Developing a security strategy for Flanders’ inland terminals
We were pleased to be able to combine several Rebel areas of expertise for the development of a security strategy for the Flemish inland terminals.
Making inland terminals safer
In a nutshell, the brief from the VIL was to improve the inland terminals’ security level while at the same time taking the impact of the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) into account. The inland terminal operator market is a conservative one and this assignment was meant to promote both pro-activity and closer ties with the sea ports.
Two-fold challenge
We liked this assignment because in spite of having a lot of logistics and port related experience, we are novices when it comes to customs and security. The challenge was two-fold: on the one hand we had to come up with an adequate policy and on the other we had to expand our logistics knowledge by exploring other aspects in the logistics chain, such as security.
The Rebel toolkit
Apart from a tailor-made strategy, we also developed a complete toolkit which the inland terminal operators can use to go through the decision making process necessary to make economically sound choices concerning security (AEO, ISO..). The result was a broadly supported policy document and a generic toolkit which can be adapted to apply to specific terminals.
Good practice project
We are happy to report that this pioneering project has become a glowing example of good practice within Rebel Belgium. Bringing together different areas of expertise – modelling, (port) logistics, innovation and creativity – in order to develop a toolkit was a fascinating and instructive experience. It taught us not to rely on standards, or take things for granted. In short, we were being Rebels and that gave this project its added value.
