The year 2024 was a year of flexibility, connection, innovation and growth for Secure Logistics. General Manager Cor Stolk looks back on the most important events and learning experiences of the year and shares the strategic focus in 2025.
How would you summarize the year 2024 for Secure Logistics? And if you had to summarize it in one word, what word would it be?
“If I had to summarize it in one word, it would be connection,” says Cor. “That means connection between the different parts of our organization, but also between us and our stakeholders, such as colleagues, shareholders and customers.
An example of this is “the Chain of Trust” within which our added value for a reliable logistics chain becomes visible. Secure Logistics provides the EAN codes and ensures the identification of drivers upon arrival. In this way, we contribute to the image of the Netherlands as a reliable logistics partner. We have also strengthened the connection between public and private parties in the fight against crime, whereby we are increasingly able to translate the mutual needs of these parties into practical applications.
Cor continues: “We have further professionalized our services and raised the performance of our organization to a higher level. This year we asked ourselves and our stakeholders the question: ‘Does what we do – and especially the way we do it – still have value?’ This reflection provided valuable insights and enabled us to tailor our services even better to the needs of clients and to look to the future with a sharper focus.”
What were the highlights for Secure Logistics in 2024?
Cor: "We have made great strides at product and organizational level, which has also had a direct impact on our customers. We have proven that we can respond flexibly to changing situations, such as the successful implementation of facial recognition at the gates. We are also seeing a shift in demand for security solutions. Where crime previously mainly affected the larger hubs in seaports, we are now seeing that inland terminals are increasingly confronted with undermining. This was predicted, but is now also becoming visible through the questions we receive from inland terminals and distribution centers.
The launch of fingerprint biometrics in July was an important milestone. In addition, there were other notable highlights, such as obtaining ISO 27701 certification in early 2024, which makes us NIS2-compliant in Belgium, the launch of our new website, the implementation of facial recognition at customers, the XS-ID app and the use of Agile sprints in software development contribute to our progress." Cor further emphasizes: "The expansion of acceptance points, such as secure truck parking areas, continues and offers real added value for the transport sector. Security measures at the nodes in the chain are improving, but at the same time we expect that crime will increasingly focus on places between these nodes, such as distribution centers. This emphasizes the growing need for secure overnight accommodations. Using the CargoCard for access and payment at these locations offers both security and operational advantages for all involved."
What moments make you most proud?
Cor: "What makes me most proud are the moments when we were able to be successful by dealing with a situation in a smart way. At the beginning of this year, we were confronted with an unexpected supplier stop of one of our biometric hardware solutions fingervein. This made it clear that in this industry, even with a contract that regulates the end of the life cycle, you have no guarantees. Manufacturers can just stop, and then you as a user are left with the question of how to solve that.
The way in which a small team tackled and solved this challenge is something I am very proud of. What initially appeared to be a difficult situation became a source of energy and confidence. In a short time, we carried out a thorough vendor selection and set up an internal project team. Thanks to this joint effort, we were operational in July with a new supplier and a new product for fingerprint verification."
How has Secure Logistics responded to changes in the market, technology or regulations in 2024?
Cor: "Responding to changes in the market, technology and regulations is a continuous process. You cannot say: ‘we have solved it’, because while you are working on a solution, new changes, threats or players on the market are already presenting themselves. Remaining flexible and relying on our own strength and right to exist are therefore essential. Our goal is always to meet the demands of our stakeholders as best as possible. That demands a lot from our people; if you expect every day to be the same, you do not fit into this business. Every day brings new issues and challenges.
An important step in 2024 was the further digitalisation of identities, the XS-ID (personal level) and EAN numbers (company level). We are increasingly connecting digitally, for example via our app, APIs in access management systems or logging in to web portals of partners, without making concessions on e.g. privacy.”
Cor explains: “We are continuously innovating, but we continue to make conscious choices: what are the needs of our stakeholders and how can we create added value for them? The latter is crucial for us; our community DNA revolves around delivering added value to all players within the Secure Logistics ecosystem. Unlike other parties, we only build when there are concrete buyers. This ensures that our solutions really meet the needs of the market, now and in the future.”
What was an important learning experience this year?
Cor: “Good supplier management has become an essential point of attention this year. We have gained many learning experiences, and each experience has contributed to our growth and professionalism in its own way. In addition, we notice that our stakeholders, due to increasing legislation and regulations such as NIS2, ISPS and AEO certifications, increasingly need our support in thinking along and offering solution-oriented approaches."
What did you personally learn in 2024?
Cor: "In 2024, I learned a lot from Paul Iske's perspective: "Be open to the unknown and learn from the unexpected." This realization changed my perspective, both professionally and privately. I realized that things often turn out differently than expected, and that this does not have to be negative. It helped me to be more flexible and to see opportunities in unexpected turns."
What was a conversation or idea from 2024 that you will not soon forget?
Cor: "My favorite moments of 2024 were the informal conversations with colleagues during car rides to customer visits and meetings. Open conversations arose during those rides, during which I got to know the person behind the colleague better. One conversation that stuck with me was about personal values and how they influence our work. It was surprising to hear how colleagues view work challenges. These conversations gave me valuable insights into the diverse perspectives within the team and emphasized to me that Secure Logistics is truly a people company."
What is the focus for Secure Logistics in 2025?
Cor: "2025 will be a crucial year for us. The I&AM world is changing rapidly, and stakeholder needs will require us to make choices that will determine the course of our future. The focus remains on continuously improving (internal) processes and customer satisfaction, with the aim of delivering high-quality and efficient services. "We not only collect feedback, but also actively use it to increasingly align our processes with the needs of our customers.
Other essential points of attention are again collaboration and connection. Connecting the right parties enables us to respond quickly to changes and create new opportunities. This makes it possible to continue to optimally serve our customers and the sectors in which we operate.
Finally, we anticipate growth in distribution centers and warehouses in 2025 and are working on new solutions for occasional visitors," says Cor.
What is your message to stakeholders for 2025? What would you like to share with them?
Cor: "Brenda put it aptly in the Oliebollen special of Nieuwsblad Transport, and I fully agree: while zero-emission and sustainability rightly dominate the agendas, we must not lose sight of the importance of safety – and specifically safe access. Let us all ensure that the connection that has been built up in recent years in the field of safety and security is fully used to also address the safety issues that the energy transition will bring.
For 2025, I want to encourage everyone to continue working together on solutions that not only contribute to a more sustainable world, but also ensure a safe and reliable environment for everyone. Only by approaching both aspects with the same attention can we truly add value for all involved."
