Abstract
In the present-day world, technology has developed significantly. Technological advancements have significantly improved information security and handling even though it has some privacy threats. To avoid loss of information through various means such as natural disasters like hurricanes, every organization should consider electronic information storage and handling. Although it is also associated with some threats, it will promise a strong information security and to some extent information privacy. Global Positioning System technology has significantly added to cargo visibility, an aspect that has led to a rapid improvement in the general cargo operations. This study gives an in depth discussion on how the Global Positioning System technology has been utilized, for example, how it has led to improvement in the cargo visibility and safety in operations. The report revolves around the activities involved in movement of cargo from the place of origin to the destination with much emphasis being given to application of Global Positioning System technology and its importance in cargo operations and trade in general.
Introduction
There has been development of different technologies all aimed at enhancing different operations in organizations. Although technological advancement comes along with some threats, the benefits accrued to it surpass them and hence the need to adopt and implement technology where possible. Global Positioning System is a technology that has become one of the most significant components in the cargo security. This technology has considerably contributed to improvement of the security level in the industry and trade in general.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technical spectacle which uses satellites that are positioned in such a manner that they transmit appropriate signals, which allows the GPS receivers to make calculations and display the speed, location and the time information to the users. Through the calculations, it becomes easy to locate where a certain cargo is from the GPS receivers. This is made possible through capturing of the signals sent. Through other technological combinations and software, the GPS receivers can display adequate information in a useful display format which facilitates interpretation and understanding.
Global Positioning System technology was originally used by the United States Department of Defense. Nonetheless, it is now currently used in various areas. According to Bragdon (2008, p. 10), the future of the transport and port security can only be promised through adoption of the modern technology. The importance of this technology has thus increased and it is now utilized in various ways. This study looks at the different aspects that are associated with Global Positioning System technology including its application, development and importance.
An overview of Global Positioning System
To gain a deeper understanding of the topic, it is good to begin with a historical background of the technology. Global Positioning System is not a new technological concept. It is a satellite-based navigation system that was developed in the early 1970s by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The initial purpose of the Global Positioning System technology was to enhance security in the military. It, for example, assisted in allowing weapons to hit their targets with greater precision. This was deemed to be an efficient technique that saved time and other resources such as finances. It was, however, later released to the civilians and utilized in many ways as discussed in subsequent chapters of this report. The major benefit of Global Positioning System technology is that it provides constant positioning and timing information anywhere in the world irrespective of location or weather conditions. Despite the fact that Global Positioning System has been associated with a lot of benefits, there are also challenges and drawbacks accrued to the technology. It is for instance deemed to be passive due to the fact that users can only receive the satellite signals and have not much control, that is, they don’t have power to manipulate the GPS technology because it is one way (El-Rabbany 2002, p. 1).
Literature Review
The concept of Global Positioning System has attracted a lot of people and thus much has been written in regard to it. In the international trade, the issue of security has caused great concern as the security threats increase daily. The major concerns are the issues of drug trafficking and security well being of the country and the citizens.
There are several security threats posed to the country through international trade. These include shipment of mass destruction weapons and other dangerous products. It also includes drug smuggling into the country through illegal trade. It is, therefore, necessary to have necessary measures to maintain cargo security in the country’s borders, ports and airports.
In the recent past, many countries have recognized the importance of Global Positioning System technology in promoting the cargo security. This has increased the efficiency and effectiveness of this method as various strategies are being invented day after day. In order for this method to become effective, it is advisable for the trading partners to cooperate in the implementation of this system in their operations. In case some of the trading partners fail to do so, the effectiveness of this security measure will be threatened. All in all, the technology seems to have gained considerable appreciation and a majority of individuals and countries have found it advantageous and are ready to support it fully. A good example is the Philippines where this method has been successfully implemented and the country has been enjoying the fruits of the technology. Through the liberalization of trade, many countries have seen the importance of cooperation for the sake of achieving success in the trading practices. For this reason, they have joined hands together in an attempt to improve the security of the cargo to promote efficiency in trade (Ritter, Barrett and Wilson, 2007 p. 129). This has significantly promoted the international trade through participation of various trading partners.
