Telargo, Inc., a provider of mobile asset management solutions, issued some guidelines for securing mobile assets to help prevent loss, theft or hijacking of equipment and cargo.
The company says that technological solutions available today that work with its system can provide several layers of protection for securing mobile assets. They include:
1. Alarm systems: A basic alarm system (similar to those on cars) for vehicles or equipment can deter a thief. An audible alarm can attract attention from passersby and alert security guards to a theft in progress. If the alarm system is tied in to local police stations, the authorities can be automatically dispatched as well.
2. Driver communication: For any company with drivers or operators on the road, having an open communication line is critical. In the event of an emergency, an accident, or a hostile event, the vehicle operator can notify authorities or dispatch. Communications can take the form of a cell phone, text messaging or CB radio but they must be two-way communications so that drivers and dispatchers can report issues.
3. Event notification: Many mobile asset management solutions have automated event notification capabilities. If a driver has become incapacitated, or is participating in unauthorized activity, an automatic notification can be sent to dispatch. Events could be commonplace, such as a vehicle idling for an extensive period of time or traveling at an unsafe speed, or more severe, such as an accident or an access door to hazardous cargo opening.
4. GPS: GPS is not just a navigational tool. It is also a tool for dispatchers and fleet managers to track the location of their equipment and cargo. This enables organizations to locate their vehicles at all times and have exact positioning information. Additional information can also be derived from GPS systems including idling times and rate of speed.
5. Geofencing: Advanced mobile asset management solutions should provide geofencing capabilities in conjunction with GPS. This enables dispatchers or fleet managers to identify the acceptable boundaries of travel for vehicles or equipment. If the vehicle or equipment is taken outside of its set boundaries (or fence) an alarm is generated. Dispatchers may decide to take additional actions that may include contacting the operator, notifying authorities or engaging an emergency engine shutdown.
6. RFID: RFID technology can be used to track cargo as well as people Drivers or operators can use RFID-enabled identification cards to gain access to secure areas, vehicles or machinery. RFID-tagged cargo can be located and traced as it moves from warehouse to vehicle to destination.
