The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) Americas, is an association of security professionals and related business partners from high technology companies who have organized for the purpose of addressing the emerging security threats that are common to the technology industry.

A Serious Technology Theft Problem:
The rapid invention and development of high technology products during the 1990's has occurred at a staggering pace. Computer related products, memory, and other connectivity gear have become smaller, faster, more portable, more powerful . . . and more desirable. As efforts to protect these valuable components in factories and warehouses became more sophisticated, criminals began to target the products in transit and in traffic lanes. Theft incidents against freight in transit on a worldwide scale began to soar, and TAPA was founded to attack the cargo theft problems facing the high-tech industry on a collective level.

Cultural Issues Have Impacted the Theft Technology Products:
A number of social issues have contributed to the increase in theft of computer-related products in transit:

• Technology products continue to become smaller and more portable, increasing the risk of theft
• The huge relative value of technology gear enhances its attractiveness
• The discovery of the technology theft profit potential by highly organized, often multi-national criminals.
• The opening of world-wide distribution channels to emerging markets worldwide.
• The rapid expansion and growth of technology products manufacturers globally, and the increase in demand for high-tech products.
• In some cases, expensive computer devices such as microprocessors have replaced drugs as criminal's "currency" of choice, since it is not illegal to possess these products.

The Weight Problem:
Freight carriers and their insurance companies have traditionally reimbursed their customers for the theft of products in transit at the industry rate of about $9.07 per pound.

Technology products, however, have a very high value per pound when compared to other retail consumer goods. Consider:

• A thirty pound box of microprocessors has a value of tens of thousand dollars, but if stolen would only be covered for about $272.
• While companies have begun to negotiate full or limited replacement values for stolen products, this is not a good long term answer, as insurance rates or transportation rates will simply increase to absorb these business costs.
• Carriers, insurance companies, and technology security professionals are now successfully addressing these issues through TAPA participation.

A Movement Toward Standardization and Industry Change:
A major fundamental TAPA objective is to affect positive change in the security practices of the freight transportation and insurance communities as a whole. Recent discussions with executives within key freight handling and insurance companies indicate that this objective is being achieved, but there's work yet to be done. TAPA members can enjoy the satisfaction that they have contributed to some real business breakthroughs in the improvement of technology cargo security. The significant leverage and clout exerted by the 50+ TAPA member companies are having a positive impact in a few key areas:

• Major freight handlers are moving toward TAPA-recognized security standards for the care and handling of freight, and are recognizing the inherent value of doing so.
• The "TAPA" name is becoming recognized as a worldwide benchmark for the absolute best of class in security handling guidelines and practices.
• Carriers are assuming more financial responsibility for loss of technology products within their care, which result from insufficient security measures.
• Leading freight insurance providers are introducing more attractive insurance rates for those freight handlers that demonstrate TAPA security guidelines compliance
  

The Business Case For TAPA Participation:
Security departments within progressive companies have developed into true value-add organizations. Security professionals at high technology firms are often considered real business partners, providing valuable security advice and consultation to business unit managers - information and advice which can enhance the company's ability to succeed. Knowledge is power, and today's security professionals can gain priceless knowledge through TAPA participation which can translate into some of the following business benefits to your company:

• Reduced losses associated with transportation-related thefts through utilization of TAPA's comprehensive cargo handling security guidelines -- guidelines created with the assistance of literally hundreds of years of TAPA leadership's combined security experience.
• Economic benefits of more attractive freight carrier contract terms resulting from the implementation of TAPA's freight carrier's contract security addendum/(minimum security requirements).
• Reduced customer inconvenience and disruptions which result from a reduction in stolen customer shipments.
• A reduction in the incidence of lost sales or lost market penetration related to gray market or illegal product diversion problems.
• The combined leverage of over 50 of the world's largest technology companies at work to negotiate more favorable terms with insurance companies and freight carriers. Being a part of a "safety in numbers" solution to high-tech cargo crime.
• The benefit of having the technology industry's Best Security Practices at your disposal for the handling of scrap, addressing warranty fraud, coupon/redemption fraud, and solving other pervasive security problems.

For information on TAPA Membership click here!

Copyright contact: info@tapaonline.org