Universal Guardian teams with Homeland Security to create software for supply chain visibility, protection; to comply with Green Lane program
Newport Beach, CA — August 17, 2005 — Universal Guardian Holdings Inc., a manufacturer of non-lethal protection products, systems and security services, has launched its ISR Systems' integrated and interoperable Transportation Security platform, which is designed to protect inter-modal transportation worldwide.
ISR Systems Trusted Shipper platform, developed over the past four years, provides visibility and security throughout the entire global supply chain, the company said. Universal Guardian said the Trusted Shipper system takes homeland security compliance expense and converts it into potential profits, which can impact the bottom line of any company that moves goods through international commerce.
Universal Guardian said Trusted Shipper has a SupplyChain Guardian radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging and Container Guardian GPS/GPRS enabled container tracking system, which combines configurable container modules, international data centers, and a supply chain and border security program. The provider said it provides an RFID cargo tagging system, tracks cargo container throughout the transportation system, monitors cargo container position and contents throughout the transportation system in real-time, and Trusted Shippers will comply with the new Department of Homeland Security "Green Lane" program.
"Our Trusted Shipper program begins at the source, said Michael Skellern, Universal Guardian's CEO. Working in partnership with foreign shippers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, our Secure Risks global security group provides investigations, security plan development and semi-annual inspections required to receive and maintain U.S. Dept of Homeland Security's [Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)' certification. We then incorporate our SupplyChain Guardian RFID tagging and authentication system at the source, and our Container Guardian smart container tracking systems, which is designed to provide increased logistics efficiencies and speed-to-market for its participants.
Today, less than five percent of containers are inspected. With increased threats against transportation infrastructure and apparent vulnerabilities of leading countries to terrorist and security threats, Universal Guardian's Secure Risks and ISR Systems subsidiaries, have been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, British Ministry of Defense Research and Development and the World Customs Organisation in Europe, to provide the Trusted Shipper program.
Imminent terrorist attacks or no, your competitive advantage demands that you secure your company's supply chain. Read more in "Supply Chain Security: Is Your Company Complacent or Engaged?," in the February/March 2005 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
For a look at how Tyco Fire & Security is tackling trade compliance issues in its global supply chain, see "Turning Global Trade Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage," in the August/September 2004 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
For more information on the challenges and opportunities presented by increasingly global supply chains, see the special in-depth report in the August/September 2004 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive, which includes the following articles:
- Making Global Supply Chains Work Supply and demand chain practitioners take on the challenges and opportunities of world marketplace.
- The Hidden Costs of a Global Supply & Demand Chain - Veteran industry observers warn of potential hidden costs of offshoring.
- Mastering the Complexity Challenge in the Global Supply Chain - While many companies are acting globally, they are still thinking locally.
- Ensuring Security of Supply in the Lean Supply Chain - Balancing the demands of security with the requirements of today's lean supply chains
- The World Is Enough - Making the global high-tech supply chain more accessible.
