In Brief

The Cardinal Sin

When it comes to supply chain security, experts say the biggest mistake is taking compliance for granted.

By Lauren Gibbons Paul

September 30, 2004 — CSO — When it comes to supply chain security, experts say the biggest mistake is taking compliance for granted. Just because you have worked long and hard to develop strong policies and procedures, don't assume they are actually being carried out.

"You have to check that they are being done and then go back and check again," says Dick Germer, global security manager for UPS Supply Chain Solutions, in Atlanta. Auditing is a way of life for anyone concerned with global supply chain security. You must audit employee behavior, not just as an internal best practice, but to remain in compliance with federal initiatives such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. And don't assume employees walk in the door knowing anything at all about security. Germer's company spells out several standard security practices as part of new-employee orientation. No one has to wait around for someone from the security division to deliver the message, either. "The operations and communications managers are taught to talk security as well," says Germer.

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