Research shows that the introduction of the GPS technology has significantly improved the security of the cargo world wide. Through application and implementation of Global Positioning System technology, various stakeholders involved in the international trade are in a position to track all the necessary information they need to monitor the condition, location and the security of their cargo. It is a technology that is utilized in all modes of transport, land, air and sea. In the air cargo for instance, Global Positioning System has been deemed to have significantly improved the security levels (El-Rabbany 2002 p. 144).
Xu (2007 p.1) asserts that due the various developments that have been experienced over the past few decades in regard to Global Positioning System, the concept has become known to many individuals including school children. It has been very widely applied in several areas for instance sea, land as well as air navigation, surveying, low earth orbit(LEO) satellite determination, flight-state monitoring as well as static and kinematic positioning among others. These are some of the ways through which Global Positioning System technology have been used.
Discussion
GPS technology is great because it is associated with a lot of positive attributes or benefits, which contribute to achievement of efficiency, effectiveness as well economy. These are positive aspects that enhance productivity and profitability of any business organization. Technology makes work easier and saves on resources such as time and finances.
Research has indicated that application of the Global Positioning System technology in the cargo operations has significantly improved and promised a high level of security. This is unlike the manual tracking system where it was difficult to locate an exact location of a unit carrying the cargo. The application of this technology has made it possible for employees in the cargo departments and the users to access many details about the cargo. These involve location, time and speed. These aspects make this system ideal for cargo security. Some of how Global Positioning System has found application are discussed below.
Applications of Global Positioning System
As stated earlier, Global Positioning System is a technology that has gained considerable application in many countries. Some on how this technology has been utilized include controlling illegal trade, Vehicle Fleet Management and Monitoring, combination with Geographic Information Systems and enhancing supply chain management
Global Positioning System and Illegal Trade
As discussed earlier, Global Positioning System technology has led to a notable improvement in the cargo visibility and security. These have helped in overcoming the problem of illegal trade which is a problem faced many countries. For example, Cameroon is a country that has been faced by many problems associated with illegal trade over the past, an aspect that has greatly affected trade in the country negatively (El-Rabbany 2002 p. 147). For instance, there have been some cases where the goods have been diverted back into the local markets illegally. As a result, the country experiences unnecessary competition which distorts the market system leading to losses and other inconveniences. The tracking of the goods in the country has for long been done manually. This method has proved ineffective in controlling illegal trade practices and thus a need to adopt more effective strategies or technologies. Conversely, the adoption of Global Positioning System technology has led to a significant reduction of these problems in the country. It has increased the security level as well as the cargo visibility (Xu, 2007, p.235). The country has now implemented the Global Positioning System technology fully and necessary installations have been made.
It is after the installation of the Global Positioning System that the authority is now able to track the cargo trucks after leaving the port all through to when they reach their destination (Ritter, Barrett and Wilson, 2007, p.247). Through this application, the authority is now able to track the location of a unit carrying a device or cargo at a specific time and hence be in a position to do good time approximations. The user can easily establish the location of the unit on a map using certain software. It has now become easier for the authority to avoid illegal trade by having a close and efficient tracing of the cargo from the place of origin until it reaches the destination. This is as opposed to the past where one only had to keep believing that some cargo in transit could reach the destination safely, without any form of control, only to be shocked that the cargo got stuck along the way.
Global Positioning System technology has helped in determining the authenticity of the goods being traded and hence minimizing chances of illegal trade an aspect that has affected the economy in different countries negatively.
Global Positioning System and supply chain management
Research shows that Global Positioning System has appreciably led to an improvement in the supply chain more especially in the international trade. With this form of technology, investors are now in a position to regulate their business activities as they can easily anticipate the progress in movement of goods from the producer all through to the consumers. For instance, investors can track the flow of certain exports and imports in a certain region. Such realization helps in making appropriate decisions while exporting and importing goods. For example, an investor may identify which region or country which will be better to trade with in terms of convenience and profitability to be achieved.
Global Positioning System technology has also led to improvement in the security level of the processes involved in the supply chain (Mintsis et al, 2004, p. 400). Through this technology, the owners of the cargo can be able to trace their goods from the port of origin to the destination. This has helped in security assurance to investors an aspect that is crucial in the business field. Supply chain security plays a pivotal role in promoting the general security levels of a nation. This is because trade is a usually a major component of the economy and its failure or success directly affects a nation’s progress. Insecurity perpetrated through trade in the different supply chain operations play a great role in contributing to insecurity of the nation at large and the vice versa is true.
