How IOT Is Revolutionizing Container Security

Internet of things (IOT) is simply defined as connecting two or more devices with communication ability with the help of the internet to solve a targeted business problem. In order to digitize supply chain and make them more secure, IOT has played a crucial role from assigning unique digital ID’s for identification to traceability for track and trace across the supply chain.

As per Shipping Containers Market research report (2020), seaborne transit was at 124 million metric tons in 2018 and observed a growth of 4.3% in 2019. This accounts for only 60% of the goods around the world, which is transported. Many transporters across the world suffer from the uncertainty of delivering containers in a safe and secure manner i.e. without theft or tampering. This issue of container theft and tampering is what led to IOT finding a meaningful business case in the supply chain and logistics of container freight.

To improve container security, companies like Sepio Products Private Limited have launched phygitial solutions like: –

1. RFID E-Seals and Connected Software –

This is a passive one-time use seal which replaces the traditional bolt seal on shipping containers. The high security RFID E-seal has an embedded RFID chip which allows it to be scanned with the help of a RFID scanner and match it against the TID number allotted to the seal and registered container. This TID number is unique in nature and cannot be replicated making the seal linked to the shipping container.

The RFID Eseal is also ISO 17712-2015 certified and can withstand harsh weather conditions and high pressure. The only way to unlock it would be to cut it with a metal cutter. This would mean that the seal will no longer be read and will display a ‘tampered’ status upon scanning.

The E-seal also comes with a proprietary software platform by Sepio, which allows customers to not only secure the container but also speed up the transit process by uploading all the shipping documentation on the platform and easily sharing this data with concerned stakeholders across the value chain. This makes keeping track of every shipment made with the E-seal easy and accessible with details like weight of the cargo and image of the sealed container.

The advantages of using an electronic cargo tracking security system like the RFID E-seal include a reduced insurance rate, reduced tamper and theft levels, faster transit time at dispatch and a database or log for important events in the journey of the container, which can be used for insurance claims or running analytics for optimizing operations.

The RFID E-seal is best used for use on seaborne container transport with scanning at every checkpoint from factory to the port for best results.

Also Read: Container Security and Theft Trends Through the World

2. Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems or Smart Locks –

Electronic cargo tracking system (ECTS) or Smart locks are active reusable locks with a connected software to give remote access to the shipper. Sepio has made this product available to their clients under the trade name ‘LogiSmart’. It allows the user to:-

• Digitize the Container/ Closed Door Vehicle– The IOT enabled smart lock connects to the internet using the in-built SIM card, which is configured with the lock. This allows the lock to actively communicate with the software throughout the journey letting the shipper know the exact status of the cargo.
• Provides Remote Access– LogiSmart allows you to restrict access to authorized personnel only. In order to unlock the Smart lock, an authorized person must have either of the following options.

1. RFID card
2. Connected mobile application to unlock
3. SMS to the sim present inside the Lock

Now, a company can have accountability by exactly pinpointing which method was used to open the lock and who was responsible in case of any interference.

• Secures the Container– This IP 67 rating lock comes with a customized wire length which can be used to secure the container’s door through the hinges and does not move or open unless it is unlocked or cut with a metal cutter. The smart lock is able to identify any security breach like an unauthorised open, wire cut, etc. and can send out an instant alert or notification to the authorised personnel.
• Track– Smart locks also come with an inbuilt GPS tracking device. The polling frequency for the GPS can be configured to send out status updates regarding the whereabouts of the container. An option to geofence the factory or route is also made possible by Sepio’s cloud solution. This enables the lock to be only opened in the geofence area, which could be your warehouse premise for example. Now a fleet operator can get rid of their GPS only tracking device and instead use a GPS cum security device which solves for not only traceability but more importantly cargo security.
• Notification and Alerts– The electronic cargo tracking system is a smart device which has the ability to identify the following and give alerts on the web and mobile application.
  1. Authorized and Unauthorized open
  2. Suspicious movement
  3. Idle time
  4. Prolonged lock open
• Analytics– Sepio provides a rich analytics dashboard along with LogiSmart. On the dashboard, companies get information and real time visibility on the movement of their cargo. The dashboard also keeps a record of all the goods and past shipments in one place. The system uses algorithms to provide analytics on fleet utilization, routes with most delays, areas which see high tamper attempts. Overall, it gives companies’ data to optimize and improve their logistics performance.

The LogiSmart smart locks are best suited for use on closed door vehicles and containers used for inland movement.

IOT devices like the LogiSmart have enabled supply chain 4.0 and now companies have a solution to the theft, tampering and traceability problems facing supply chain and logistics. In order to gain a better insight and guidance for solutions best suited for your business needs, you can connect with Sepio at sales@sepioproducts.com