...Says Rajesh Kumar Banka, Managing Director, Safcon Seals Private Limited, which is one of the leading manufacturers of tamper evident, tamper resistant, tamper proof security seals in Asia Pacific.

Security today has become a global concern. How widespread is the awareness for these products?

Security has indeed become a global concern in today’s world. The importance of security seal has also seen a slow and gradual acceptance as the best solution. For example, a decade ago, the need for anti-virus software was considered optional for PCs, but today it has become a necessity. Similarly people were aware security seals but are not using them as it was deemed unnecessary. But with rising costs, theft and adulteration, security seals are now considered essential.

Yet, cost is an important criterion, which impacts buying decision and also compromises the selection at times. For example, we have recently introduced a new security seal which is all metal in construction, withstanding 800°F temperature, provided with sophisticated barcoded serial number, to protect industrial HT/LT connection meters where the losses are in millions. But in view of the cost the seal is not finding enough customers.

How effective are these security seals?

Security seals are tampering indicating devices used to detect and report unauthorised entry and possibly discourage it. They must be inspected manually to determine if unauthorised access has taken place. A security seal does not need to physically resist entry. A security seal is not a lock. Security seals are very effective to protect revenue to safeguard utility meters and/or to protect goods from adulteration and/or theft in transit, provided that the right kind of security seal, from the reliable and professional manufacturers, is procured and used. For electric meter application, the purpose of a security seal is to protect the revenue by preventing unauthorised access for meter tampering.

Do these products have tracking devices?

Every security seal is provided with a unique serial number combined with security ID, hence provides accountability. Many of the security seals are now provided with barcode for easy tracking by barcode scanner/readers. Security seals are also provided with RFIDs, but they are very costly at present and we are working on making them most cost-effective for mass uses.

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

Yes. The security seal product range is very vast. There are many application areas where security seals are being used, e.g., electric meter protection, water meter protection, gas meter protection, liquid bulk tankers, oil tankers, trucks, wagons, chemical drums, medical and pharmaceuticals, retail departmental stores, etc. There are many areas where theft and adulteration problems exist, but no security seals are being used. We are doing continuous R&D and market research to detect theft potential applications and are developing and offering suitable security seals, while educating the same to the potential customers.

What are the security products relevant to the electrical industry?

Tamper evident security seals are mainly used on single and three phase electric meters, polyphase meters, AMR, trivector meters, smart meters, prepaid meters, demand meters, meter boxes, transformers, CTs, control panels, cables, etc., in electrical industries. There are various types of polycarbonate security seals, plastic security seals, metal security seals and security label seals available with us to provide right kind of protection to potential threats and to meet individual needs. Electric meter tampering is major problem worldwide and revenue protection and loss prevention is buzzword in electric utilities.

How strong/effective is the distribution network?

We sell security seals direct to utility companies or actual users and guarantee the privacy and integrity that a security seal demands. We also export our security seals worldwide and have established regular contacts with international organisations and agencies.

What are the company’s achievements?

We are the only company in India that does not just sells security seals, but also offers advice on how to implement most effective seal control system. After analysing the protection level required, the most suitable and cost effective security seal for the application is recommended. Factors considered in analysis includes: the value of the goods/revenue to be protected, nature of the product, past theft practice, possible method of tampering, period of protection, etc.

We were the first to introduce polycarbonate meter security seal for electric meter application at a time where most electric utilities were using age-old lead seals for the lack of a better solution. Lead seals, even then, served no purpose, other than existing as a statutory seal. Today most of the specifications for electric meter seal are derived from our Metgrip Polycarbonate Security Seal. Our innovation has entirely changed electric meter sealing system of our country. We have now introduced new generation meter security seals having barcode directly engraved on the seal itself. This provides for easy tracking, reading, recording and verification of the seals.

How is present business environment?

Business environment is good enough, though it is a little slow. For our product range, we regularly do market research and create new market and new customers. Due to our strong R&D and innovative application ideas, we do not find any hassle in securing business.

To sum up, I would say that the Electric Meter Security Seal, though a very low value product, is a serious product and needs proper attention in standardisation, procurement and disposal. A strong inspection protocol is a must to get desired results. If little attention is given, magical result can be achieved and huge revenue can be protected.

Safcon Security Seal solutions are used in a wide range of industry sectors, by some of the world’s most recognised brands across Asia, Europe, America, Australia and the Middle East.

Do you participate in exhibitions?

We are in security seal business and we know our potential customers. As a regular practice, we directly approach our potential customers with our products, samples and presentations to keep secrecy of the product from the general public. Therefore, we do not prefer participating in any exhibition.