New security seal gets the SAB stamp of approval

South African Breweries (SAB) is set to implement a new security system following a successful trial run. According to Neil Thynsma, SAB primary distribution divisional manager, the trials for the use of indicative security seals on SAB’s taut liners saw shrinkage reduced. “Our customer feedback has been very positive especially in terms of the significant reduction in the ‘middle crate’ syndrome – where the contents of a crate in the middle of the load are stolen,” says Thuynsma. The new security system will see every taut liner load being sealed in a specific configuration – for the back trailer, six seals on the curtain (three on each side) and two on the ratchets, and for the front trailer, one seal on each side of the trailer and two on the ratchets bringing to 12 the total number of seals for each trip. Each seal is embossed with a unique number and either SAB or ABI. According to Thynsma the vehicle is loaded and checked under camera surveillance at gate security, where the driver signs that the paperwork and the truck contents agree. The security seals are then applied and their unique numbers recorded. “At the destination, the seals are checked by security and if there are any discrepancies or evidence of tampering, the load is offloaded, isolated and fully audited,” he says. According to Thuynsma, one of the advantages of the system is the time saved. “Fifty percent of the cost of a vehicle is its fixed cost, which basically translates into time. If a vehicle arrives with seals intact, which is most often the case, the truck does not have to be fully audited and is allowed to drive straight into the warehouse saving significantly on time,” he says. “This is in spite of the fact that random checks are still carried out on two pallets.” If there is any irregularity with the seals, any missing stock is charged to the transport contractor while in the case of the seals being intact but product missing, the depot can charge the factory. “This accountability is perhaps the most significant plus of the system,” says Thuynsma. According to Vikela Aluvin, suppliers of the seals to SAB, the trials were an opportunity to iron out any teething problems. “With more than 210 000 taut liner trips a year this is an account we take very seriously,” said Tanya Buitendach, Aluvin national sales manager.