The perceived impacts of AEO security certifications on supply chain efficiency - a survey study using structural equation modelling

A new topic that during the last years has come to the attention of researchers is supply chain security. Stakeholders are progressively realising the importance to join authority regulations issued by governments (e.g., AEO) to reduce transport delays at customs or other business certifications (e.g., TAPA) to reduce theft. However the impacts of these certifications on security and efficiency are not always well understood. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relationship between these two constructs. The research design is based on a literature search and a survey with the European members of the TAPA EMEA association. By means of structural equation modelling the impact of security on efficiency is evaluated. The findings put in evidence that whenever security is enacted with AEO certifications, efficiency seems to be improved.