Singapore, Aug. 25, 2010— The Astrata Group today announced it became the first global Telematics Company to have its GPS tracking unit the GLP100 and Astrata’s Geo-Location Software tracking software GLS, audited during TNT Express’s internal security enhancement programme of the TAPA’s (Transport Asset Protection Association) TSR level 1 internal compliance audit completed and endorsed by TUV Rheinland.
Astrata is currently the preferred supplier of GPS tracking equipment of TNT’s trucks operating on the Asia Road Network (ARN), which currently serves six countries and 127 cities in Southeast Asia and southern China.
Applying the TAPA Level One truck security requirements (version 2008), which is the current highest security standard for logistics road transportation, Astrata have worked in partnership with TNT security to develop additional security measures, which include electronic locking controlled by the Regional Security Control & Command Centre and CCTV cameras fitted to the vehicles which can stream live video to the control room operators.
The concept of the model designed in conjunction with TNT, is to have a secure linehaul trucking service between TNT’s depots and hubs throughout Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China, which are already, certified to TAPA ‘A’ standard. Ensuring that the security of TNT’s trucks to exceed the Level One standard makes the Asia Road Network, the most secure integrated road network in the world.
The Astrata tracking solution boasts real-time monitoring, secure communications, driver ID, two-way voice, immobilizer, remote switching of the horns & blinkers, panic button, cargo door sensor and electronic locking. It also features a ‘zoning’ capability to allow the precise monitoring and tracking of vehicles entering and leaving predefined areas or zones. These features were tested in the successful internal compliance audit carried out by independent audit company TUV Rheinland, confirming that Astrata’s GPS security tracking system deployed on TNT’s trucks complies with the highest standard of TAPA truck security requirements for road transportation.
Such a solution, the first to achieve the TSR Level 1 external compliance auditing, not only brings the obvious security and safety enhancements but it also greatly improves the quality of on time performance, driver supervision and reduces supply chain disruption through advance planning and real time monitoring.
Astrata’s CEO, Tony Harrison, commented: “The development of mobile, integrated security systems with full, real time tracking is where we see the future. Our R&D team has been extremely pleased with the results and are vary proud of TNT’s external compliance audit as being the first in world.
“For TNT, we have taken TAPA requirements a stage further by deploying CCTV cameras on the trucks. The cameras, which can be monitored remotely, observe the loading and unloading of a trailer, to ensure quality controls at all stages of the movement of consignments. The cameras are also used to detect if a trailer is being followed and the Control Room is able to alert the police immediately of an imminent attack on a vehicle”.
TSR Level 1 (Version 2008) is the highest security standard for road transportation and requires 100% mandatory compliance with all aspects of the TAPA standards. The additional security measures means that the trucks exceed the Level One requirements, which greatly reduce the risk of an event occurring whilst on the road.
Harrison went on to say: “We greatly value the partnership we have with TNT Express and the level of commitment they have shown in our working relationship. Our R&D team study hijack and other truck loss incidents and design solutions to mitigate these. Developing such new tracking technology with a leading delivery and logistics provider like TNT, makes a considerable difference to fully understanding and appreciating the real needs and demands that face such a company.”
The TSR external audit covers a wide range of requirements for a security management system, including those aspects critical to security assurance of the supply chain. This is especially relevant during the transportation of high value goods from the hi-tech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and automotive industrial sectors.
About The Astrata Group
The Astrata Group is focused on advanced location-based IT services and solutions (telematics) that combine GPS positioning, wireless communications (satellite or terrestrial) and geographical information technology, which together enable businesses and governments to monitor, trace, and control the movement and status of machinery, vehicles, personnel or other assets.
Astrata has designed, developed, manufactured and currently supports ten generations of telematics systems with units deployed worldwide.
Astrata is headquartered in Singapore and has offices throughout the world including the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For further information please visit: www.astratagroup.com
Notes For Editors:
The Trucking Security Requirements (TSR 2008 version) has been established to ensure the safe and secure transportation of any TAPA members (Buyers) assets throughout the world.
The TSR may be used in conjunction with other TAPA freight security requirements. The TSR specifies the minimum acceptable standards for security throughout the supply chain utilizing trucking and associated operations and the methods to be used in maintaining those standards. The TSR outlines the process and specification for Suppliers to achieve compliance for their trucking operations. It is the intention of TAPA members to select Suppliers that meet or exceed TSR compliance requirements.
The TSR Level 1 is the highest security standard for road transportation and requires 100% mandatory compliance with all aspects of the TAPA standards.
The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) is a unique forum that unites global manufacturers, logistics providers, freight carriers, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders with the common aim of reducing losses from international supply chains.
TAPA is moving quickly and effectively, promoting a worldwide security standard, sharing crime intelligence with its members and law enforcement partners and launching practical initiatives. Founded in 1997, TAPA has associations in EMEA, Asia and The Americas. Its global membership of over 500 companies report combined annual sales in excess of $900 billion. For further information visit their website at http://www.tapa-asia.org/
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