SECURITY IS NO LONGER JUST RISK CONTROL; IT IS OPERATIONAL GOVERNANCE.

PUSHKAR GOKHALE, BUSINESS HEAD OF SECURITY SOLUTIONS BUSINESS OF GODREJ ENTERPRISES GROUP

ushkar Gokhale of Godrej Enterprises Group discusses how rising gold prices and supply chain risks are accelerating the adoption of advanced, integrated security solutions in India's jewellery sector. How do you view the evolving risk landscape for jewellery retailers, manufacturers and logistics operators in India? What specialised security solutions has Godrej developed for this sector?

Security risks in the jewellery sector have grown leaps and bounds as Gold prices have seen a significant upsurge doubling up in less than three years. Additionally as demand is going up, business is scaling up and inventory movement has been rising. The replacement jewellery market too is being fuelled by the rising gold prices. Newer risks such as insider access misuse, identity-based entry attempts and vulnerabilities during high-value transit are now significant. Our range features the Defender Aurum Pro Royal, India's first BIS-Certified Class E safe designed specifically for jewellers.

We've also expanded our portfolio with the Accugold Series, advanced gold testing machines that deliver instant, non-destructive purity analysis. This series is AERB-certified, ensuring radiation safety during operation

How are technologies such as Al, IoT and predictive analytics transforming store and factory security?

Integration of emerging technologies are the need of the hour. We are seeing that Al integration is making the Safes for Jewellers Intelligent and smart. Take the case of our state-of-the art integration of a fogging device: when the safe is attacked, the integrated panel triggers a dense fog to fill up the safe room within just a few seconds ensuring zero visibility for the burglars. The safe will also send alerts and calls to its owners through pre-programmed numbers, and even have a local hooter to ensure enough deterrents to avert a successful attempt. Similarly through our IOT integration with the jeweller safe, one can restrict access to the safe through an OTP which will be sent to the mobile number of the authorised person only.

How can jewellery brands maintain a luxury ambience while ensuring robust protection?

Security should enhance the retail experience, not get in the way of it. Solutions like the Defender Aurum Pro Royal in a rose-gold finish combine high protection with compact, premium design that blends effortlessly into boutique interiors. When paired with facial swing lane barrier and facial recognition systems, retailers can secure high-value assets without compromising thewarm, luxurious ambience customers expect. We have come up with concepts like Modular vaults which make it very convenient to build secure vaults by using BIS certified Vault Panel which can be assembled on site inside the jewellery store. These vaults can be customised as per the layout of the retail store and even save on space. One could even expand the vault if required without the clutter of having any kind of cement/concrete dust in an existing store as the vault panels can be brought inside the store and bolted together within a matter of 2 days.

How do advanced security deployments influence insurance and compliance?

Insurance providers increasingly expect adequate security measures and insist on certified equipment, monitored access and secure storage to approve coverage and set insured limits. Insurance companies can offer lower insurance premiums if such measures and protocols are in place. Even Ministry of Commerce & Industry, issued a recent Quality Control Order which mandates manufacture, or import and sale of BIS certified safes. The Modular Vault which is offered has to be BIS certified. An audit-ready digital access and fire-resistant storage can reduce premiums and simplify documentation.

How does Godrej balance standardisation with custom needs across boutiques, chains and manufacturing units?

We at Godrej regularly stay in close connect with our customers, conduct detailed research and then work on a process we term as User insights-based innovation. We also keep a track of the changes in the manner in which burglary attacks are being carried out. Since senior members of Godrej are a part of the BIS Technical committee, we are also aware of the required standards which need to be followed. This enables us to ensure a balance of standardisation and custom needs.

What future security trends should jewellers prepare for?

The number of fraud, insider crimes are on the rise as gold prices shoot up. Sometimes owners have to travel out of town for a few days and grant access to office staff. In such cases, new age technologies like AI and IOT can help. Even simply fitting a Biometric lock with dual control can restrict access even if keys are duplicated. OTP based locking solutions can come in handy. Even Artificial intelligence built into the safes can make it extremely difficult for a security breach to happen. One must not look at security as an expense but as an enabler which can significantly bring down the risk and ensure peace-of-mind.