Exel security standards achieve global recognition

Jo'burg warehouse gets TAPA A accreditation AN INVESTMENT of half a million rand in Fort Knox-type security systems at its logistics centre in Isando has paid handsome dividends for Exel Global Logistics which has just been granted the internationally recognised TAPA A security accreditation. After a rigorous process of auditing and systems upgrades set in motion nine months ago, Exel was last month granted TAPA A (Technology Asset Protection Association FSR 2002) accreditation, becoming the first company to achieve it in Africa. TAPA A is the highest achievable level in the three-tier accreditation system. "Because Exel's facilities hold high-tech equipment from the likes of Compaq, HP, Intel, Nokia and Siemens, to name a few, it is of paramount importance that the equipment is stored in an environment that these companies deem secure," says project manager Dave Botha. TAPA was set up several years ago by 20 global high tech companies including Apple, Ericsson, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Nokia and Samsung, with the express purpose of effecting positive change in the security practices of the freight and insurance communities as a whole. To achieve TAPA accreditation, companies are required to implement all the stringent security and safety standards stipulated by the association. "For Exel this involved an investment of around R500 000 in surveillance technology, access control systems, polygraph testing of staff, alarm and motion detection as well as electric fencing," says Botha. "By instituting this level of security, the company has also complied with the ISO 10011 specifications." Having achieved a 75% rating in the final audit, the challenge is now to maintain that level of excellence. Apart from an audit every two years, TAPA has the right to perform spot checks at any stage on any aspect of the security arrangements. "Exel is obliged to maintain security levels by engaging in pro-active maintenance through the introduction of an in-house detailed TAPA audit process which follows daily, weekly and monthly inspections," said Botha. In order to maintain TAPA requirements, Exel has employed a risk controller to manage security procedures on a daily basis. Exel is in the process of implementing the system at its stations worldwide. In South Africa, the Cape Town facility will be next on the list.