Safcon Seals Private Limited is professional and leading manufacturer of tamper evident security seals in India. Safcon is one of a few of the handful companies in the world who provide complete range of security seals, be it plastic, metal, combination of plastic and metal or adhesive paper seals. Rajesh Kumar Banka, Managing Director, in this eInterview, explains the company's product range and achievements. Excerpts

Why does the industry need security products?

There is an alarming increase in illegal, criminal and dishonest activities throughout the world, which calls for more stringent and positive action to protect the environment in which we live. This has led to the introduction of many 'high-tech' products and systems invariably expensive and often the target for sophisticated interference.

What do petroleum companies, cheese manufacturers and television and mobile phone suppliers have in common? They have all had their goods stolen in transit. Unfortunately, they are not alone. Cargo theft has hit nearly every type of product worldwide. Fortunately, there are some practical forms of security, which are very simple, easy-to-use and offer an extremely cost effective form of protection. Safety requirements for transport and warehousing of goods have been continuously increasing over the last few years. Security seals are the first step towards more safety.

Another major revenue concern is theft of utilities like electric, gas, water, etc. The stakes in these areas are very high. Security seals play a very important role in preventing meter tampering.

How effective are these security seals?

Seals are tamper-indicating devices used to detect and report unauthorised entry. They provide deterrent against an indication of tampering, pilferage and unauthorised entry. Once locked in position, seals cannot be removed except by destructive means and broken seals cannot be re-assembled or re-used. Unlike intrusion or burglar alarms, seals report unauthorised entry after the fact. They must be inspected to determine if unauthorised access has taken place. A seal does not need to physically resist entry; in other words, a seal is not a lock. Indeed, some seals are made of paper or plastic and can be easily removed or cut off. Certain security products, known as "barrier seals" do provide a physical barrier to entry. Customised seals with serial numbering and company logo/name must be used to enhance security level.

The effectiveness of seals is strongly dependent on the proper protocols for using them. These protocols are the official and unofficial procedures used for seal procurement, storage, record keeping, installation, inspection, removal, disposal, reporting, interpreting, findings and training. With a good protocol, a modest seal can provide excellent security. On the other hand, a sophisticated seal used poorly may be worse than useless if naively trusted.

The product range is vast - what are the main application areas?

Our product range is very vast. We manufacture a variety of security seals for various industry sectors. Over the years we have specialised in electric meter seals, which protect revenue. Power theft in India is very high, which requires highest control. The theft cost is ultimately burdened on the good paying/honest customers by increasing the unit cost. In addition to the electric meter sealing, we supply security seals to high value products like FMCG, chemicals, drugs and pharma products, metal products, dairy, jewellery, petro-products, etc.

What is the USP of the product?

At Safcon, we strongly believe that every security seal has to do its job and hence, we ensure that every security seal which leaves our plant is 'Zero' defect. We check our security seals at various stages and we are proud to say that we have no complain about the quality of our product from any of our customers. 'Right Product at Right Price at the Right Time' is our USP and key of our success.

How strong/effective is the distribution network?

We are supplying our security seal products to actual end users/customers and we do not have any distributor or dealer for our products. At Safcon, we believe that security seal is very sensitive product and it cannot be sold onto the market place as of-the-shelf product. Each seal is customised with customer's logo and their desired code and serial number. We have our agents spread all over the world to serve our customers, but we sell security seals direct to actual users and guarantee the privacy and integrity that a security seal demands.

What are the company's achievements?

We have changed the electric meter sealing system completely. Previously meters were sealed with lead seal, which can be easily tampered and replaced without any tamper indication. We have introduced Polycarbonate Security Seals for the first time in 2001 and today all the specifications of meter security seals are derived from our product Metgrip Polycarbonate Security Seals. Though there was great appreciation for this innovative product when we launched it, but also a huge resistance due to the price difference with the lead seals. Gradually utilities realised the advantages, and Metgrip anchor push type security seal has become the industry standard today.

We are already exporting our products to more than 25 countries worldwide and we are the market leader in the field in India. We believe in quality and innovations and are gradually increasing our production to expand our customer base.

Any breakthrough product launch that made a difference?

We have launched many products from time to time and every product has made its impact in the market place. Metgrip is an example. Based on our experience and technical knowledge, we develop new unique range of reliable security seals as precise solution to many security and protection related problems, based on clear understanding of a customer's requirements.

How is present business environment?

The present business environment is a bit slack due to market slowdown, but we are expanding our wings to new territories, new areas with our new products, effectively battling the slowdown by creating new markets with innovative products and applications.

What are the future plans?

We are working on some innovative applications where at present no security seals are being used, but there is huge pilferage and theft. The Safcon new range of security seals is simple-to-use, low cost and offers appropriate seals for every application. We are going to launch some more innovative products in the year 2014, but would not like to reveal our plan at this stage. When we launch our new products, we will definitely share it with your readers!

Industries Served

• Airline/flight services
• Electric, gas & water utilities
• Electric meters manufacturers
• Mail/courier services
• Transport/logistics/shipping
• Petroleum companies
• Banks/carriers of money & valuables
• Weight & measurement equipment
• Bulk drugs, pharmaceuticals
• Chemical/agrochemicals
• Retail/departmental stores
• Testing laboratories
• Hotels, hospitality/amusement parks
• Hospitals/clinical waste management.

Areas of Application

• Utility revenue protection
• Access control
• Records integrity
• Inventory
• Ballot integrity
• Shipping integrity
• Theft prevention and detection
• Hazardous materials accountability
• Counter-terrorism
• Protecting instrument calibration and surveillance equipment
• Safeguarding consumer products
• Warranty protection

Rajesh Kumar Banka can be reached by email: rajesh@safcon.co.in