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Maritime Logistics: An Integrated High-tech Approach to Port Security

DP World employs a sophisticated Vidsys technology platform to eliminate stovepipes and integrate myriad security solutions.

DP World London Gateway provides deep-sea shipping access to one the largest consumer markets in the U.K. Naturally, the task of keeping all of that safe from outside threats, while also balancing that important task with the need to ensure an efficient intermodal supply chain is no easy task. That’s because this facility routinely intercepts stolen vehicles, narcotics and illegal immigrants while working closely with local and London MET police, the U.K. highways agency and the Ministry of Defense.

Like any port terminal, DP world London Gateway employs dozens of methods and equipment packages to ensure safety. All of that produces an avalanche of data and information too broad even for the best of security watch teams to take in. From the beginning, the port sought out an integrated security platform to provide better situational awareness and data analytics capabilities. Eventually, they turned to Vidsys.

How It Works
Vidsys provides a Converged Security & Information Management (CSIM) software platform solution. CSIM software is a force multiplier especially for organizations with a large physical footprint because the software geospatially aligns information and assets into a single user interface. CSIM has five core areas of functionality: it collects, analyzes, verifies, resolves and tracks information. Eliminating stovepiped data streams, its rules engine and workflow tools give management the ability to pre-determine what data should be correlated and what should be filtered out. CSIM software uses filtering rules based on time, location, duration, frequency and type.
The term “force multiplier” is much used but often misunderstood concept. For Vidsys customers, it means that an organization might be able to reduce headcount in their security teams, but that isn’t necessarily what it is all about. Using personnel more effectively and empowering them with the right information and tools, a facility can increase its security coverage by combining technology and people.
Real port security doesn’t just involve what’s inside the fence. That’s because port authorities and terminals that were previously focused inside the perimeter can now collaborate with outside law enforcement and first responders. That interoperability enhances Maritime Domain Awareness. So, when a threat occurs it can be resolved accurately, efficiently and consistently.
CSIM provides the ability to manage situations in real-time. First responders, supervisors, IT staff and senior executives with authorized credentials can access CSIM from anywhere via mobile device (tablet, cell phone) for enhanced situational awareness. Mobility is more important than ever. A true web-based and open architecture platform, Vidsys is fully enabled for mobile users. Decision makers from a single organization or multiple entities can collaborate real-time and to share time-sensitive, actionable information both with executives and incident responders via mobile devices.
Colin Hitchcock, Harbor Master & Head of ISPS security at DP World’s London Gateway explained, “Through the Vidsys platform, we are able to extend our ability to monitor the port, our assets, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our security program.” The two-square-mile area port is surrounded by an 11 kilometer fenceline, creating a massive infrastructure to be monitored and managed.
Read the full article on Maritime Logistics here.
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