Gate access system heightens Ortia security

AFTER MORE than a year in operation, the new cargo permit system at OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia) in Johannesburg has met with approval from the airfreight industry – and is described as having had a positive impact for the cargo industry. “Since inception at the end of 2006, various modules have been added to the system, specifically the cargo control system,” said Marius Louw of the designing company, ID Verification Systems (IVS). “With the cargo control system, warehouses can check-in and print barcodes, dispatch cargo, do warehouse stock-takes, communicate with clients and much more – whilst still verifying permits for individuals in real time.” With each check-in of cargo, barcode stickers are printed, and the agent notified by e-mail and SMS of the check-in and cargo availability. “This,” Louw told FTW, “enables agents to dispatch trucks more quickly to the warehouse for collections. “A full history of cargo collected – by whom, what time and date – is obtained live from the system either by the agent or warehouse.” A further module has just been added – in line with the planning behind the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Airports Company of SA (Acsa), the SA Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and the Air Cargo Operators' Committee (Acoc). “During mid-June,” said Louw, “an active IVS gate access system was installed at the main cargo gate at Ortia. “Training of the appointed airport security company started at the end of June, and the system is due to be fully operational by mid-July.” It is designed to allow faster access to the cargo section, with the agents and authorities able to receive real-time gate access reports. This assists in controlling their staff movement, and adds further security. “A dedicated vehicle lane was also identified at the Ortia cargo terminal, which will be allocated for use by valid Acsa and IVS permit holders. IVS will be rolling out the system to Durban and Cape Town during July and August.”