GE launches hi-tech freight security system
the market following the successful testing of GE and CIMC's new
Tamper Evident Secure Container (TESC).
The TESC integrates GE's CommerceGuard container security device into a standard maritime shipping container, which, claims the company, makes cargo security affordable for manufacturers and shippers and protects container integrity throughout the supply chain.
Technology firm Unisys Corporation was the systems integrator and observer for the test. More than 15 different security breach attempts were made in mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States. According to Unisys, all 15 were properly detected and communicated by the TESC containers.
"The test results of the TESC project are very encouraging," said Greg Baroni, Unisys global public sector president. "Embedding the container security device within the infrastructure of the container enhances both the security and financial viability of this solution."
More than 90 per cent of all goods moved internationally are carried in containers, and more than nine million freight containers arrive at US ports alone each year. This represents an increase of 50 per cent from 2001, largely because of the proliferation of global trade and "just-in-time" manufacturing and retailing strategies.
Greg Burge, president of monitored solutions for GE's security business, claims that the future of global commerce depends on the ability of the shipping industry and government agencies to improve cargo security while streamlining the flow of goods.
In addition, the increased threat of global terrorism has raised awareness that these containers are a vulnerable point in the supply chain. On top of this, food suppliers and manufacturers are under increasing pressure from retailers to meet traceability mandates and from governments to fulfil new legal requirements regarding the tracing of shipments of goods. Increasing pressure on margins means that cost-effective supply chain solutions are now a priority.
GE says that the TESC solution is a combination of physical enhancements and an electronic integrated Container Security Device (iCSD), a technology that allows the shipper to arm the container using a unique, encrypted code after it is stuffed and sealed with a traditional bolt seal. As the container passes within range of the global wireless reader infrastructure - similar to common electronic toll collection systems - the iCSD tells logistics and customs officials where the container is located, when it arrived and if unauthorised personnel opened it en route.
This information gives manufacturers, customs officials and importers the data they need to determine if a particular container was compromised at any point throughout the supply chain. Because the iCSD, which is integrated into the doorframe of the TESC solution, uses public wireless communication infrastructure and a point-to-point approach, it's significantly less expensive to operate than other technologies.
"Supply chain security is critically important to our customers and the well-being of the global economy," said CIMC CTO David Wong. "However, until now, the cost of securing a container and building the necessary information sharing infrastructure has been cost prohibitive to exporters, which are competing in an extremely competitive global economy."
The redesigned container was developed jointly by GE and China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC), a leading manufacturer of maritime shipping containers. CIMC, based in Shenzhen, China, is the world's largest manufacturer of shipping containers. In fact, 50 per cent of all new freight containers are manufactured by CIMC.
The security device technology used in the TESC is licensed by GE from All Set Marine Security. The security business of GE Infrastructure is a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Electric Company focused on communication and information technologies for security, safety and lifestyle enhancements. It has operations in more than 30 countries.
