Security seals provide simple, cost-effective way to dramatically improve the cargo security.

The alarming increase in illegal, criminal and dishonest activities throughout the world means that more stringent and positive action is needed to protect the environment in which we live. This has led to the introduction of many "high-tech" products and systems, invariably expensive and often the target for sophisticated interference. Fortunately there are some practical forms of security, which are very simple, easy-to-use and offer an extremely cost effective form of protection. Safety requirements for transport and warehousing of goods have been continuously increasing over the last few years. Security seals are the first step towards more safety.

Security seals, also known as tamper-indicating devices, are meant to leave unambiguous, non-erasable evidence of unauthorised access. Before we discuss and suggest ways to improve the security of cargo, we will have a look on various related issues.

The Technology Theft Prevention Foundation has framed an elaborate set of guidelines to follow and precautions to take to prevent theft and pilferage from cargo in transit right from the point to despatch to the final destination. These take into consideration common theft practices at various points during transit and storage; documentation; and basic safety precautions by the fleet operators and drivers, etc.

According to the Foundation, one of the most vulnerable areas of a facility is its shipping and receiving area as well as its loading dock.

The major components for improved cargo security include better lighting, fencing, padlock, security seals, security guards and better hiring and shipping practices. In addition "We have to work together - the shippers, the importers/consignee, the carriers and law enforcement. It can't be an adversarial relationship."

Our experience and technical knowledge at Safcon has led to the development of a unique new range of most reliable security seals which offer a precise solution to many security and protection related problems. By combining the benefits of special materials and security features, together with a clear understanding of a customer's requirements, Safcon Security seal technology is unsurpassed.

The Safcon new range of security seals is simple-to-use, low cost and offers appropriate seals for every application. For example, all plastic Saflok Container Seal has been developed as a very low cost substitute to little expensive metal bolt container seal. No tool is needed for removal. In many cases when bolt container seals are used on vehicle doors, it becomes difficult to remove it on certain sites in absence of proper bolt cutter. The Saflok container barrier seal is specifically designed for trucks, containers, vehicle doors, involved in transportation of raw materials and finished goods. Its carefully researched design includes a serial number on each of the two parts of the seal, which allows for the immediate identification of tampering. Once broken, the seal cannot be glued together or returned to the container.

Another new product from Safcon is the Cable Seal, an inexpensive, self-locking, weather resistant, high-security seal that requires no tools for installation. It is supplied with a break off screw to secure the cable seal. Standard seals are engraved with codes and sequential numbers to customer's own requirements. Cable seals are available in, red, green, black, blue, silver and gold, with variable lengths of cable if required. Cable seal is ideal for protecting food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, and wastes in transit, in plant and tank-truck valves. Cable seals are flexible and can be used anywhere/everywhere. The most rugged and barrier metal bolt container seals are impossible to remove without the aid of special 24" bolt cutter.

Other low cost locking devices included in the new range of seals are Ball-lok, Minitite, Padlock, Pull tight, Hasp-lok, fixed length, and Anchor plastic tamper evident security seals, which are most reliable and very cost-effective.

Benefit of Low-tech Sealing

An international customer's remark was interesting and useful which I would like to share with you. "All the seal manufacturers are pretty good at coming up with snazzy devices, but many aren't appropriate to our needs. We don't need something that's labour intensive, because our labour is very expensive. We don't want all kinds of electronic doodads - it's like you needed to go around the corner in your car, and someone offered you a satellite guidance system. They're great devices, I marvel at the technology, but we wouldn't use them.

" One Guy with 15 Jobs

Security personnel are a good investment. It's very important to have a person dedicated to security. Some of the largest companies do not have this. But even in a downsized security department that consists of "one guy with 15 jobs instead someone solely dedicated to security," it is still worthwhile to keep your eyes open.

When you pass one of your trucks, on occasions check to see what's on it. Remember that 80 per cent of all cargo theft is employee-related; they're stealing it themselves or giving out the information to thieves.

What's the pay-off for paying attention to the little stuff? So much theft could be prevented by following real simple procedures. Just follow the procedures and you'll eliminate half the crime.

Sealing Systems and Procedures for Shippers and Transportation Companies

Seals are tamper-indicating devices used to detect and report unauthorised entry. They provide deterrent against, and indication of tampering, pilferage and unauthorised entry. Once locked in position, seals cannot be removed except by destructive means and broken seals cannot be re-assembled or re-used. Unlike intrusion or burglar alarms, seals report unauthorised entry after the fact. They must be inspected to determine if unauthorised access has taken place. A seal does not need to physically resist entry and the purpose of a seal is to reveal evidence of entry. Customised seals with serial numbering and company logo/name must be used to enhance security level.

An efficient security system not only requires well trained and trustworthy staff but also a highly reliable seal, manufactured by companies who are at the forefront in the fight against cargo tampering and who understand the continually evolving and ever more ingenious methods used by thieves to steal cargo. This calls for continuous cooperation and partnership between the end users and the manufacturers of security seals in order to achieve the desired result, that is, the total integrity of cargo in transit. The effectiveness of seals is strongly dependent on the proper protocols for using them. These protocols are the official and unofficial procedures used for seal procurement, storage, record keeping, installation, inspection, removal, disposal, reporting, interpreting findings, and training. With a good protocol, a modest seal can provide excellent security. On the other hand, a sophisticated seal used poorly may be worse than useless if naively trusted.

Based on several years of experience in security seal business has, we at Safcon have formulated some generic suggestions for optimising the security and reliability of security seals. The report is designed to educate a seal user in developing the correct systems and procedures in order to stop pilferage and theft.

Security seals should be viewed as only one part of an overall security or verification program. In conclusion, it is advisable in the interest of the shippers and the transporters that a system should be immediately adopted for use of appropriate type and variety of the tamper evident and barrier security seals in warehouses and transportation of any cargo irrespective of value in all road transport, courier, train, ship, airfreight, truck, trailer, tractor, wagon cargos to combat with and to substantially reduce cargo theft, pilferage and adulteration.

In choosing a seal, it is important to bear in mind that unit cost is not always the most decisive economic factor associated with using a seal, nor is cost necessarily well correlated with the level of security a seal can provide. It is important to choose the right seal with the reliable seal manufacturers.

(The complete guidelines of The Technology Theft Prevention Foundation and Safcon recommendations are included in the full version of this article published on www.ipfonline.com)