Safeguarding the Transport of Hazardous Materials
For example, the US Department of Transportation is investing heavily in testing new technologies to help safeguard the transport of hazardous materials. But terrorism is just one of the freight industry's security concerns. According to industry spokespersons, truck and cargo theft results in more than $10 billion in annual losses1.
To help prevent dangerous and costly incidents, Accenture Technology Labs, the technology research and development organization within Accenture, has developed Transport Security Services, a prototype that provides security measures throughout a truck's journey from the manufacturing plant to the final point of delivery.
Door-to-Door Diligence
Accenture Transport Security Services incorporates enabling technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and sensors, to make products and their transport environments intelligent and interactive. The prototype also builds on a system using embedded computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), as well as fingerprint and iris recognition biometric technologies.
Pick-up
Security starts with "smart" cargo. RFID tagged products know where they are, what they contain, when they should be dropped off, and if something unusual occurs.
Using chemicals as an example, RFID tags are attached to storage cylinders. When the cylinders are filled, they are passed through readers which update the tags with the type of chemicals contained inside and the customer order to which they belong. The cylinders are capable of sending alerts when they are filled with the wrong chemical or substance. Data is transmitted to a central processing hub which recognizes when an order has been filled, generates an order confirmation, and prompts the shipping department to pick up the products.
Drivers are verified the minute they enter the pick-up area by means of iris recognition technology. If approved, they are allowed access to the reception area to pick up the order.
The back doors of the truck are secured with contact sensors which automatically detect when the door is being opened and closed. Drivers must verify their identity using the fingerprint scanner before opening the doors.
Fleet managers are notified instantly if the truck door is opened by someone other than the driver or if the door is opened away from the authorized pick-up and drop-off locations.
In the truck, there is a small on-board computer, which:
- Provides GPS access for real-time location tracking.
- Requires drivers to identify themselves via a fingerprint scanner before opening the truck door.
- Monitors door sensors and the truck's location to identify alert conditions.
- Sends location and alert conditions to the fleet manager via a wireless network.
Delivery
Shipping and receiving docks have RFID readers installed that can verify and confirm the truck's cargo (via RFID tags) as they enter. The shipper receives notification that the truck has arrived and when the cylinders have been unloaded.
Benefits for the Long Haul
While security was the driving force for developing Transport Security Services, the prototype offers many other potential advantages for any company shipping high priced goods or containers, and for manufacturers concerned with supply chain management.
Using Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) and mapping technologies, Accenture's prototype enables dispatchers to set route parameters and alerts them if drivers deviate from established routes. With this knowledge, dispatchers can suggest alternative or more fuel-efficient itineraries.