Logistics plays a key role in global trade and businesses. It makes sure that the products and goods reach the final destination and end consumers timely and efficient. However, the complexity of the logistical processes amplifies the risk factor due to worldwide distribution centers, warehouses, and transportation. Today, we’ll discuss the top safety and security issues in logistics; and tips on how to deal with them.
Top Safety and Security Issues in Logistics
The logistical industry experiences a wide range of issues and challenges ranging from natural disasters, accidents, and sabotage to theft and robbery. Some of the top safety and security issues in logistics are as follows;
Terrorist Attacks
The terrorist attack could result in the form of logistical infrastructure damage, disruption in the production and manufacturing processes, supply disruptions, and loss of human lives. Usually, the radical extremists target the main supply chain hubs and areas like; production plants, warehouses, facilities, and transportation routes.
There could be various reasons behind terror attacks like social, political, economic, or others. Countries and businesses involved in global trade are the main targets of such attacks. Therefore, they should pay great attention to the safety and security of the SC network and processes. Companies should beware of the risk of terror attacks and implement appropriate measures like the following;
- Developing an effective response system to terror attack
- Training employees
- Improving technical and physical security
- Analyzing and evaluating information
Sabotage
Sabotage is a severe risk and it results in the form of jeopardizing organizational reputation, financial loss, losing products and goods, and disrupting the company’s operations. The sabotage comprises of following;
- Over-reliance on particular products and transportation mode
- Disrupting transportation routes
- Manipulating and theft of products
- Warehouse destruction
- Damaging production and manufacturing goods
The source of sabotage could be inside the organization like dissatisfied employees; or external factors like competition, motivation, or belief of any individual, or various reasons and factors.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters pose a great threat to the logistical operations of the company like storms, earthquakes, and floods. Some of the steps companies should take to deal with the risk are as follows;
- Analyzing the weather conditions by employing the latest technological tools and equipment
- Diversifying the storage location and suppliers to decrease the risk factor
- Setting up a continuity business plan to outline methods in emergency situations
Information Misuse
The logistical method comprises of sharing sensitive information like goods value, quantity, delivery details, and others. It is important to save and protect this information, and companies should take the following steps;
- Launching security checks regularly to recognize potential weaknesses
- Employing software security for data protection and encryption against any form of unauthorized access
- Implementing a strict information access management policy with limited access to only a few personnel
Theft & Robbery
Theft or robbery is the other logistical challenge. It could be internal theft by employees or external theft, they both pose a great threat to the company. Theft results in the form of jeopardizing the company’s profitability and high insurance cost. There are various causes of theft;
- Inventor errors
- Disappearance
- Damage while transportation
- Improper management
Companies should take the following steps and measures to avoid the risk factors;
- Spreading awareness and offering training to employees about the significance of security
- Launching a monitoring system to track goods and recognize potential losses
- Taking physical security steps like employing security locks, fencing storage areas, and access control
Accidents
Accidents could happen at any point of time during the transportation of goods by air, road, or sea. The main causes of accidents are driver errors, vehicle maintenance issues, and weather conditions. However, when accidents happen, they result in the form of the following;
- Fatalities
- Injuries
- Jeopardizing cargo
Cyber Security Threat
Tech tools like inventory management software and information systems would help businesses and companies to improve their logistical operations. Misuse of information and technology amplifies the risk of security. Nowadays, the focus of businesses and companies is to deal with security threats like the following;
- Phishing
- Fake applications
- Hardware modification
- Physical intrusion into the system
- Illegally finding a username and online credentials
- Misuse of open-source information
- Exploiting configuration vulnerabilities
- Attacks on software
- Illegal access to the ERP system
- Malware attacks
There are various examples of compromise on the security system of the companies, and it resulted in the form of a lot of damages and losses. The focus of supply chain security is to avoid the risk factors by employing software, tools, and applications and securing the company’s data and information from the access of any 3rd party.
How to Deal with Safety and Security Issues in Logistics
Some of the main tips on how to deal with safety and security issues in logistics are as follows;
- Security cooperation with other businesses and companies to share information
- Business continuity management to quickly respond to risks and threats
- Reviewing and analyzing security measures and protocols regularly
- Educating employees to pay heed to suspicious activities and take them to the security personnel
- Analyzing risks consistently
Conclusion: Safety and Security Issues in Logistics
After an in-depth study of the safety and security issues in logistics; we have realized that safe logistics plays a key role in the growth of businesses and companies. If you are learning about the safety and security challenges in logistical management; then you should keep in mind the abovementioned elements and tips.
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