Background

Based in Northern California, LYNX Logistics is a third-party logistics (3PL) company specializing in high-value assets. The company partners with the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), aligning with TAPA’s global coalition of manufacturers, shippers, and carriers to protect every corner of their 96,000-square-foot mixed-use facilities, which encompass 8,500 rack and bulk pallet locations. Strategically headquartered near the Port of Oakland and Silicon Valley, it plans to expand to major cities across the United States in the coming year.

President & Founder Francisco Garcia started the company with a 15-year background in product design and mechanical engineering. An early adopter of new technology, Francisco recognized the value that an integrated physical security system could bring to the organization, improving efficiency while going above and beyond in protecting cargo.

"Once clients see our facilities, they are assured. We don't cut corners on cargo security.”

The Challenge

Safety and security are critical for LYNX, which differentiates itself in the market with the real-time visibility it provides clients over their cargo. To meet industry requirements, the company must also provide accurate compliance documentation and assurance of timely deliveries. To maintain client satisfaction, the team proactively works to prevent and mitigate the risk of errors, defects, damages, and delays.

“At one point, I considered implementing container recognition software that could read container IDs. Today, AI-powered search solves this problem.” 

Why Verkada?

Verkada cameras, intercom, air quality sensors, alarms, and access control security solutions are seamlessly integrated behind the centralized Command platform, giving teams an all-in-one view of security operations – including cargo and containers.

"The container ID numbers are the heartbeat of logistics. Everything moves in them, and there's often a need to review camera footage to pinpoint exactly when a container arrived and left the facility.”

AI-powered search empowers LYNX to search for people and vehicles using freeform text within the Command platform. By typing in unique container IDs and vehicle information, teams can swiftly find and track a container's precise location and status. This reduces the risk of potential holding charges and administrative tasks, enabling the team to submit real-time data on the spot. 

“Using AI-powered search, we can quickly locate each container by its unique ID and know exactly where cargo is in the facility, as well as which employee unloaded each container, at which dock door, and for how long."

Efficient Tracking and Dispatch

Instead of manually sifting through hours of footage, the dispatch team can retrieve the footage they need by typing in container IDs and vehicle descriptions. In the Command search bar, they can enter terms like "[container ID] red truck between April 15th and May 1st” and specify a camera or location to narrow the search even more. 

"Tracking down a container in our yard now takes a fraction of the time. Instead of scrolling through hours of footage, we can easily find the exact footage we need in seconds. We can filter results via the entrance camera and see when certain crates arrived based on their container ID.”

Real-Time Cargo Monitoring

Every corner of the facilities is closely monitored by hybrid cloud cameras that oversee cargo from its arrival to its final storage location. Through a web link, vendors can see the whereabouts of cargo as it’s unloaded, transported, and warehoused within facilities. At any point in time, Francisco can remotely check the camera feed from the Command web browser or mobile app. He has set up motion alerts for unusual after-hours activity, to which he can take action and even automate responses with professional monitoring.

"We're proud to offer live monitoring to our customers, who can see as their cargo is unloaded and stored securely.”

Proactive Safety and Risk Mitigation

AI-powered search helps verify that safety standards, protocols, and policies are maintained. By detecting and addressing issues quickly, the team swiftly takes action to prevent accidents and equipment damage, proactively upholding a safer work environment. 

“We can check for employees wearing safety vests while working, or certain forklifts only being used inside and not outside.” 

Automating Visitor Management with Driver Check-In Portal

By U.S. Customs and TAPA certification standards, every driver must sign in upon entering the premises. Instead of relying on a pen-and-paper logbook, Francisco has turned Verkada Guest into a driver check-in portal. This digital record helps maintain compliance by facilitating the driver check-in process.

“Now, drivers can check in through the Guest iPad, take a photo, and upload their license. This process helps us comply with customs in a streamlined way.”

