Violence has always been one of the biggest concerns of Brazilian citizens. Whether in large urban centers or even in small towns in the interior, the lack of security is undoubtedly one of the main problems of society. This reality affects not only the lives of ordinary citizens, but also companies from different sectors. The lack of road safety has proven to be a real challenge for companies that use our road networks to transport products.
According to data from the Public Security Secretariat of São Paulo, from January to May this year, the number of cargo thefts on São Paulo roads rose 17,5%. In the first five months of the year we had 107 robberies against cargo trucks, compared to 91 robberies registered in the same period of 2015. And the profile of victims has also changed: robbers have sought smaller companies to commit their acts. This occurs for a number of reasons, such as, for example, the fact that larger companies have taken security measures to prevent bandits from taking action, in some cases even using armed escorts to accompany transport.
Figure 1 – Smaller companies in the target of the robbers
Source: http://www.segurancabrasileira.com.br/category/roubo-de-cargas/
Security systems that use technologies for online tracking of trips or devices for tracking vehicles are a reality, but often far from the investment capacity of small businesses. A solution created at the Wernher Von Braun Institute of Advanced Technology in Campinas promises to reduce the incidence of cargo theft at accessible costs. They developed a chip that is one millimeter square and the thickness of a human hair. Made from grains of sand, this chip can be installed on boards of electronic products. In addition to continuous product tracking, this chip is capable of informing, for example, whether taxes have been paid or whether the cargo has been stolen, inhibiting the actions of smugglers and cargo thieves. The chip can also activate or deactivate electronic devices, preventing their use without proper unlocking. Acting as a true DNA of the product, the chip prevents cloning and counterfeiting and stores useful information both for use and transport. With the possibility of tracking through this chip, it is possible to verify the origin of the product throughout the logistical process. And the cost of the chip is just over 1 real.
It is understood that this cost may still be an impediment for some companies, in addition to its use being restricted to electronic products. However, this technology points to the advent of new solutions that will help to reduce the losses arising from cargo theft. In any case, smaller companies can commit to training their drivers or improving the hiring of third parties. Basic advice is in place to prevent theft on the roads, such as, for example, avoiding hitchhiking, not sleeping on the side of the road or on the side of the road, being aware of stretches of traffic with reduced speed and, whenever you notice suspicious movements, immediately inform the security center. monitoring or the police.
Authorities bear a large share of the blame for dangerous roads. While we do not have the necessary safety on our highways, it is necessary to be prepared, with good human resources together with appropriate technologies.
References:
<http://g1.globo.com/bom-dia-brasil/edicoes/2016/07/11.html#!v/5155097>
Henry Alvarenga
He has been working in consultancy for 7 years, with experience in more than 20 Demand Planning and S&OP projects, Logistics Network Design, Logistics Master Plan, Inventory Policies, Operations Strategy and Market Intelligence
