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

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3