Summary: This reference project review focuses on FP7-EUROSKY. The author of the review is Konstantinos Vasileiou, ILS. The original files are coded as CORE3009a, in the CORE e-library. More information on the project at: http://www.euroskyproject.eu/

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EUROSKY is an EU research project, focusing on the development of a Single European Secure Air-cargo Space. The complexities of the international air-cargo security make the risk assessment process time-consuming and inefficient for all involved stakeholders (business partners, carriers and forwarders to security authorities). In EUROSKY, the need for better, faster, and safer air cargo supply chains is addressed with the introduction of new technologies that minimize processing time and human errors, while maintaining a high standard for the mitigation of threats and risks. Two of the technologies that were introduced in EUROSKY are Support System for Security Clearance (SSSC) and Real Time Awareness System (RTAS). These technologies can be reused in CORE, possibly with a number of extensions and upgrades to address all categories of supply chains and not only the air-cargo ones.

Project outcomes of relevance for CORE: The following information might be reused in CORE Task 8.1.

The Support System for Security Clearance automates the decision making process about scanning a consignment by integrating heterogeneous data from a variety of sources and processing them by using risk assessment algorithms. The SSSC has mainly the following objectives:

• Eliminate the human factor from the decision making process, as it is a step that introduces subjectivity and increases the overall processing time.
• Control and record all the security milestones of the process, for a number of reasons (traceability of the risk assessment process, future reference, feedback, and training of personnel).
• Reduce the waiting/idle times to a minimum.

From a technical perspective, the system consists of a Database, the Risk Assessment Device (RAD), and the Driver’s Interface. Other interfaces can be added in case more input sources are to be integrated or if the scope of the system is to be extended, as it is the case for the CORE project. Moreover, more risk assessment algorithms can be added to the pool threat detection algorithms used by the RAD, in order to address the needs of different types of cargo. The components of the SSSC are presented in more detail in the following sections.

The Data Base (SSSC_DB): A database is used to gather all information regarding security data and should be fed in real time:

• Inputs from other databases: AWB message, AEO status, SPX / SCO status, driver’s DB, shipment characteristics, etc.
• Images about seals, composition, scanned papers, etc.
• Identification interfaces data.
• Inputs from devices / interfaces.
• Security record of each agent from previous shipments.
• National security information.

The Risk Assessment Device (SSSC_RAD): This component is the core system of SSSC, as it evaluates the risk profile of each shipment. For this purpose, it will be necessary to consolidate several layers of information, coming from the SSSC_DB. For example, in the case of a shipment, the SSSC_RAD has to be able to keep track of each agent involved in the shipment, the security status of the transporter, its physical characteristics, origin, destination, etc. By taking into consideration all these factors, it will be possible to evaluate the probability of each identified risk with quantitative data, and to assign some level of severity to it. Finally, the output will be a cleared/not cleared status for the scanning process of the shipment. The device is going to be used by the person in charge of the scanning process. The device can be handheld, and should fulfil the following requirements:

• Input: data coming from the SSSC_DB, the identity of the person who screens, time for the process, etc.
• Output: cleared/not cleared status. In case of the latter, further action has to be takes, e.g., the package may be screened. The output is produced based on SSSC_DB and risk assessment algorithms.

The Driver’s Interface (DI): This interface is valid both for SSSC and RTAS, and its main purpose is the identification of authorised drivers. The interface could be fixed and placed in the welcome desk for drivers at the terminal:

• Input: driver’s ID (could be combined with biometrics), relevant data and authorization.
• Output: driver’s clearance and slot for unloading the cargo.

The Real Time Awareness System (RTAS) has a twofold objective:

• Provide real-time updating of the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) of the cargo to the terminal.
• Automate the docking selection process for unloading.

As a result, the automation of these two processes improves the interaction between the Operations and the security processes relevant to the arrival of the cargo. The components that the RTAS is consisted of are described in the followings.

ETA determination (RTAS_ETA): This component calculates the estimated time of arrival of cargo, based not only on data integrated from the stakeholders before the arrival at the terminal (expedition time from expeditor, transport and stock time from transporter and forwarder), but also on real-time geographical data from the GPS devices on vehicles. An accurate ETA is particularly useful for cargo terminal managers and other agents in the supply chain for planning. In terms of inputs and outputs, the module operates as follows:

• Input: shipment track information and record of routes. Prevision of cargo activity in the terminal. Record of dock allocation. GPS data from on-vehicle devices.

• Output: ETA

The Dock Assignment (RTAS_DA): This component is responsible for assigning dock slots for unloading cargo from trucks, based on historical data and projection of the activity at the dock to the ETA supplied by RTAS_ETA component. Thus, this component provides the most up-to-date slot assignment, minimising infrastructure requirements and maximizing reliability and efficiency. Upon unforeseen changes to the activity in the docks, the drivers are notified and re-assigned, to minimise delays in the unloading phase of the supply chain process. The inputs/outputs are:

• Inputs: ETA and occupation of docks.
• Output: dock assignment.

Related Documentation – Project Deliverables – Dissemination Level PU: Public:

• CORE3009-EUROSKY Vision.pdf

Dissemination Level CO: Confidential, only consortium members and Commission Services

• CORE3009-EUROSKY D1.1 Final.pdf
• CORE3009-EUROSKY D1.4 Vision and Success Criteria v1.pdf

Web-site: http://www.euroskyproject.eu/

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