Supply Chain Security Programs : Comparing Authorithy and Business Certifications

Purpose of this paperA new topic that during the last years has come to the attention of researchers is supplychain security. Stakeholders are progressively realizing the importance to join the authorityregulations issued by governments (e.g. AEO) to reduce transport delays at Customs orother business certifications (e.g. TAPA) to reduce theft or counterfeiting. However thedifferences and impacts of security certifications are not always well understood. Thispaper has the main purpose to explore similarities and diversities of security certificationsand to identify their effects on supply chain efficiency and security.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on a system-theoretical approach to describe security certifications,make a comparative analysis and deduct their impact on transport operations. The researchdesign is primarily based on a literature search.FindingsThe findings put in evidence that authority and business security certifications can becomplementary. Moreover transport operators and legislative bodies are recommended toinitiate collaboration experiences.Research limitations/implications (if applicable)The comparative analysis will only focus on three main European certifications: theAuthorized Economic Operator (AEO), the Freight Security Requirements and theTrucking Security Requirements issued by the Transported Assets Protection Associationin Europe (TAPA EMEA).Practical implications (if applicable)The analysis proposed in this paper may support logistics and supply chain managers in theanalysis and comparison of authority and business certifications for decision-making.What is original/value of paperPrevious research focuses only on the impact of authority security certification programson transport operations. None of the known literature makes a comparative analysis withexisting business certifications to enlighten the different impact on security and efficiency.Sponsorship:VINNOVA