And expense is an issue. The reality is that many companies either can't, or simply don't, afford any of this protection. The operation of a bomb-detection and security program tends to be labor intensive, even after equipment and dogs have been paid for. Magnetic signature comparison scanning, using computers and special sensors, is proving to have substantial potential for explosives detection in the coming years. Fully developed, it may be more accurate and comprehensive than other methodologies, including a mixture of current methods.
Sniffer dogs have some serious drawbacks as well.
A handler is a necessity and, for maximum safety, a dog and handler have to be on duty at all times the organization is receiving mail or packages, or allowing people to enter the premises. That may mean seven days a week and 52 weeks a year.