Cargo security taken to the next level

There is an increasing need to secure high-value goods in transit and Netshield has heeded the call by releasing its Cell Lock system.

The Cell Lock system will allow the unlocking sequence of a door on a cargo unit only when the GPS location and GSM communication modules detect that two or more preselected criteria have been met. These include when the container reaches a pre-allocated geo-fenced environment, within an allocated time, and the distributing and/or receiving supervisor takes action – and then only if a predefined unlocking procedure is followed.

“The Cell Lock increases the security of the cargo container of a delivery vehicle by adding a bolt locking system that will unlock only if a series of predetermined security steps are taken,” says Inus Dreckmeyr, CEO at Netshield.

“The system is designed to buy more time for armed response to reach a vehicle in the event that there is a security problem. It also means that goods can’t be tampered with while on route to their destination.”

With the addition of a few sensors to the system, the vehicle’s progress and position can be continually monitored, as can environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and even water leaks.

According to Dreckmeyr, the system’s ability to completely disconnect the driver from the system makes it particularly popular in high-security situations. The door will not unlock under any circumstances, unless it has reached its intended destination and specific security codes (that are generated by the supervisor on its arrival) are used, or if it is brought back to the depot.

The system’s customisable capabilities don’t end there, though. Organisations can also leverage transgression detection, such as noting that a door is open while the vehicle is moving. With its alarm dashboard, a logistics manager or supervisor can garner a birds-eye view (with event enabled zoom in) of the cargo and its movements for analysis at a later stage.

Despatch managers can override the lock with an RFID card at the main warehouse to speed up loading and offloading. Further intelligence can be built into the system with the addition of an RFID antenna that can track what goods are offloaded at each delivery point. This information is then sent back to the system.

“Fitting this device to delivery vehicles radically reduces the probability of internally orchestrated loss and theft, and increases the time needed to enter the vehicle in a hijacking situation.

“It is also able to provide an accurate recording of environmental factors such as the duration that the door is open, temperature, flooding, humidity and vibration, as well as other critical conditions during transit and delivery,” adds Dreckmeyr.

“Ensuring the maximum possible security, the system will only respond to pre-registered mobile phone numbers using the GSM-based caller ID functions embedded within the Cell Lock system,” Dreckmeyr concludes.