The supply chain is something that humans have developed over centuries but is not often well grasped by the average person. The thing that never really gets mentioned is just how unbelievably complex and vast-ranging it can be. For those not fully involved in the chain (and even many of those who are), it’s often seen as some sort of monolithic term that simply means moving things from one place to another. While this is true in the most fundamental sense, it leaves out all the other components involved in the process required to receive your Amazon packages on time and without hindrance.
In this article, we are specifically looking at the security aspect of logistics and how technology has come far enough to integrate with the various other parts of this hugely complicated chain to keep your packages secure as they travel around the world and through the hands of numerous nationalities.
Artificial Intelligence Has Created New Ways Of Securing Logistic Networks
If you’re a regular, functioning human being with access to the internet, then you have probably heard at least in passing about the new kid on the block called AI. Although the AI discussed in the news and used in businesses isn’t really AI as we might think of it to be, it’s fair to say that it’s utterly revolutionized (and possibly upended) entire sectors of the business world. Nevertheless, where our modern interpretation of AI really shines is in its ability to detect, analyze, and inform of any threats or problems that might occur throughout the logistics chain, all in the sorts of time frames that are unimaginable to the average person. Logistic companies that opt for some kind of advanced intelligence will see enormous advantages related to uncovering things that you might not even be aware of. To put it another way, there was a famous speech given many years ago by then-defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who noted that there were a number of threats ranging from known threats to unknown unknowns.
While this was much derided at the time, the point was that when it comes to security, one can never truly know everything and even the best will in the world cannot protect from threats that we are unaware of even existing. AI is highly adept at parsing vast quantities of information and coming to conclusions that can inform companies of the problems they never even considered might be cause for concern.
Real-Time Data Analytics Help Everyone Involved Know The How, Why, Where, And When
Data is only as good as the speed at which it arrives to you. No matter how fantastic or informative the data may be, if it doesn’t arrive in front of you in a timely manner, you might be unable to act on it. With real-time data streaming into computer systems (and with a sprinkle of the AI fairy dust), logistic enterprises are able to understand what’s happening with the various packages under their control. It enables them to make decisions on the fly based on a raft of data points that can help them maneuver and re-maneuver the planes, trains, and automobiles tasked with the safe delivery of their products to their customers. In practice, this might manifest as advanced tracking systems that update on position and allow logistic staff to see what’s happening, if there are ways to optimize deliveries, and if a delivery is on track or somewhere it shouldn’t be.
RFID Technology Streamlines Inventory Management
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is nothing particularly new and has been around for decades. However, it deserves a mention in this article if only for the benefits it can impart while remaining relatively simple in design. Its use can manifest in different ways, including:
- Real-time visibility and tracking: As long as you know where something is, you have already won half the battle when it comes to the logistics business!
- Improved accuracy and automation: RFID technology reduces human error and can immediately alert those in charge of any problems. It also enables a highly streamlined process while massively reducing any bottlenecks that can arise from even the slightest mistake.
- Enhanced loss prevention: because there will always be a human element involved, things will always go walkabout once in a while. RFID allows you to track the packages (particularly high-value ones) and ensure they remain on track. If they do begin to leave the designated areas, it’s possible to immediately inform the storage hubs of the issue and get things back on track.
- Easy integration into other systems: RFID data can be integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, providing a centralized view of inventory across the organization.
Drones Enhance Surveillance And Monitoring With Less Physical Presence
Warehouse and logistic center security has traditionally been a manpower-intensive task, requiring large numbers of security personnel to remain vigilant of anything untoward. While this is still a fact, technology like drones has become so advanced and straightforward to use that entire location can be subjected to 24-hour surveillance while being staffed by a fraction of the usual complement of security personnel. In some instances, drones can even be given predetermined paths to follow that they will do without fail and inform of any unusual behavior or intrusions to ensure a rapid resolution.
Access Control Systems Protect Facilities From Intrusion
Remaining on the point of the logistic hubs, one of the usual techniques used by those seeking to steal and cause disruption is via simple entry to where the warehouses are located. While this is generally relegated to those outside of the company, some instances have involved an inside operation where a staff member has accessed areas they weren’t allowed in. However, because of lax security, they managed to enter without hindrance. Modern access control systems are far more advanced than they used to be and are now capable of being remotely controlled by those far outside of local influence. Moreover, because everything is logged in a central location, it’s easy to see who enters a building and at what time and sync it up to the footage recovered from CCTV or the aforementioned drones. This enables logistic companies to hold any nefarious actors to account and/ or inform the police instantly of anything untoward.
Keeping packages safe as they transit through different regions, nations, and people is a complicated task. With the use of technology, though, businesses are now able to secure their operations and ensure that packages are delivered to their recipients without issue.
