From click to delivery: Security systems involved in the logistics process

Logistics and e-commerce go hand in hand. To ensure ordered goods are delivered to the right people, securing and monitoring each step of the logistics process is essential. In this regard, security solutions can play an effective role.
 
When you order something online, you set in motion the logistics process – the flow of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. To prevent risks that may arise along the way, for example goods tampering or fraudulent delivery, each step of the logistics process must be properly secured. Below we look at how security systems are involved in this regard.
 

Ordering

 
The logistics process begins with the click of a mouse as the shopper orders something online. Such transactions must be secured to make sure sensitive customer data does not get leaked or intercepted.
 
“The online purchasing process involves exchanging sensitive data, from payment details to personal information, which requires end-to-end encryption. To secure this, most systems today rely on advanced encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication (MFA) or other modern authentication methods such as password-less authentication to verify both the user and the merchant. In many cases, tokenization is used to replace personal data with unique encrypted identifiers, which significantly reduces the risk of exposure,” said Stéphane Quetglas, Director of IoT Consumer and Industrial Marketing at Thales. “Behind these mechanisms, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and digital certificates (areas where Thales has decades of expertise) ensure that communications and data exchanges remain authentic and confidential. In short, cybersecurity is not an afterthought; it’s built into the heart of modern systems.”
 

Warehousing

 
Warehousing is an important element in logistics. Since warehouses are subject to various security issues such as theft and unauthorized access, security systems such as video surveillance and access control are needed.
 
“Warehouses use dome cameras, bullet cameras, fisheye cameras for wide angle coverage and low light or night vision cameras for dark areas. AI video analytics can detect unusual movement. Warehouses commonly use RFID card, access PIN codes and biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition to control who enters and exits,” said Noor Ul Mushtaq, Head of Product Management at Nundlab.
 
He adds: “These systems track stock levels, record item movement, verify shipments and help detect errors or missing goods. They also link with RFID and barcode systems for real time inventory visibility. Intrusion alarms motion sensors fire detection GPS tracking for high value assets and cybersecurity tools to protect digital systems.”
 
[We’ll look at warehouse security in further detail in an upcoming article.]
 

Transport

 
While goods are in transit, multiple tracking/monitoring technologies must be in place to ensure the integrity of the goods.
 
“This is where Thales’ IoT solutions for Track & Trace play a central role. Our secure IoT eSIM/iSIM ensure that trackers can provide reliable data to logisticians by always connecting to the most appropriate cellular network. With this, trackers allow real-time tracking of devices and goods in transit. These modules continuously send encrypted data about location, temperature, humidity, and shock levels, ensuring full visibility over the shipment’s integrity,” Quetglas said. “If a shipment deviates from its planned route alerts are automatically triggered.”
 

Delivery

 
Finally, delivery marks the final stage of the logistics process. “Delivery staff scan barcodes or QR codes to confirm the right item. Customers provide electronic signatures or a one-time password code. Some services use mobile apps to confirm the exact time and location of delivery with photo proof,” Mushtaq said.
 

AIoT works wonders

 
It’s quite clear that AI and IoT, often known as AIoT, play a significant part in the process. “AI analyzes data to detect risks, reduce delays and predict maintenance. It can spot unusual activity on cameras or inventory systems. IoT devices collect real time data about goods environment and vehicle status. Together they improve visibility, accuracy and security from online purchase until final delivery,” Mushtaq said.
 
“AI and IoT are the backbone of smart logistics, but only when they are trusted and secure,” Quetglas said. “IoT sensors provide a continuous stream of real-time data, while AI algorithms process that data to predict delays, detect anomalies, and optimize delivery routes. For instance, AI can detect suggests an issue (from transport to delivery). By combining IoT’s connectivity with AI’s predictive power, underpinned by Thales’ secure by design approach, we enable a logistics ecosystem that is not only efficient but resilient and trustworthy.”