C-TPAT Audit Checklist

An audit is a vital step of the C-TPAT program, designed to manage global supply chain security risks and enhance U.S. border security. Companies using it must verify the security guidelines of their business partners.

Digitized document software can make this process easier, streamlining document management for the entire logistics industry. Vector’s document software is used by numerous major businesses within transportation and logistics to digitize forms, documents and checklists.

1. Risk Assessment

Before embarking on your C-TPAT audit checklist, it’s vital that you conduct a risk analysis of your supply chain. While this may take time and patience, this step is necessary in ensuring compliance with C-TPAT programs.

Once your company has conducted its risk evaluation, the next step should be completing a supply chain security profile to demonstrate how you meet C-TPAT security criteria and achieve certification with this program.

Once your profile is completed, the next step should be digitizing all documentation. Digitized document software like Vector can make this task simpler by making it easier for you to locate what you need quickly. In addition, this technology also helps streamline workflows throughout your org chart by decreasing paperwork requirements.

2. Background Checks

After 9/11, the government created C-TPAT as a way of helping businesses protect their supply chains from terrorist activity. Under C-TPAT regulations, companies must assess suppliers and factories on an ongoing basis by conducting background checks as part of C-TPAT requirements and communicate with suppliers about security measures and procedures.

NJA assists CTPAT members in conducting an internal audit of their supply chains to assess potential exposure to risks, which includes listing countries of operation, modes of transportation used and facility layout.

Logistics industry processes often rely on paper documents, yet digitized document software can make finding documents during audit easier and streamline the process. Vector is the leader in this area and partners with many other logistic software providers to assist their customers manage their documents more efficiently.

3. Documentation

CTPAT is an incentive-based program that helps participants secure their supply chains from terrorist attacks. Established in response to 9/11 terrorist attacks, this collaboration of companies encompasses air, highway, ocean, rail, terminal operators as well as customs brokers and foreign manufacturers as participants. CTPAT provides many perks that make participating worthwhile for organizations.

Any company looking to join CTPAT must first complete an online application and a supply chain security profile, before U.S. Customs and Border Protection assigns one of their certified security specialists as part of this program.

Documentation is essential to any company. Digitized document software like Vector’s can streamline workflows throughout an organization and make it easier to find documents during audits.

4. Training

Once your business has become CTPAT certified, it will need to maintain internal documentation. For example, this might include keeping a list of employees who have access to your facility as well as visitor procedures documents and pictures of security barriers and equipment. Furthermore, card swipe records must also be maintained along with an IT manual outlining how best to secure technology assets.

Digitized document software like Vector’s can significantly streamline your c-tpat audit checklist pdf processes, making them more efficient than ever before. It is an especially valuable asset in the logistics industry which typically relies on paper for its operations. Search paperwork like you would search Google using Vector; plus it works with dozens of logistics software providers making it ideal for teams! And of course PDF files can also be uploaded.

5. Monitoring

CTPAT is an initiative to bolster global supply chain security and reduce terrorist attacks, offering businesses that participate a voluntary program with many advantages and incentives. Being aware of its requirements will help keep you compliant.

To meet these regulations, it is imperative that records and documents that prove your compliance are kept. For instance, card swipe records, photos of security and barriers, truck drivers’ license copies and validation videos of those granted entry should all be provided as proof.

Digitized document software like Vector’s can assist in the organization of these documents, making them easier for you and your team to find during an audit or inspection. Furthermore, this type of software also allows users to edit them to add or blackout confidential details, highlight and comment upon them.