Cutting through the noise (page 4)
-- Logistics Management, 11/1/2005
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Page 4 of 4 To do its part to help shore up the vulnerabilities that exist in shipping networks, Accenture Technology Labs has developed a prototype that uses "smart" containers outfitted with radiation sensors and a "mesh network" (a flexible architecture for moving data efficiently between devices). Using sensor technologies and two-way wireless technologies to gather finely grained information, the prototype can communicate detected threats both against the container on which it is mounted and on other, "dumb" containers in the vicinity. Andrew Fano, director of Accenture Labs in Chicago and principal developer of the prototype, says that when a threat presents itself, the sensors in a smart container should eventually be able to detect it. That threat would be communicated to a security application, which would then "mark" the container as having a high threat level. "As the threatened container makes its way to its destination, it is likely to trigger other alarms and it will be flagged for inspection," Fano explains. After building the prototype, Accenture conducted a number of physical demonstrations and computer-based simulations. The simulations considered several scenarios with varied rates of instrumented containers and a varying rate of inspections at the ports. "Our work is proceeding on two fronts, both in terms of technical demonstration and simulations," says Fano, who considers the latter to be more important. So far the results have been positive, says Fano. In preliminary testing using a 10-foot sensing range with a penetration rate of 5 percent and a 3-percent port inspection rate, he says, the technology had an 80-percent chance of detecting a container threat. "This is just an initial result, and we'll continue to refine the simulation," says Fano. "These initial results are promising enough for us to continue this line of research." |
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The following is a partial list of the many companies that are active in the cargo-security market. Bulldog Technologies Tel: 604-271-8656 Bulldog Technologies' wireless security solutions and sensor networks monitor and secure valuable cargo. The company provides advanced security products to law enforcement, freight haulers, and government entities focused on commerce across international boundaries. E.J. Brooks Tel: 973-597-2900 This manufacturer of cargo-security products offers the Keeper SeaLock, a C-TPAT/ISO/PAS 17712-compliant high- security cable seal that requires two cuts for removal—doubling shipment security. GE Security Tel: 800-547-0252 GE's CommerceGuard system deters theft, smuggling, and international terrorism by integrating electronic container-security devices with a global information network. The system tracks freight containers as they move through ports and intermodal rail and road connectors. Hi-G Tek Tel: 201-296-0411 Hi-G Tek, based in Israel, participates in the U.S. government's Operation Safe Commerce program. Its technology answers the demand for electronic seals that accelerate inspections and record details of all opening and sealing events. IBM & Maersk Logistics Tel: 800-IBM-7080 IBM and Maersk's Intelligent Trade Lane provides real-time tracking of ocean shipments without the use of RFID. tamper-resistant tracking devices stand up to the harsh maritime environment. Mobintelecom Tel: 358 (0) 208 335588 CargoTrax offers 24x7 global, real-time tracking via satellite monitoring. It complies with the European Union's EurepGap Protocol legislation and the U.S. government's Container Security Initiative (CSI). Motorola Tel: 847-576-5000 Motorola's Container Solutions features open architecture. It also offers low-cost container tags, one-use e-seals, and near real-time location status of intermodal containers and associated assets. Passport Systems Tel: 978-263-9900 Passport Systems' products enable non-intrusive cargo inspection using nuclear resonance fluorescence imaging (NRFI) to detect nuclear devices, radiological or "dirty bombs," explosives, chemical weapons, and other contraband. Powers International, Inc. Tel: 704-825-4741 Sea-Cure Satellite Systems (SCSS) combines multiple technologies to monitor and detect a breach in a container and report that breach via satellite to the user or to a government agency. Savi Technologies Tel: 408-743-8000 Savi's RFID devices detect cargo-door intrusions and security breaches. It communicates the location where those actions occurred as well as the resulting condition of the cargo and equipment. SCintegrity Tel: 800-616-8581 SCintegrity provides manufacturers, carriers, and retailers with solutions that reduce cargo theft losses. Services target theft, counterfeit products, and the illicit diversion of merchandise. Sealock Security Systems Inc. Tel: 305-418-7603 Sealock's tamper-indicative devices enhance the physical security of ocean containers and swing-door trailers in domestic and international transportation. SkyBitz Tel: 703-318-8100 The company's system monitors and tracks ocean containers on land and sea as well as domestic-use trailers. Telematics Wireless Tel: 954-446-2333 Telematics has developed a wide-area radio data network. Its Automatic Container Conveyance AGV navigation and control system enhances seaport security. TydenBrammall Tel: 260-665-3176 TydenBrammall's Laser Tag serial-number transfer system for cargo seals is a patent-pending process that reduces asset-tracking errors and tampering with containers and trailers. Vidient Tel: 408-746-9301 Behavior-recognition software from Vidient makes it possible for video surveillance networks to automatically identify threats at secure locations and alert users to potential problems. WhereNet Corp. Tel: 408-845-8500 WhereNet's solution for tagging and monitoring the location of drayage trucks at container terminals uses its proprietary, real-time locating system (RTLS) technology to improve container security.
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