For its facility in the town of Hürth near Cologne, trans-o-flex has received certification from the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA). trans-o-flex had itself tested according to the TAPA FSR-C standard in accordance with the specifications of the globally recognised security organisation specialising in transport and logistics and received confirmation at the first attempt.  

The abbreviation FSR-C stands for Facility Security Requirement Category C. “This standard is more demanding than anything there is in ISO quality management in terms of security requirements and is the ideal basis for the further development of our security processes and technology,” explains Wolfgang P. Albeck, CEO of trans-o-flex. Albeck wants to make Hürth a model facility for further TAPA certifications. “It is the template by which we will gradually certify the other sites.” 

In Albeck’s view, the certification is a further step “to increasing the safety and security of all our processes and facilities in accordance with the most demanding standards. On the other hand, we can use it to demonstrate the high level of security we have already achieved.” For certification, all security-relevant processes must be described and audited annually. Firmly defined technical safety devices are required, which are also audited annually. Lastly, all persons involved in transport and handling must regularly undertake security training. TAPA, founded by discerning shippers, also has very specific structural requirements, such as fences or access regulations or video surveillance. In the run-up to certification, the Hürth facility was also equipped with a new video management system, which, for example, enables a targeted and rapid search for individual missing packages. In terms of yard management, the system also records every vehicle license plate number on site and simultaneously directs the trucks to the correct loading gate.