Page 31 - Sphere No.9 (Sep 2003)

S

PHERE

29

Information contained in the RFID tag is

captured on the Internet-based security

software platform which facilitates the necessary

information exchanges and makes data readily

available to authorised parties. Phase 2 adds more

security layers, including a grid of sensor tech-

nologies for detecting environmental changes

inside containers, surveillance cameras, biometric

identification, and satellite tracking for in-transit

visibility.

At the terminal in-gate, a hand-held device

reads the container’s security status then

sends the information to the security software

platform.The device enables authorised person-

nel to capture and verify key information, which

is available for customs authorities to determine

pre-loading inspections.

Once security is verified, the container enters the

terminal to be loaded.Tracking occurs when the sen-

sor systems affixed on the container pass through the fixed

readers installed in the node. At the point of loading, the

sealed containers are scanned again through readers mount-

ed on quay cranes, providing a final security confirmation.

3

4

5

Following the typical 10-day journey

across the Pacific Ocean, the vessel

berthed at the Port of Seattle, where

strategically placed RFID readers record-

ed their location and security status.

After Customs clearance to exit the

Port of Seattle, the smart containers were

loaded onto the chassis of a regional

trucker and transported to a distribution

facility where key events continued to be

captured and transmitted. Authorised

personnel then unlocked the sensor sys-

tem using an encrypted code.The event

was recorded and transmitted to the

Transportation Security System software,

enabling complete information verifica-

tion and the instant creation of a docu-

mented audit trail. From there, the mer-

chandise was shipped to retail stores

throughout the American Northwest –

efficiently, safely and securely.

S

AFETY

F

IRST

Meredith points out that, as a major

container terminal operator, it is natural

for HPH to be well advanced in securi-

ty applications. “We are in 32 locations

and smuggling may occur in some of

these,” he says.

“HPH and the other participants of

SST are committed to enlisting a strate-

gic group of multinational shippers who

can implement end-to-end and port-to-

destination container security.”

Shippers’ requirements go back fur-

ther than the ports, linking back to point

of origin at the loading docks and facto-

ries. The unbroken origin-to-destination

process will naturally require collabora-

tion with the shipper’s other physical net-

work partners, which include carriers and

forwarders in addition to port operators.

“Shippers should use whatever

process and technology that will allow

them to monitor the location and sensor

activity of the containers carrying their

goods as they move through their supply

chain,” Meredith asserts.“We believe Safe

and SecureTradelanes provides them with

this service and we think that the effort

we have already put into it will be seen in

a good light by all players internationally.”

To date, SST is probably the most

far-reaching container security initia-

tive globally.

C

OMMERCIAL

B

ENEFITS

While the new technology brings addi-

tional expenses, Meredith believes it will

also result in savings. “Everyone partici-

pating will benefit from increased con-

tainer security and the shippers them-

selves will be the main winners,” he says.

Commercial benefits will include

better supply chain visibility, bringing

“substitution cost savings” such as a

Everyone

will benefit

and the shippers

themselves

will be the

main winners