Should any supply line in your logistics operations be at odds for a security risk, you could easily lose resources and stand to lose a considerable sum. The trick is to keep your supply chain running smooth, but also secure so that you won’t lose your hard work to the negligence of others.

You should start your intelligence gathering for security purposes with the facility in which your products are assembled or created. This facility needs to exhibit proper safety standards as if it was in your home country, or you could face negative flak from media outlets and customers. A facility that isn’t secure could also stand to be at risk for theft of your products, which for many reasons could be a disaster.

Security is hard to maintain when the country your products are formulated in is under war or general unrest. Fighting or regulations could shut down a factory in this instance, and without any warning at all. It’s worse than just losing money from the ordeal, you could also lose an entire shipment of inventory your business depends on for keeping availability to your products consistent.

Even when the products leave the factory, they may not be as safe as you would like. If the products are going to be shipped over the high seas, you will be making use of a port to get them from one location to another. This is a prime location for vandals and thieves to congregate if security is a lax issue. Visit the port to verify there are security personnel and equipment in place to deter such attempts at criminal activity.

Your logistics department should already be aware of security tactics the United States employs on all exports. If they don’t, you could be wasting time and money, and could face legal trouble. All exports go through a security check to verify they don’t have a dual use- or what is basically taking a consumer product and turning it into a military device. Things like ammunition obviously can’t be shipped to questionable third world countries.

In its simplest form, security should be all about responsibility. Always have a tight knit operation in which you check inventory and shipments at every opportunity. If you find that you have had a problem with security in the past, it’s time to shape up your business the right way, because in its current state it is very clearly flawed.

Closing Comments

Security can be outsourced if you don’t have the time or resources to do it yourself. A good third party logistics company should already have the qualifications to make security audits themselves, keep your supply chain running smooth, and assuring you the best in security when it comes to logistics.

Learn more about Wal-Mart Distribution and Distribution Logistics Partners.