Advanced VMS and Analytics

Improving blockchain workflows for the shipping industry

The shipping industry is being tasked to improve productivity, increase speed of operations and mitigate risk from new and potentially devastating forms of attack from both external and internal potential threats.

To help alleviate these issues, new VMS solutions with intelligent analytics specifically designed for the shipping and logistics industries have been developed to provide invaluable data to fuel the relatively new blockchain trend. Blockchain is essentially an information filing system that stores encrypted data.

Wikipedia defines a blockchain as a growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. By design, a blockchain is resistant to modification of data. It is “an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way.”

A blockchain is managed by a peer-to-peer network collectively, and the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without alteration of all subsequent blocks, requiring consensus of the network majority. Although blockchain records are not unalterable, blockchains may be considered secure by design.

Given the nature of its design, blockchain enables the creation of tamper-proof, highly robust databases which can be read and updated only by those with permission. This provides the shipping industry with a very precise, secure and comprehensive means of tracking and managing shipments from their point of origination through delivery to a final destination.

Intelligent Security Systems (ISS) is developing advanced VMS and analytics solutions specifically designed to supplement blockchain technology for the shipping and logistics industries.

The benefits include the accurate recognition of shipping container ISO codes to verify ownership, points of origin, intended destination and contents; as well as visual inspection of shipping containers to monitor for damage. With the ability to recognize license plate numbers and characters on shipping containers as well as train cars, analytics can accurately allow this data to be captured and merged together to ensure the selected transportation mode can be easily tracked and located in the event of a missing container.

It is important to ensure that when handling sensitive information or data there are robust cybersecurity measures being used. Logistic managers or custom officials can use a variety of technologies to ensure secure data processing:

  • Secure HTTPS connection to all cameras with tunneling both video and audio
  • Digital signature of all exported files using digital certificates to verify the authenticity and source of exported files
  • Encryption of all data stored on a secure server’s hard drives

Advanced visual inspection and analytics solutions help to eliminate manual errors through seamless integration with Terminal Operation Systems, facilitating data flow processing for seaport operations with blockchain backbone. They are also ideally suited for implementation at other critical shipment points including: weigh stations to link the weight of the cargo, streamlining gate operations; border and customs control points to provide visual inspection and automation of container processing, saving time and resources; and for general loss prevention along shipment routes to detect container tampering and prevent theft, helping to document and limit shipping companies’ liability claims.

ISS developed its innovative SecurOS Cargo Terminal Solution to enhance security at critical shipping locations and supplement data collection by providing remote visual inspection of cargo containers and control of vehicles which carry containers. The solution is built around a highly specialized video analytics module designed to recognize ISO codes on cargo containers, and is capable of capturing codes printed horizontally or vertically from above, back and either side of a container to take advantage of existing surveillance and IP infrastructure.

To satisfy the demands of the shipping and logistics community, the cargo container number recognition functionality incorporates a host of powerful features. One of the most utilitarian features is the ability to integrate with existing logistics and terminal management systems to automate gate operations and truck, train and crane container handling, which further improves workflows and enhances personnel efficiencies. It also supports a number of different recognition environments where trucks, cranes and forklifts are typically deployed, as well as hand-held devices for staff working in these areas. The system can read ISO codes, in addition to other special coding methods such as ILU, Kemler and ADR, from different angles. The multiple video sources are then coordinated internally in the system to ensure high levels of accuracy. Video from these cameras can also be exported for documentation and forensic analysis.

Container number recognition solutions employing advanced analytics will continue to grow in intelligence with emerging advancements in neural network technology, which provide the framework for different machine learning algorithms to work together and process complex data inputs. For example, an intelligent container number recognition and management solution can be trained to identify images that contain specific symbols such as company logos by analyzing images from a dataset of examples.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2019 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report: 2025 Video Surveillance Market Set to Grow After Small Decline in 2024

    Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, “World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition.” The research indicates that the global market for video surveillance hardware and software experienced a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024. This performance fell short of previous forecasts, primarily due to a significant decrease of 7.8% in the Chinese market. Conversely, the rest of the world saw a growth of 4.9%. The global market for video surveillance equipment was estimated to be worth $25.0 billion in 2024. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.