New permit system comes up trumps in fight against crime

THE INCORPORATION of barcode identification of cargo as a feature of the new Air Cargo Permit system at OR Tambo International Airport has significantly reduced pilferage – to the degree that Air Cargo Operators’ Committee chairman Alwyn Rautenbach could not recall one incident in the recent past. The current ACP, which is now the only legitimate permit for the collection and delivery of goods in the cargo area of Ortia, electronically identifies the name of the person drawing cargo, his photo, his signature and the drawing company – all live and in realtime. The developers of the system – IVS – are now taking the process further and putting a lot of effort into the training of warehouse staff who need to understand the important role they play in the overall working of the concept. Customs has also picked up on its success and expressed an interest in using it to receive notification for cargo being drawn and to verify the customs process. “We will continue to hold discussions with them at the next ACOC meeting,” said Rautenbach. “If an interface can be made available to them, it could be used as part of the manifest acquittal system.” In the meantime Airports Company of SA (Acsa) has allowed IVS to set up handheld readers at the main gate. This adds value in that it provides information to freight forwarders and trucking companies who hold IVS permits on when their drivers enter the premises as well as when they draw the cargo.” The readers were installed three weeks ago and training of security personnel is currently under way. “It’s all about gearing warehouse staff to appreciate the importance of the permit – by scanning it and capturing the waybill data, the freight forwarders know exactly what cargo has left the warehouse and who has drawn it.” The only incident of pilferage that Rautenbach could recall involved the production of a forged customs clearance document where the cargo was released to the wrong person. “Clearly IVS scanning was not used in this instance," he said.