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, aligning with TAPA’s global coalition of manufacturers, shippers and carriers to protect every corner of its 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.

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

To meet industry requirements, the company must 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,” Garcia said. “Today, AI-powered search solves this problem.”

LYNX chose Verkada cameras, intercom, air quality sensors, alarms and access control security solutions because the solutions are seamlessly integrated behind the centralized Command platform, giving teams an all-in-one view of security operations — including cargo and containers. LYNX chose Qovo Solutions to install Verkada’s solutions.

“Upon meeting Francisco at LYNX Logistics and gaining insight into his objectives, it became evident that the ideal solution would be one capable of accommodating the company’s growth trajectory,” said Nick Kygar, sales director at Qovo Solutions . “Verkada was a simple choice, offering ease of installation for us and intuitive usability for the end user. Employing a phased deployment strategy, we ensured endless scalability at the site, aligning perfectly with our client's evolving needs.”

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.

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

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, Garcia 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.

“Our primary hurdle throughout the project was navigating the dynamic environment,” Kygar said. “As our client experienced rapid growth, we found ourselves constantly adapting to meet evolving demands. Leveraging Verkada proved invaluable, enabling seamless relocation of cameras within the warehouse and rapid alignment with the client’s evolving requirements.”

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, Garcia has turned Verkada Guest into a driver check-in portal. This digital record helps maintain compliance by facilitating the driver check-in process.

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, U.S. Customs and ISO certification standards.

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.

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.

Upon arrival, visitors of all types buzz into the building using Verkada Intercom. Dedicated LYNX staff members can verify each 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.

“I take great pride in our accomplishment of aiding Lynx Logistics in establishing a secure environment that can be effectively showcased to their clientele,” Kygar said. “This achievement not only facilitated the acquisition of new clients but also demonstrated a substantial return on investment. Witnessing their unwavering dedication to meeting the safety and security requirements of their clients has truly been remarkable.”

Garcia’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 containers and trailers while suspended from the loading dock. “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,” Garcia said.