Technological advancements have continually enhanced people’s way of life. Today, e-commerce is booming. Everyone can buy products from any place in the world, without geographical limitation. This is made possible by the online stores and shipping industries. Customers will order goods then the vendor will collaborate with a shipping company to deliver the products purchased.
One of the most preferred means of shipping is water transport. After the shipping company receives goods from the seller, they pack the goods into transportation vessels, called containers. These containers are fitted with safety features such as liners or locks to ensure maximum protection of clients’ goods.
Security Systems That Enhance Safety For Containers
Containers usually have a sturdy frame. Therefore, most people are modifying them into houses or business structures. However, one concern that bothers users is choosing a shipping container lock system that ensures maximum protection. Although the structure’s frame isn’t easy to penetrate, it may be hard to look for the most suitable equipment to safeguard its contents from theft or vandalism.
Below is a list of systems that would help maximize the safety of your container:
- Surveillance Cameras
Video surveillance systems like closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras can be beneficial in ensuring container security. They easily scare off intruders, hence securing your items. Additionally, in case of theft, they provide sufficient evidence of who committed the crime and the exact time the trespass took place.
Technology is continually improving the shipping industry. New surveillance tools are being developed to enhance visibility, remote monitoring, and overall efficiency.
Today, CCTVs incorporate features that can sense potential threats. The cameras allow behavioral recognition, 360-degree rotation, and motion sensing, to mention a few. CCTVs are advantageous since monitoring of property can be done remotely. You can see activity around the container through your smartphone or computer, no matter where you are.
- Alarm Systems
Alarm systems are another effective means to ensure security. If you’re using the container as a structure for a business or a house, you can use the common alarm systems made for homes. On the other hand, if you’re shipping cargo, you may need cellular alarm systems.
The difference between the two is the connection type. The standard home alarm uses a wired connection to communicate with the command center or control panel installed in your home. Contrarily, the cellular system uses wireless communication instead.
The wireless alarms and sensors are connected to cellular networks via a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. You can install the system into your shipping container when transporting goods via sea.
When someone is trying to gain access into your container, a siren alarm goes off, warning anyone around that there’s an intruder. Aside from that, the system sends you a message to alert you that someone is trying to break in.
- Container Padlocks
The conventional padlocks can also be used as protection. The stronger the padlock, the more efficiency. There are many types of padlocks, which have different keying options you can use for your shipping container. The shackle systems differ in construction. However, most are made of solid steel that prevents rusting, drilling, or cutting.
Heavy-duty padlocks are more recommendable. They’re well-built to help lock in your items and keep them safe. Additionally, padlocks with a key retention system are more suitable since they ensure you never misplace your keys. Even so, adding a lockbox is beneficial to enhance the efficiency of the locks.
- Lockboxes
Lockboxes elevate the security offered by padlocks. Thieves could use bolt cutters or crossbars to destroy padlock shanks or shackles.
The lockbox system, therefore, protects the padlocks from such destructions. The boxes are installed onto cargo doors by either welding or bolting. These are fixed in such a way that they cover the locks sufficiently. They aren’t too big to allow theft devices and not too small to prevent authorized personnel from opening the locks.
- Keypad Entry Systems
For container offices, you could have personnel doors for private offices or other sensitive areas. Homes could also have rooms where valuables are stored. In these places, you could add a keypad entry system on the door to enhance security.
To get into such rooms, you have to enter a numerical code to access the room. Some systems are keyless, while others incorporate both a keypad entry and a key lock. The two methods work hand in hand to ensure maximum security.
Conclusion
Shipping containers are strongly built to improve security. The containers are made of quality steel that guarantees the goods’ safety from the elements. The manufacturer also incorporates cargo doors, twist locks, and other features that maximize security while in transit. Because of its build, people today modify containers into offices or homes.
The basic security features from the manufacturer can be enhanced to improve safety for your items. A few tools you can consider are surveillance and alarm systems. You can also add keypad entry systems, padlocks, or lockboxes as security measures for the shipping containers.
Source: Container-News
