Why is supply chain security important?
In today's global trade structure, the supply chain is not only the sum of production and shipment processes but also a critical system for businesses' reputation, operational sustainability, and customer safety. Any disruption in the supply chain can lead not only to delays but also to data breaches, product losses, or legal sanctions. Therefore, ensuring physical, digital, and operational security across all links of the chain is vital.
An insecure supply chain becomes vulnerable to threats such as product counterfeiting, theft, sabotage, cyberattacks, and quality losses. Many of these threats escalate during international transportation. Particularly for high-value goods, components carrying sensitive data, or products containing hazardous materials, the risk level increases significantly. Hence, companies must consider supply chain management not only as logistics but also as part of a corporate risk strategy.
Scope and application areas of ISO 28001
ISO 28001 is an international standard developed to enhance supply chain security. It provides a comprehensive management system on how security should be managed throughout the processes involving manufacturers, suppliers, logistics providers, and final distributors. ISO 28001 covers not only physical transportation processes but also document security, access control to digital systems, and subcontractor relationship audits.
Its application area is quite broad. Companies engaged in road, sea, air, and rail transportation can implement this standard. Similarly, large manufacturing plants, bonded warehouses, international distribution centers, and all organizations involved in cross-border trade can benefit from ISO 28001. The standard is based on systematic analysis of threats and risks and developing preventive measures. Thus, the supply chain becomes not only more secure but also more efficient, traceable, and sustainable.
Suitable for logistics operations
Includes security mechanisms specific to transportation, storage, and customs processes.
Covers the entire chain
All stakeholders from suppliers to customers become part of the system.
Assessment of physical and cyber risks
Supply chain management must now include defense mechanisms not only against physical threats but also against cyber threats. ISO 28001 provides an integrated assessment of both physical and digital security vulnerabilities. Physical risks include warehouse security, protection of transportation vehicles, product loss or theft; cyber threats include data leaks, system access violations, and attacks on supplier portals.
The risk assessment process begins with end-to-end mapping of the entire chain. Critical points are identified, and both physical and digital security threats for each stage are analyzed. Preventive policies, security protocols, and technological measures are developed based on these analyses. Especially, firms using cloud-based logistics systems need to implement additional layers to ensure data security. Physical solutions such as security cameras, access systems, and RFID controls should also be deployed.
Recommendation
Risk assessment should be updated periodically and re-evaluated according to the dynamic nature of both cyber threats and on-site risks.
Security protocols in logistics operations
ISO 28001 encourages the development of security protocols applicable at all stages of logistics processes. These protocols cover all steps from pre-shipment checks to security measures during transportation and post-delivery processes. Especially for international transport companies, these protocols must consider customs inspections, border crossings, and different countries' regulations.
Commonly used security measures include sealed containers, GPS tracking, digitization of transport documents, and verification of carrier history. ISO 28001 institutionalizes such practices to ensure readiness for audits. Personnel training, suspicious activity reporting, and emergency protocols are also integral parts of the system. Thus, not only product security but also operational continuity is guaranteed.
Transportation Security
Offers technological solutions for cargo traceability and protection of transport vehicles.
Personnel Authorization
Only authorized personnel are involved in the process, enhancing system security.
ISO 28001 certification process
Organizations seeking ISO 28001 certification must first evaluate their existing supply chain security processes and establish a management system compliant with the standard's requirements. This involves risk assessment, development of security policies, defining roles and responsibilities, and planning operational controls. Documentation processes follow, formalizing security objectives, procedures, incident reporting systems, and control checklists.
The certification process generally consists of three phases: preliminary preparation (gap analysis), system implementation, and certification audit. Organizations should conduct internal audits to identify and rectify deficiencies before the audit phase. During the audit, an independent auditing body evaluates the system’s compliance with ISO 28001. If all requirements are met, an official certificate is issued. This certificate demonstrates not only supply chain security but also a high level of corporate responsibility.
KIOSCERT’s audit infrastructure and approach
KIOSCERT provides an audit structure based on technical competence and impartiality principles in the ISO 28001 certification process. All security measures applied throughout the supply chain are thoroughly examined. Physical security implementations, cyber risk precautions, subcontractor management, access control systems, and data security policies are evaluated both on-site and through documentation.
The audit approach examines not only the existence of procedures but also their effectiveness. KIOSCERT focuses on real-time observations and case analyses to assess how the system operates in practice rather than just on paper. With its risk-based approach, it contributes to companies that aim not only to obtain certification but also to establish truly secure supply chains. Necessary corrective actions are taken based on the audit findings, leading to a final decision.
Impartial Audit
All processes are conducted impartially in accordance with international auditing principles.
Risk-Based Review
Effectiveness of field practices is analyzed, not only document control.
Systems compatible with international transportation
ISO 28001 is developed for companies that want to structure supply chain security not only locally but also globally. Different customs procedures, security inspections, and transportation regulations encountered in international transport force companies to standardize their security systems. ISO 28001 offers a universal security framework considering these differences. This framework allows exporters to develop specific security measures according to the countries they trade with.
Especially for companies engaged in sea, air, and land transportation, ISO 28001 addresses security requirements before and after transportation in an integrated manner. By complying with international security programs such as C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and AEO (Authorized Economic Operator), it facilitates global recognition of the supply chain. The standard covers critical issues such as container security, product traceability, international documentation, and carrier history verification.
Note
ISO 28001 provides a strong infrastructure to prevent delays in international logistics processes, accelerate customs clearance, and build trust with business partners.