Research Paper Findings

Escalating security requirements force managers to think outside the box 

Recent global events, perhaps most significantly 9/11 continue to affect in profound ways the spectrum of our political, social and economic lives. 

Recently completed Signature Security Group research has examined the affects these events and the subsequent ushering in of a 'security oriented regime' have had on service providers, customers and regulators in the Freight Transport and Logistics industry.  

The research specifically expands on a number of different themes surrounding this industry, some of which included: 

• Security trends impacting the industry,
• Identification of perceived and real threats including national and company specific threats,
• Existing security measures companies in the industry are taking,
• Identification of future trends including suggested potential improvements identified during discussions with CEOs, Customs, Branch and Financial Managers. 

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Whilst most recognise and accept the importance of improving security measures, the implementation of the new regulatory environment immediately following 2001 was widely regarded as being hasty and fragmented. Perceived as "overkill", governments, industry groups and the community are now working in consultation to look for more sensible and effective solutions that appropriately balance risk against associated costs and resources.

Many factors have had an impact, many have led to increased costs and longer lead times and many people continue to ask questions about the efficacy of the new regime. We are all being challenged to think outside the box and focus on how to meet the new security requirements in an economic way whilst also maintaining the high level of service expected from our customers.

It appears that solutions may lie in a well structured blend of technology, education, training and accreditation. The solution is not simple, it is important and most now accept that security is a cost of doing business.

Part of the complexity is due to the fact that the problem extends beyond company specific threats to include national and international threats such as border and maritime security. Recent research estimated the economic cost of closing down all US ports for a period of 7-10 days would be $A75 billion. Melbourne and Sydney ports handle some $A115.5 billion in international and domestic trade every year[1]. With Al Qaeda's stated aim of focussing attacks on undermining economies with an economic dependence on maritime trade it is hard to avoid the realities and consequences of an incident - however remote those chances may be. 

If you would like to obtain a complimentary copy of the Research Paper, or to arrange a comprehensive, no-obligation security assessment for your organisation please feel free to call 1300 655 944 (Aus)/ 0800 186 086 (NZ).

[1] “Maritime Terrorism: An Australian Perspective”, Security Oz , May/June 2005, Ed: 35, p. 55