Security at the source: securing today’s critical supply chain networks

Abstract

This paper focuses on the re-engineering of supply chain security processes of an international organization with global operations. This research project is based on a multimethod field study designed to evaluate, over a 12 month period, the implementation of a new security concept downstream of the central warehouse. During a 12 month field study, it was found that after new processes were in place, the organization was able to achieve substantial benefits, including increased velocity, enhanced security, and lower security costs. This research introduces the new concept of security at the source, which defines security as a fundamental criterion of quality; it borrows from quality management theory to implement a new perspective on supply chain security; and it offers a new avenue for researchers to further study this concept as a cost-effective solution to secure supply chains. The results of this research outline new processes for industries requiring enhanced security in their shipments due to the vulnerability of high-profile targets, such as high risers and transport systems, to terrorist or criminal activity.