DHL EXPRESS takes multisite into Africa
When, in response to members’ feedback, TAPA introduced its FSR Multisite option in the 2020 revision of the Association’s Facility Security Requirements (FSR), its aim was clear; to support those organisations using or adopting the Standard to support their security programmes across multiple stations and, ultimately, to grow the spread of TAPA FSR certified facilities globally.
First to react, not surprisingly, was DHL, the biggest single global operator of TAPA FSR certified sites. Its first Multisite certification covered 30 DHL International sites in the United Kingdom. Since then, other TAPA EMEA members have embraced the benefits of the Multisite option, notably DPDgroup in the UK and Schenker International Nederland.
Now, DHL Express has extended its FSR Multisite certification programme into its Sub Saharan Africa region with a further 17 FSR Level A facilities. Vigilant found out more…
How many DHL Express facilities in total in the EMEA region have FSR certifications?
In EMEA, we have 184 TAPA FSR A certifications and 55 TAPA FSR C certifications.
Will we see more FSR Multisite certifications by DHL?
The TAPA FSR Multisite certification programme allows DHL to be even more transparent by the regular quality assurance checks put in place. It clearly demonstrates to our customers globally our ongoing commitment to the highest levels of security within our industry. The requirements for single site and multisite certifications are the same, while the auditing method supports our security strategy to be compliant with TAPA’s FSR Standard.
All of these 17 facilities in our Sub Sharan Arica region were previously certified as TAPA FSR A and not all of the certifications had expired, but the decision was taken to conduct multisite certification to standardise the certification approach.
How long did it take to achieve the certification for 17 facilities?
Preparation commenced at the beginning of 2021. It was important to build a platform where oversight through the management system could be achieved. Facilities had to become accustomed to reporting online the outcome of their security inspections. The process entailed consultation with DHL UK colleagues who were the first to achieve a multisite certification globally. These highly-skilled and knowledgeable colleagues provided guidance on best practices and oversight. The processes might have taken a year, but the results are worth the effort.
What are the benefits?
Embracing the TAPA FSR Multisite route will drive cost and time efficiencies, and allow DHL to be even more compliant by the regular quality assurance checks put in place.
What have you learned from the FSR Multisite process?
Not only did we achieve the desired results through our AS ONE culture, but we also improved the quality of security in the SubSaharan Africa Region, which directly benefits our customers.
Will you add more facilities in the SubSaharan African Region to this Multisite certification?
As the global leader in terms of number of facilities certified to TAPA’s FSR Standard, we are constantly evaluating the most effective and efficient methods by which we can maintain our market-leading position, so as to provide our customers with the most secure supply chains.
DHL Sub Saharan Africa region plans to continue on this journey and to grow with TAPA, certifying further sites as we continue to invest in infrastructure and security.
What feedback are you able to provide to TAPA EMEA?
We were delighted to see the online audits, which fully align with DHL’s 2025 strategy of digitalisation. Improvement could, however, be made to the online portal as it is sometimes time consuming to save the work, and if the system saves the entries automatically, not all of the entries seem to be saved. This is an opportunity for improvement we feel.
Vigilant spoke to…
- Adrian Whelan, SVP, Head of Global Security, DHL Express, Global Security
- Jos Giele, Vice President Global Security Compliance, Global Network Operations & Aviation
- Theo Fourie, Director: Security and Occupational Health & Safety: DHL Express SSA
