Cargo Security Meets Logistics

Cargo Security Meets Logistics

Commercial air freight shares common infrastructure access with aircraft security

Cargo Security Meets LogisticsGlobally, air cargo security costs are estimated to be $8.5 billion annually as the focus on physical security best practices has increased dramatically since 9/11. In fact, in 2006, the vulnerability of air cargo security was exposed when a terrorist plot was foiled in Yemen.

The expectations of and liabilities on commercial air carriers to provide adequate freight handling and security via access control processes and system solutions are foundational to good air cargo security programs; but, aging, sub-standard, legacy physical security access control systems remain a challenge to carriers as they migrate to higher security expectations.

Blending Operations

Typically, commercial air freight operations are physically separated from passenger terminal facilities, yet both share common infrastructure access for aircraft operations. The physical access to secure areas of an airport requires personnel in those areas to be authorized and cleared with access control processes.

Many cargo handling companies have antiquated or marginally functional access control systems in place. The expense of upgrading access control security and the disruption of operations is a major challenge for these companies. Time is money in the shipping business and delays can be costly, so finding reliable, cost-effective and operational-friendly security solutions to migrate toward is a top priority. Most of the conventional access control systems do not provide the flexibility and features that are required by today’s customers.

In high traffic areas, like cargo handling operations, higher throughput for the doors is a necessity. The increased scrutiny of the integrity, documentation and security of the entire supply chain requires cargo handling companies to take action.

A Challenging Cargo Operation Solution

In the Miami, Fla. area, ZKAccess C-Series provided an IP-based card credential access control system that was the perfect solution for improving security at one of the busiest and most challenging cargo operations in the United States. The C series offers 1, 2 and 4 door control panels that can leverage legacy door hardware and wiring for a cost-effective, upgraded access control solution. These panels are simple to install for both new and experienced technicians, yet provide a wide range of features, capabilities and fault tolerant operations.

It has an onboard Ethernet port and a fast processor to ensure that high throughput at the doors is achieved. The panels have auxiliary input and output that makes the connection of peripherals, such as smoke detectors and fire alarms, very easy.

The software that manages the system is powerful, intuitive and has a short learning curve for customers and technicians alike. The software has many enterprise level features like anti-passback, two man door rule, e-map capabilities, video linkage, email alerting and duress password options. This product solution can leverage the existing investment in standard Wiegand access control cards issued to current employees, reducing the cost, time and disruption to operations to reissue card credentials.

Since ZKTeco’s products support a wide range of bit formats for HID cards out-of-the-box, the upgrade process is very smooth. The software has browser/ server architecture, which eliminates the need to install the client on multiple computers on the network.

In an attempt to protect some high security areas, the airport is planning to add readers with biometric capabilities that will seamlessly interface with the existing C series panels. They also are planning to add video cameras overlooking the doors so that every time there is activity, a snapshot of the person entering the door is recorded along with the access control transaction.

This article originally appeared in the June 2014 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Manish Dalal is COO/Product Manager at ZKAccess.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.