Maple: combat cargo crime with access control
Commercial vehicle security specialist Maple has emphasised the role that access control technologies can play in helping fleets to prevent cargo crime.
The company highlights figures suggesting that such crimes on the rise, citing the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) as reporting a 114 per cent increase in the number of cargo crime incidents captured across the EMEA region between 2018 and 2019.
“Even during the enforced lockdowns throughout 2020, these trends have shown little sign of reversing and as restrictions begin to ease, there are stark warnings over a pending cargo crime spike,” warned Maple.
“Whilst it may be easy to assume that it is mostly high value cargo at risk, statistics actually reveal that the classification of goods being targeted is hugely varied, with organised criminal gangs (OCGs) more inclined to seek ‘theft attractive’ products that are more difficult to trace or identify, such as food and drink or perfumes.”
Whilst fleet operators are increasingly taking steps to mitigate the impact of cargo crime by employing more robust physical security solutions on their vehicles, says Maple, often there is little consideration afforded to the role of access control and how such systems are managed in the field.
The company works closely with clients to identify the right fit for their own logistics operation, supporting a flexible range of access control solutions that focus on efficiency and ease of implementation.
Maple suggests that, when looking at how to prevent unauthorised access to vehicles, the most important consideration is not simply the physical lock itself, essential though it is, but the method of access control and how this is implemented across fleet operations.
“Traditional methods of access control such as mechanical keys, whilst suitable for certain applications do have limitations and are largely unsuitable for a modern logistics fleet,” said the firm.
“For large fleets where flexibility is important, operators should consider how access to large numbers of different vehicles is facilitated and what the impact is in the event of lost or missing keys.
“Advances in technology permit greater sophistication in maintaining control and integrity of goods in transit operations. Maple are able to offer a large portfolio of locking applications and crucially support a flexible range of access control solutions that focus on efficiency and ease of implementation.”
Fob validation offers a particularly effective approach, says Maple, where a large number of users or drivers require access to multiple vehicles/trailers.
“The system allows users to ‘validate’ their access fob for a pre-defined period of time (e.g. duration of a shift, 24 hours etc) by presenting their fob to a validation unit.
“Once the time period expires, access for the user is disabled until they initiate the procedure once more (i.e. at the beginning of their next shift). This option provides a simple and efficient may to manage access to vehicles, ensuring any lost or missing fobs are quickly taken out of circulation, preserving security and providing simple, hassle free access control management.”
Meanwhile, a Challenge Response option enables operators to remove the need for access keys or fobs completely. Using the electronic seal number generated by the locking device, authorised users can obtain single use access codes via a secure web portal, which are used to gain access to a vehicle’s load area.
For high security operations, Maple locking applications can be integrated with third-party telematics solutions to provide an enhanced level of control.
“This powerful option provides you with the ability to lockdown vehicles remotely from anywhere in the world, ensuring access cannot be gained during transit and maintaining the integrity of your cargo,” said the company.
“Once the vehicle arrives at the correct destination and its location is verified in real-time, access can be granted to authorised personnel. For a fully connected and intelligent system, users can even opt to integrate with real-time CCTV and live monitoring for an ultra-secure goods in transit solution.”
The Maple access control platform captures all activity as part of a comprehensive audit trail, adds the firm, providing previously unobtainable information about goods in transit operations.
“Each and every door event is logged, detailing who accessed your vehicles and when, removing any ambiguity during road transport operations, by providing a clear, indisputable chain of custody. The system reinforces individuals’ responsibilities and assigns accountability for assets under their control, in the event of stock discrepancies it also absolves innocent parties of any involvement.
“The data captured provides you with the unique ability to prove the security of your cargo hasn’t been compromised. The automatic tamper proof electronic seal number and concise audit reports, allows you to provide detailed information on the integrity of your assets, which has even been used as evidence in criminal cases and by border officials conducting clandestine investigation.”
