Jason Wakefield, Sales Director at Todd Research, underlines the importance of an efficient mail screening system during the festive period.  

With Christmas approaching, workplaces are set to receive a seasonal influx of parcels and packages.

Increasingly, employees are opting to have personal gifts delivered to their offices rather than their homes to ensure safe and timely receipt.  

While this holiday convenience brings festive cheer, it also underscores the need for heightened security vigilance in the workplace, especially in the mailroom.

Experience in mail screening

Todd Research, as the most experienced company in the UK in this field, is uniquely positioned to address these seasonal security challenges.  

Having developed the world’s first mailroom x-ray scanner in 1973, Todd Research has a legacy of innovation in mail screening technology.

With decades of specialised experience, we’ve become a leading light on this subject, pioneering advanced solutions that are trusted by organisations across the UK and beyond.  

Despite the rise of digital communication, modern business environments continue to rely heavily on the delivery of physical letters and parcels, which makes the mail route into any organisation a preferred method for anonymously targeting individuals associated with a particular company or facility.  

This route provides a low-cost, low-risk pathway for terrorists, activists and those with malicious intent to disrupt operations, deter business continuity, or intimidate employees.

The mere deployment of dummy devices can be enough to cause disruption and panic, with minimal resources needed and little risk to the sender.

Different threats

Historically, these types of threats were often associated with activist groups targeting industries such as pharmaceuticals and medical research.  

Today, however, with the ongoing risk from dissident terrorist organisations and other motivated groups, the potential for misuse of incoming mail remains significant, adding a new layer of complexity for businesses that are already seeing more deliveries due to the rise of workplace internet shopping.  

This seasonal increase in mail traffic brings greater exposure to potential threats concealed within seemingly benign packages.

Without proper screening processes, workplaces face the risk of inadvertently accepting harmful items, from explosive devices to hazardous powders.

During the holiday season when mailrooms are more crowded and the pace is brisk, a lapse in vigilance could lead to serious consequences.  

To counteract these risks, effective screening measures—including X-ray scanning and detection technology—are essential for identifying potential threats without impeding the flow of deliveries.

These technologies are designed to swiftly process high volumes of mail, ensuring that genuine packages are promptly identified and cleared, minimising disruption while maximising security.  

Implementing comprehensive mail screening is not only about protecting employees and the workplace environment; it also safeguards the organisation’s reputation. In today’s hyper-connected world, incidents of workplace threats can quickly become public, causing lasting damage to a business’s image.

By investing in rigorous screening protocols, companies demonstrate a commitment to employee safety and operational resilience, a priority especially relevant during a season that draws employees together for holiday events and celebrations.  

Effective solutions

Moreover, by efficiently managing the increased volume of incoming mail through screening systems, businesses can better handle the logistical challenges that arise during the holidays.

Effective screening allows genuine items to reach their intended recipients safely and promptly, enabling employees to enjoy the convenience of workplace deliveries without compromising security.  

As businesses prepare for the seasonal rush, many are assessing the effectiveness of their mail screening functions.

This evaluation is essential to address both the volume of incoming parcels and the evolving threat landscape.

Investing in robust screening solutions now provides organisations with a protective infrastructure that will benefit them throughout the year.

By prioritising mailroom security during this holiday season, businesses reinforce a culture of safety and care, ensuring that the joy of the season can be celebrated without unnecessary risk.  

This article was originally published in the December Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.