Application of Global Positioning System technology in the supply chain has also increased the efficiency of the strategies applied in curbing insecurity in the supply chain (Bragdon, 2008, p. 16). For instance, FAST which gives security from the country from which the container originates up to the port of the United States as well as its release from the port to the area of destination within the country will be more efficient through this technology. Armed with the information from Global Positioning System receivers, it will be able to locate the cargo, estimate time and also the speed. All this information will be necessary for a successful application of this strategy. As a result, this close surveillance will ensure that no dangerous weapon finds its way in the United States. However, there are some security measures which call for bilateral agreements between the trading partners. For instance, the Secure Freight Initiative requires the trading partners to come up with an agreement. If not, this strategy cannot be effective if there is no agreement between the partners. The adoption of the Global Positioning System technology by all the trading partners will significantly help in promoting security in the country.
Global Positioning System and Geographic Information System
Another notable application of Global Positioning System technology is its integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to facilitate various security operations especially in the land transportation systems. The integration has been associated with a lot of benefits, for instance, improved accuracy of spatial data, economy/ low cost, enhanced speed in data transmission among others. This integration of these technologies has brought about an extremely strong technology that has enhanced coverage of a relatively wide area or region without major difficulties. Due to its effectiveness and the benefits that have been experienced using Global Positioning System technology, plans are underway to combine it with other technologies like cameras and mobile phones in an attempt to enhance security. It is also thought to play a great role in maximizing effectiveness and efficiency of the system as well as promoting economy through reduction of the different application costs (Mintsis et al, 2004, p. 403).
Information is, therefore, a crucial element in our world as it is the core that facilitates major operations in any organization. For this reason, there is dire need for establishment of measures aimed at safeguarding an organization’s information system. Privacy is also a key issue that should be looked at to give an organization a competitive advantage. To achieve maximum benefits of Global Positioning System technology in the trade sector and transport to be specific, there should be an effective integration of information and transportation systems. To achieve this, there should be appropriate strategic planning, for the information systems to meet the objectives of the transportation system, and the appropriate coordination of the systems and their functions.
Global Positioning System technology and Vehicle Fleet Management and Monitoring
Global Positioning System technology has proved to be extremely critical in the process of managing and monitoring vehicle fleet. This is mostly done in the urban and suburban regions from a central reference point. It is a technology that has gained considerable application due the advantages that have been associated with it. It has, for instance, been used in monitoring emergency vehicles such as ambulances, public transport vehicles, police cars among others. The purpose of this process is usually to keep track of the position of each vehicle at any given time as well as provide any other relevant information in regard to the movement of all the vehicles. Although Global Positioning System technology is used in conjunction with other technologies like beacons and radio transmitters, it is evident that its role in contributing to effectiveness of the process especially in regard to security cannot be under emphasized (Mintsis et al, 2004, p.401).
Stakeholders in Global Positioning System
There are various stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Global Positioning System each playing a given role towards allowing for success. For this technology to be effective, it is advisable for all the stakeholders involved to cooperate effectively to promote its efficiency. Each stakeholder has to play their roles to help in achieving the best in the process. If not, the results will be negative. There are several stakeholders involved in the cargo security. One of the main stakeholders involved in the cargo security is the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This agency is involved in securing the nation’s borders as well as protecting the members of American public from any threat which may negatively impact on their lives (Ritter, Barrett and Wilson, 2007, p. 47). Through the Global Positioning System technology, this body can estimate when they expect a certain cargo to arrive. This will help in preparations for the necessary activities such as screening among others. It is also possible for them to trace the speed at which a vessel is moving. Therefore, in case the vessel stops, for instance for illegal loading, the CBP is expected to advise or command for a more thorough search exercise on suspected cargo an aspect that would not be possible in the absence of Global Positioning System technology. This agency plays a significant role in protecting the country from any act of terrorism especially that which could be perpetrated through trade practices. As a part of the Homeland Security, CBP has faced tough challenges in its effort to fight terrorism in the country (Ritter, Barrett and Wilson, 2007, p.57). This agency applies a multilayered strategy to maximize the security levels. The agency has also embraced modern technology to maximize the security level in the country. Some of the security measure undertaken by CBP includes scanning of the cargo before clearing. Application of Global Positioning System has led to a significant reduction of these challenges.