Streamlined Audits to Support Certifications

Checks and check-ins extend to cargo as well. With AI-powered search, the team can search for specific items, such as  medical device crates, to ensure items are properly labeled and container IDs are verified as they arrive and leave. This meticulous tracking helps maintain compliance with the FDA, US Customs and ISO certification standards.

"We're dually ISO-certified, TAPA-certified, and U.S. Customs-certified. All organizations were thoroughly impressed with our video security. When we present this package to high-level customers, they're mind-blown. U.S. Customs said, ‘Even we don’t have these kinds of security features.’"

Medical Device and Environmental Monitoring

A core value at LYNX is providing their clientele with customized solutions that exceed expectations. Air quality sensors help show that ISO certification standards are met for their medical device clients. LYNX goes above and beyond – tracking temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels to maintain optimal conditions. 

"The integrity of the sensors is important to us. What a lot of people do is put a sensor in the coolest spot in the facility, then manipulate the data to show consistent results," Francisco explains. "But we track everything honestly and transparently. We show our vendors the functionality behind Verkada’s sensor technology: temperature, humidity, CO2, indoor air quality, and beyond.”

Intrusion Detection, Response, and Alerts

LYNX recently transitioned its legacy alarm system to Verkada to bring all physical security management under one umbrella. "It just makes sense logistically to have our team manage everything through one interface.” 

Wired alarm sensors protect facilities at every access point, with the ability to alert staff of incidents like Door Held/Forced Open (DHO/DFO) and tailgating. Beyond real-time intrusion detection, Verkada’s professional monitoring service includes intrusion response from trained agents who can take action immediately to potential threats.

Visibility and Control Over Doors

LYNX has over 20 access-controlled doors, a requirement for certain certifications. By efficiently controlling access points and implementing real-time compliance checks, LYNX provides a protected environment for high-value cargo.

"We can track every single door, along with every person who accesses or tries to access them.” 

Gated Entry with Intercom

Upon arrival, visitors of all types buzz into the building using Verkada Intercom. Dedicated LYNX staff members can verify the visitor’s identity, answer the call, choose to grant them entry, and even unlock doors remotely with integrated access control. Entrance security is further enhanced with context cameras and real-time alerts for people or vehicles of interest. 

"It's not just about letting people in; it's about ensuring that everyone who enters our facility is verified and authorized. This technology offers peace of mind to both our team and our clients."

Multi-Layered Perimeter Security

Beyond the buildings, parking lots and perimeters are protected with License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, cameras, and alarms. The main entrance is followed by two buffer zones, each with its own gate, and includes License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras that track vehicles entering the premises. 

"We have a main entrance and multiple gates – all controlled through Verkada. The cameras are strategically placed, so we could even deploy tailgate detection if needed.”

Quality and Client Assurance

Auditors sign in via Verkada Guest before walking through the facility. At the end of their visit, Francisco shows them their guest log and footage of everywhere they have been in the facility. Once clients see the facilities firsthand, their decision becomes clear. "I truly believe that all we have to do is get people in here. The facility does the rest.”

AI-powered search capabilities further distinguish LYNX in the logistics industry, offering exceptional protection for high-value cargo. "Our AI-powered capabilities set us apart in the market. This technological edge is why clients trust us with high-value items like medical devices."

Looking Ahead

Francisco’s passion for new technology brings innovation to the forefront, setting the company apart in the competitive logistics industry. He has even built a special mount, which can peer into cargo vans while suspended from the loading dock.

"We believe in investing in cutting-edge technology to provide the highest level of service and quality for our customers. I love to hear, ‘Nobody else is doing this.’ It means our clients are doing their homework and we're doing something right.”

Their proactive security measures have built trust with customers and struck a chord with prospects. So much so that expansion plans are underway to open new facilities in major cities across the United States.

“We can continue to bring our security to the next level, from AI-powered search to future feature releases. We’re excited to try it all.”

See Verkada — and AI-powered search — in action with a personalized demo.