Guest column Securing the homeland: Asset tracking in a layered security environment // by Ted Langhoff and Nishant Pillai

Published 31 March 2009

chain in order capture information — making them difficult to apply in environments that extend beyond the port or confines of a secure facility. To enable these devices to support end-to-end supply chain security initiatives, readers would have to be installed throughout a very complex and geographically dispersed environment that often spans multiple nations — an approach that is simply not practical using current technology and in the absence of generally accepted global standards. Other systems, such as GPS and satellite communications can be cost prohibitive. In addition, the current generation of sensor devices, which can be inserted or activated while a container is loaded for shipment, provide insight into potential tampering but can register false positives during the stress of transport and often lack the ability to provide detailed information on a possible event.

While the current state of technology may limit the use of asset tracking in initiatives designed to ensure the end-to-end security of the supply chain, DHS, through its Borders and Maritime Security Division, has launched several forward-looking programs focused on exploring and developing next-generation asset tracking and sensor technology that can extend beyond the port environment to support homeland security initiatives.

• The Advanced Container Security Device (ACSD) project involves developing an advanced sensor system for monitoring a container’s integrity from the point of consolidation to the point of deconsolidation in the maritime supply chain. The ACSD is a small unit that attaches to the inside of a container to monitor all six sides to report any intrusion or door opening, including the presence of human cargo in the container. If the ACSD detects an intrusion, it would transmit this alarm information through the Marine Asset Tag Tracking System (MATTS) to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The ACSD would also build in a standard plug-and-play interface capability so that users can easily integrate other security or commercial sensors (e.g., radiological/nuclear and chemical/biological) through the standard interface.
• The Container Security Device (CSD), which would serve as a precursor and bridge to ACSD, is intended to monitor the status of container doors throughout the supply chain, as the current generation of mechanical seals can be circumvented. The CSD is a small, low-cost device mounted on or within a container that can detect the opening or removal of container doors and report these incidents to U.S. CBP.
• The Hybrid Composite Container project is focused on developing a potential next-generation International Organizations for Standardization (ISO) shipping container, crafted from a light-weight and very strong composite material. This container would include embedded security sensors designed to detect intrusions from the point of consolidation and throughout the maritime supply chain. Composites are stronger than steel and 10 percent to 15 percent lighter than the shipping containers available today. As important, weight savings offer increased benefits to shippers — allowing them to load more goods per container (or have lighter shipments) to meet weight restrictions. Composites are also easier to repair than steel containers, which decreases their overall life cycle costs. 

In the years ahead, we can expect to see significant technological advances in the area of asset tracking and sensor devices. These advances will, ultimately, extend the presence of such devices well beyond the port to play an increased role in securing the end-to-end supply chain. Conversely, it is important to remember that asset tracking and sensor devices, alone, cannot effectively secure incoming cargo. As time and experience have proven, a layered security framework — combining advanced information, physical security measures, detection technologies, and intelligence that span the length of the supply chain and provide coverage at all points of vulnerability - offers the best defense for ensuring the safety of cargo entering our ports and, ultimately, protecting the homeland.

Ted Langhoff is Practice Director, Cargo and Port Security Practice at Unisys; Nishant Pillai is Director, Cargo and Port Security Practice at Unisys