Another stakeholder involved in the cargo security is the carrier. The carrier has the responsibility of presenting the necessary information about the cargo to make an appropriate tracking of the cargo while in transportation. For instance, the carrier’s information about the cargo should not differ from the information read through the signals sent through Global Positioning System. This information is also important while inspecting this cargo in strategic positions. It will also be useful in preventing incorporation of unwanted material with the cargo. This plays a significant role in the maintenance of the country’s security. The other duties of the carrier in cargo security is to assist in controlling the loading and discharging of the cargo. After discharging the cargo, it is necessary to alert the security at the destination so that they can track the cargo as it approaches. The carrier is also involved in issuing the bills of landing. These functions also play an important role in maintaining security in the country.
To maximize security measures through the help of Global Positioning Systems, it is advisable for the personnel involved in the cargo security to have an effective interaction. Best results can only be realized through effective coordination of activities involved in the cargo transportation. For instance, CBP must access the necessary information for it to be able to carry its exercise appropriately. In this case, the importer may give the right description of the cargo in question. This way, it will be easy for the CBP to detect any additional products in the cargo. In addition, CBP will be able to detect things like the mass destruction weapons which may be shipped into the country through the cargo. Thus, provision of wrong information may prove the whole exercise ineffective (Ritter, Barrett and Wilson, 2007, p. 221).
On the other hand, CBP must use the information given by the importers and carriers in ensuring the cargo security. This information can only be useful if used appropriately in checking for unwanted material in the imported products. The screening of the cargo will also depend on the available information. Currently, the Homeland Security has promoted interagency cooperation to maximize the security level in the country. For instance, the interagency visa revocation process has significantly helped in giving notifications on suspected terrorists and relevant supporting information to different agencies concerned. This has significantly helped in identification of criminal activities.
Global Positioning System technology has also contributed in the fight against the act of drug trafficking. Over the recent past, the issue of the drug trafficking has become common in the international trade. Most of the existing strategies aimed at curbing the drug trafficking exercises now seem to promote the drug trafficking practices. However, Global Positioning System technology has helped in reducing the cases of drug entry into the country (Ritter, Barrett and Wilson, 2007, p.101). The Global Positioning System technology has significantly contributed in security improvement. As already noted, it is possible to track the speed, the location and time information. This has significantly helped in security improvement.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is evident that the Global Positioning System technology has led to a significant improvement in the cargo visibility and security. This has led to an enormous improvement in the cargo security. This improvement has in addition contributed considerably to improvement in the security of the cargo in movement. The cargo in shipment is now more secure through this technology than earlier when it was subjected to adverse risks and uncertainties. By securing cargo while being transported, Global Positioning System technology also promotes the visibility of the cargo to the stakeholders involved in cargo transportations thus enhancing transparency. Both the visibility and security determines the reliability of the cargo movement to a great extent. The Global Positioning System technology has significantly led to an improvement in the level of security in the international trade. This technology has enabled different stakeholders in the trade process to be able to track the cargo as it moves from the port of origin to the port of destination. This is one of the major improvements in the cargo security. This technology allows the user to know the location, the speed and the time aspects for the unit carrying the cargo. This has increased the security of the cargo as it moves from one country to another. It is easier now to avoid entry of dangerous weapons into the country.
It is, however, clear that adoption and success of this method necessitate cooperation of all the stakeholders. It is advisable for all the parties involved to ensure that they have fully installed the devices required to avoid any inconveniences. By so doing, the cargo security will remain unharmed which will help in protecting the parties involved and more so the security of the citizens from any form of attacks and losses. Global Positioning System is a technology that can not be underrated due to the benefits that are associated with. The incorporation of other technologies with Global Positioning System has added to its value. The future of Global Positioning System is so bright and other inventions are yet to be made.
Reference List
Bragdon, C. (2008). Transportation Security. Burlington, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.
El-Rabbany, A. (2002). Introduction to GPS: the Global Positioning System. Norwood, MA: Artech House.
Mintsis, G. et al. (2004). Applications of GPS Technology in the Land Transportation System. European Journal of Operational Research Volume 152, Issue 2, Pages 399-409.
Ritter, L. Barrett, M. and Wilson, R. (2007). Securing Global Transportation Networks: A Total Security Management Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional
Xu, G. (2007). GPS: Theory, Algorithms, and Applications, 2nd Ed. New York: Springer.