GPS solutions take on added security importance during COVID crisis
There is no denying the systematic benefits global companies have found by integrating Global Positioning Systems (GPS) into their overall business operations. And as the functionality and data analytics of GPS evolves with more advanced AI-driven technology, it is becoming adopted by even more organizations for everything from improved fleet management and increased driver safety to enhanced security and operational efficiencies.
The dependence on GPS tracking devices that provide real-time location data from cargo shipments, drivers and transports became an even more critical operational requirement over the last two years as supply chains were devastated by the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. End-users found themselves in a paradigm shift as it relates to supply chain issues and business operations since the outbreak of COVID-19. Organizations needed solutions to ensure the smooth delivery of goods and parts while dealing with the challenges of a growing pandemic’s health and safety mandates.For solutions-providers like ShadowTrack24/7, the impact of COVID-19 confused and confounded many of their clients, most of whom were affected by supply chain disruptions. The pandemic highlighted the need for better visibility and more information.
“Routine operations became complex and unpredictable, making things challenging for all parties involved, especially supply chain and logistics coordinators. Having GPS tracking on cargo has been crucial, helping provide actionable data these teams can use to act and react more quickly. GPS tracking as means of supply chain mapping became crucial in providing visibility to consignees who were then better able to staff and schedule deliveries during a time when COVID-19 forced many employers to reduce staff,” explains Daniel Pickus, the Director of Customer Solutions for ShadowTrack 24/7, a provider of GPS and UWB tracking solutions.
Crisis Leads to Solutions
Pickus and his team have observed some dynamic technology and operational trends this past year as a result of the health and safety crisis faced by the bulk of their clients. He figures the many of the supply chain operational adjustments will have legs and long-term applications.
"For a long time, GPS tracking has been the domain of high-value cargo, but the technology is becoming more widespread across different industries. As more companies adopt tracking on cargo, internal procedures will leverage GPS tracking data in management decisions and communications. Customer care teams can supply desperate customers with more accurate information about their orders. Personnel allocation for projects can be more accurately scheduled to align with arrival times of required assembly parts. Operations teams can react more quickly to changes in delivery schedules. Logistics teams can hold transportation partners accountable for adhering to agreed-upon procedures, quality, and other standards. While the decision to establish GPS tracking may originate from supply chain and security teams, there are benefits that extend within the organization that these SOPs provide," Pickus says.
By using an advanced AI platform and cloud solutions, GPS-based technology allows for more robust accountability of cargo, vehicles, and personnel and certainly embraces all the parameters of a secured network. As the use-case scenarios evolve, myriad complementary technologies that AI and the cloud support will be integrated for high-security supply chain operations and shipping.
"GPS trackers provide a lot of data, and most of it is never even used. Based on usage reports, we estimate that less than 30% of all tracking data collected is accessed. We see AI and machine learning algorithms as the next step to help take advantage of these rich data sets and provide actionable information to supply chain teams,” says Pickus. “Complementary technologies such as smart keyless padlocks and GPS-enabled seal protectors as well as developments in supply chain-related mobile apps have taken cargo security to the next level. Remote access, real-time user audits, the ability to give temporary access to padlock remotely without having to be at the facility with keys in hand; the applications save not only money but valuable time.”
Addressing the Risk
While not making light of the current pandemic, like many professionals in the security industry, Pickus admits that a crisis is usually the instigator for organizations to finally assess their risks and come up with a mitigation plan.
"There is nothing like a crisis to align internal cross-departmental goals within an organization. Pre-COVID supply chain operations and security were focused on different aspects of the business. While one part was focused on efficiency, the other was focused on security. Security procedures, while valuable, tend to reduce efficiency bringing a certain level of conflict among these two groups,” Pickus adds. “However, with all the challenges going on, security becomes essential, and when operations understand the need for added security, the two can work together to make sure the SOPs are followed for the benefit of everyone. Education is key, when security SOPs are not understood it is easier for them to be overlooked and when supply chains are as tight as they are now, amid global shortages, the last thing you want is to lose track of a container full of crucial components."
Emerging Threats
When it comes to supply chain threats, Grey Market Diversion challenges have a tremendous impact on overall business operations and security. Establishing a core set of best practices along with an integrated technology approach are solid remedies for mitigating this growing global risk. Grey Market Diversion is when products intended for one market end up in a different market. Name brand athletic shoes intended for Eastern Europe end up in a New Jersey warehouse being sold online. Candy bars or shampoo packaged for an international market are being sold in California or New York.
According to Pickus, this racket destroys delicate pricing structures negotiated with distributors within territories. It also results in unfair competition that causes confusion among retailers. Customers receive products not designed for their market, which can also lead to legal problems.
"Data from GPS trackers can shed light on sources of problems and provide specific details of routes the diverted product took to reach the gray market. There are different approaches to dealing with this. Some investigation teams place covert GPS trackers in packages heading to a suspected channel. Others will place hidden GPS trackers on a set percentage of all cargo, regardless of destination. Hiding the devices can mean putting them inside retail packaging or even inside the product itself. While security teams often have a pretty good idea of where the problem is, account managers usually don't want to upset their distribution partners. Having evidence of the misconduct can help make those conversations focus directly on the problem and avoid finger-pointing and blame games,” explains Pickus.
What’s New for ISC West
Pickus says his team is excited about introducing Tri-Cat as a solution for seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor tracking for inventory and assets.
“While GPS trackers work well in outdoor situations (cargo, assets, etc.), many of our customers are looking to have similar capabilities under their roof within their warehouse, and GPS technology does not work well indoors. With Tri-Cate, our customers will be able to place tags on pallets, inventory, or even personnel and track them indoors. The location of the tags is determined by a solver that triangulates its precise position using a network of hubs within the warehouse, creating a coverage dome,” he adds. “Additionally, tags can also connect to GPS-enabled mobile devices that can be placed on outgoing cargo, meaning the same item can be tracked indoors and outdoors. Even more exciting is that if the receiving end is also set up with Tri-Cate the tags can automatically move to a new site, making inventory transfer between parties seamless."
About the author: Steve Lasky is the Editorial Director of SecurityInfoWatch.com Security Group.
