The short answer
Seal every opening with a tamper evident tape that leaves a visible message if it is lifted, give each seal a unique consecutive number, record that number against the consignment, and check it again at delivery. The tape shows that a pack was opened; the number and the record show where in the journey it happened. Used together they turn an unexplained loss into a located one.
The rest of this guide covers how to choose the tape, apply it, number inner boxes, outer cartons and pallets separately, and verify on receipt.
In today’s global supply chain environment, ensuring the safety and integrity of shipments is paramount. Whether you’re transporting electronics, pharmaceuticals, or other high-value items, security tapes play a crucial role in safeguarding goods from tampering and theft. Beyond basic sealing, modern security tapes incorporate features like consecutive numbering to enhance traceability and transparency throughout the transportation process. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively use security tapes for safe transportation.
What are security tapes?
Security tapes are self-adhesive tapes designed with tamper-evident features that make any unauthorized access immediately noticeable. These tapes can include visible markings, hidden patterns, and other features that change upon tampering. One advanced feature is the use of consecutive numbers, which provide an added layer of security by enabling traceability.
What security tape gives you
- Tamper evidence: an immediate visible indication if a pack has been opened. Tamper evident tape makes interference apparent; it does not physically prevent it.
- Visible accountability: an intact seal is easy to confirm, and a disturbed one is obvious to the next person handling the pack.
- Traceability: Consecutive numbering allows for easy tracking and monitoring.
- Transparency: Enhances the ability to audit and verify the integrity of shipments.
Using security tape on a shipment, step by step
1. Choose the right security tape
Select a security tape that fits your specific needs. Consider factors like:
- Adhesive Strength: Ensure it adheres well to your packaging materials.
- Tamper-Evident Features: Look for tapes that reveal hidden messages when tampered with or can be show a hidden UV message under a black light
- Numbering and Serialization: Opt for tapes with consecutive numbering for better tracking.
2. Apply the tape
Proper application is key to ensuring effectiveness:
- Clean Surface: Ensure the surface is clean and dry to maximize adhesion.
- Seal Points: Apply the tape across all openings and potential access points.
- Firm Pressure: Press down firmly to ensure full adhesion.
3. Use consecutive numbers for traceability
Consecutive numbering on security tapes enhances the ability to track shipments:
- Inner Boxes: Each inner box should be sealed with a security tape bearing a unique consecutive number.
- Outer Cartons: Use a different series of consecutive numbers for outer cartons. Keep a record linking inner box numbers to their respective outer cartons.
- Pallets: seal the pallet with pallet security tamper evident tape, using a third series of consecutive numbers so a pallet-level breach is distinguishable from a carton-level one.
4. Record and track the numbers
Maintain a detailed log to track all numbers used:
- Shipping Log: Document each tape number along with corresponding shipment details.
- Scanning: Use barcode scanning if the tapes have barcode features to automate and simplify tracking, this is available from Tampertech.
- Audit Trail: Create an audit trail to verify the integrity of shipments at various stages.
5. Monitor and verify shipments
Regular checks and verification are crucial:
- Inspection at Key Points: Inspect security tapes at various stages of transit for signs of tampering.
- Verification on Receipt: Upon delivery, verify the tape numbers against your records to ensure the integrity of the shipment.
- Report Discrepancies: Immediately report any discrepancies or signs of tampering for investigation.
6. Train the people applying and checking it
Educate your staff and partners about the importance and proper use of security tapes:
- Training Sessions: Conduct regular training on the application and importance of security tapes.
- Awareness Campaigns: Run awareness campaigns to highlight the role of security tapes in protecting shipments.
Transport sealing routes
If you have read this because you need to specify tape for a transport operation rather than understand it, these are the routes:
- Standard tamper evident box tape — the stock VOID construction, overt or covert, with sequential numbering available. Start here for general carton sealing.
- Custom printed tamper evident tape — your own message, brand colours, hidden UV print, barcodes and numbering formats where a generic VOID message is not enough.
- Paper tamper evident tape — the plastic-free construction for kerbside-recyclable board packaging.
- Pallet security tape — for the pallet-level seal described in step 3.
- Tamper evident tape for logistics and shipping container seal labels — where the seal has to survive a container journey or an unmanned hand-off.
- Compare the full tamper evident tape range if you are still choosing between paper and film, or between transfer and non-residue behaviour.
- Logistics and supply chain applications for the wider picture: totes, envelopes, vehicles and containers.