Roll-out of new airport access system begins

Online permits offer big security benefits JOY ORLEK THE ROLL-OUT of a new security card access system for shippers and freight forwarders collecting cargo from the public area of OR Tambo International Airport is imminent. It’s the culmination of several months of negotiation between the SA Association of Freight Forwarders, the Air Cargo Operators’ Committee and Airports Company SA, achieving what all parties believe is a secure alternative to the now defunct Acsa permit system. Developed in conjunction with Identity Verification Systems (IVS), it’s a self-regulated, internet-based card system that provides a high level of control. “We will vet the companies that register on the system,” says Acoc chairman Alwyn Rautenbach. “Each company will appoint one responsible person and a deputy, both of whom will need to authorise any access cards with photos and relevant details. This will ensure that security is limited to a very narrow band. “We will therefore be able to identify every person who draws cargo and establish whether he is authorised to do so. Because the system is online, the freight forwarders can manage it themselves and if a staff member goes on leave, his rights can be removed.” Anyone entering the airport to draw cargo will present his permit which will be scanned and logged onto the data base, bringing up the picture of the person as well as his signature, which can then be verified. “We as airlines and cargo handling companies are very happy with the process because we have a positive way of verifying who is taking the cargo,” says Rautenbach. But it also offers several additional benefits. “Because it is internet-based, freight forwarders can also now manage the productivity of their drawers and drivers. They can see when their truck enters the airport and when it leaves. If the staff member is still at the airport they can see at which warehouse he’s waiting to draw the cargo.” The system will be implemented in phases, with phase one involving a limited number of warehouses and clearing and forwarding agents. “This will help us to fine-tune the process. “We’ve agreed with Acsa that we will have a fast lane for permit holders and a second lane for those people who have to sign in and be verified with ID documents. Acsa will come up with practical solutions for implementation but in principle we have agreed to work together on this,” says Rautenbach. All parties have agreed that SA Revenue Service and the SA Police Service will have access to all information for any investigation or crime intelligence. “SAPS has also agreed to help us with the vetting of people to check criminal records.” While the airline and forwarding industries are delighted with the practical benefits in terms of enhanced security that are expected to flow from the new system, they are equally delighted with the spirit of co-operation with Acsa that has enabled them to come up with a mutually beneficial plan.