Security solution to eliminate escort system in cargo transport

By John Oyuke

Stakeholders in the cargo industry have come up with a new solution to eliminate the escort system and check the diversion of goods in transit.

The Radio Frequency Identity (RFID) customised solutions — already in use in developed countries — allow one to monitor goods in real-time, whether stationary or in transit, indoors or outdoors. The facility, manufactured by the US-based Hi-G-Tek Company for tracking sensitive and high-value cargo, has been introduced in Kenya by Navisat Telematics, a regional supply chain management company.

The technology, when installed by a business, will track and control, for instance, fuel tankers loading at the refinery, to final opening of the valve when unloading at the consumer fuel stations.

"If the valves open sooner, or if the tanker deviates from its route, the system sends real-time alerts to the company’s main dispatch, and text messages to the mobile phones of distribution personnel," Navisat General Manager Peter Echessah said.

How it works

Mr Echessah observed that with availability of the technology, oil marketers and manufacturers would not only detect where an asset is, but also it’s status — anytime, from anywhere in the region. He said the new facility is an improvement of the available car tracking and fleet management technologies.

"In fact, car tracking and fleet management solutions are basic to this technology and the market has responded positively," he said.

He said Navisat has received a significant purchase order for a broad range of the product said to have been developed at over $12 million (Sh906 million).

Echessah said some oil marketers and manufacturers are already using the technology.