TNT, provider of integrated express services, has become the first express integrator to achieve the ISO 28000 quality standard. The accreditation covers TNT’s regional head office in Singapore and operationsthroughout the Asia Pacific region.

The ISO 28000 certification covers a wide range of requirements for a security management system, including those aspects critical to security assurance of the supply chain. Supply chain security is a key aspect in the transportation of high value goods from the hi-tech, healthcare and automotive and industrial sectors – key focus areas for the Dutch express integrator.

The security of supply chains has come under focus by governments around the world, in particular the US, Canada, the European Union, Australia and New Zealand and others as an important step in countering terrorism. The problem however is that in most cases each country is taking a different route and implementing different requirements creating a nightmare hodgepodge of security standards for the various players in the supply chain.

A key benefit of being ISO 28000 certified, according to TNT Asia’s director ofsecurity, Tony Lugg, is that it takes the best practices from across the industrywhich means compliance with all of thevarious security regimes around the worldis virtually assured, or possible with onlyminor adaptations.

ISO 28000 builds on TNT’s existing certifications such as TAPA-A (Transported Asset Protection Association and C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) – which was re-validated for TNT

Express globally just two months ago. Tony Lugg, director of security, TNT Asia said, “Many of our facilities in the region are already TAPA-certifi ed and provide a foundation for enhancing our security architecture. Taking security to the next level, we made a decision to reassess and scrutinise our security network and embark on achieving the higher, more holistic certification that is ISO 28000. The certification process propelled us to draw up a framework to work through wider security issues – both upstream and downstream of the supply chain – in a systematic way.”

ISO 28000 extends TNT’s security system by taking into full account of the company’s business units and operations across the region and ensures that programmes are consistent with the TNT’s strategic business plan.

The ISO 28000 audit covered TNT’s integrated operational road and air solutions which included the Asia Road Network, cross border customs security and clearance processes. The audit also covered TNT’s tailor-made security solutions for its customers, which encompassed a risk based assessment of the customers business within the supply chain.

Onno Boots, regional managing director, TNT Asia said: “Our customer research has shown that customers, especially in the hi-tech sector, value the emphasis we put on security. In fact, they rate it as the second only to speed as the most important factor when it comes to transporting their goods. We have responded further to their needs by enhancing our security systems.”

In TNT Malaysia, some of the comprehensive security measures adopted and applied are CCTVs, installed at all operation centres located in Penang, Johor and Selangor, with full visibility and 24/7 monitoring by well-trained and highly qualified security personnel at the Asia Control and Command Centre (ASCCC) located in Petaling Jaya. Especially on the Asia Road Network, TNT’s trucks are installed with GPS and immobilisers which enable real time tracking of the trucks’ location and speed. TNT’s ISO 28000 certification wascompleted by TUV Rheinland.

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