenging to monitor and secure their operations.

To address these challenges, integration of access control, intrusion detection, and security with other systems such as inventory management and transportation management is crucial to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness.

Balancing security and mobility

While a strong security solution is essential, achieving a secure environment while also allowing ease of movement around the site can be a difficult balance to strike.

Stringent access controls can lead to a queue of vehicles and slow down operations – directly affecting revenue, or make it difficult for employees, contractors, and visitors to move freely within the facilities. However, a lack of proper protection measures can leave the site vulnerable to theft, damage, and other security incidents.

To overcome this conflict, logistics organizations can implement a unified access control system that combines smart credentials, integrated intruder detection, video surveillance, and features like automatic license plate recognition (ALPR).

Achieving a secure environment while also allowing ease of movement around the site can be a difficult balance to strike

Technologies such as DESFire cards, fobs, or even mobile credentials will grant access to areas based on specific permissions and allow for quick and secure entry while also providing real-time visibility into who is entering and exiting the site. Using a single interface which includes video surveillance means security personnel can monitor activity within the facilities and respond to any incidents in a timely manner.

Managing visitors is mission critical

Another critical aspect of security in logistics is visitor/contractor management. Ensuring that all people are properly vetted and authorized before entering the site can help reduce the risk of security incidents, while complying with health and safety requirements.

Modern visitor management systems ensure that documentation and inductions are complete before automatically issuing a credential such as a PIN for entry.

It’s also important to track the movements of visitors and contractors within the facilities to ensure that everyone is accounted for and that the site is secure. This can be accomplished through the use of an access control system.

Removing barriers to entry 

An integrated ALPR solution allows vehicles to go in or out of the site without stopping, helping with speed and ease of movement. Registered license plates are treated as a credential, granting automatic entry through a gate, while logging user details to assist with visitor management.

As well as automating the entry process for vehicles, ALPR provides benefits such as solving the tradeoff between convenience versus security with long range RFID readers. So, as well as improving the overall flow of logistics operations, the use of ALPR technology can help to improve vehicle management, security, and efficiency.

Integrate and conquer

Just like smart homes or buildings, connected systems in logistic environments bring huge advantages. The benefits of integrated video surveillance, elevator control or syncing with HR databases are well known across many industries.

I’ve discussed visitor management and ALPR, but with logistics, a unified access control platform will also need to integrate with other systems, such as inventory management and transportation management systems, to ensure that they are effective and efficient.

Some legacy security solutions struggle to bring all these elements together, but a modern platform like ICT Protege uses APIs to sync data between external systems, and even enables the building of custom integrations to suit your specific business requirements.

Automation in action

We are working with a multinational diversified logistics and infrastructure company to deliver a modern, flexible security solution with access control at the heart of it. It layers facial recognition and ALPR technology on top of the NxWitness VMS platform, and combines this with visitor and inventory management. Each of these are integrated with Protege GX and can be controlled using a single interface.

When a vehicle arrives at the gate, facial recognition confirms the identity of the driver and matches this with information in the visitor management system to check that safety inductions and any certifications are complete and up to date. While this is happening, ALPR authenticates the vehicle, and the VMS scans the container registration – like a barcode.

Protege GX manages all these processes and if approved, allows automatic access and directs the driver to the desired location depending on the result of the VMS scan of the shipment.

The automation happens almost instantaneously and removes the need for manual checks. The result has led to large efficiency gains by reducing traffic bottlenecks, downtime for drivers, and admin for staff. In addition, more traditional access control measures allow drivers access to facilities, while unified intrusion detection adds to the security measures protecting the facility.

A feature-rich environment

Other useful access control features that can deliver further benefits for logistics companies include:

• Dual custody - allows an object to be treated the same way as a human user. The object is assigned a credential so you can control and monitor the flow of objects through a building.
• Door interlocking - ensures that certain physical or environmental conditions are met in hazardous or controlled environments, adding additional layers to security, compliance, and reporting.
• Muster reporting - displays a live view of the users on site within specified areas for capacity tracking, and can be used to restrict access to areas that have reached maximum capacity.
• Anti-passback - prevents users from passing their credential back for another user to borrow and stops users entering an area by following or tailgating another user.

Visibility and peace of mind

As with other industries, further advances in automation and robotic technologies will no doubt change the landscape in years to come. But as logistics continues to employ a largely human workforce, knowing who and where people are at all times is essential for maintaining security and responding to incidents quickly.

With the help of access control systems and visitor management software, logistics companies can have a complete overview of the movements and activities within their facilities. This real-time visibility can help to identify and respond to potential security incidents quickly and efficiently, protecting both the company's assets and the safety of its employees and customers.

ICT leads the way with their unified solution for access control, intruder detection, and building automation. Designed, engineered, and manufactured in New Zealand, and trusted by tens of thousands of businesses around the world, for almost 20 years. Find out how ICT’s security solutions could add value to your business today.

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