Q: How have jewellery logistics needs changed in recent years?

A: The jewellery logistics ecosystem has become much more organized, compliant and regulated. Earlier, movement across India was not as organized and logistics largely involved movement from one trader to another. Today, the service extends beyond the trader’s doorstep to retail customers and individual buyers. That change in customer segments has altered expectations around delivery timelines and the overall service. Traceability and visibility have also become extremely important. Earlier, customers did not have the same visibility into a shipment’s movement, but technology and track-and-trace systems have changed that. Regulation, customer segmentation and visibility have together changed the overall logistics scenario.

Q: What is driving the need for faster fulfilment in the jewellery industry?

A: One of the biggest reasons is the change in customer demand. We are now in a world of hyper-local delivery, B2C and e-commerce, where people expect to receive products with just a click of a button. The customer is the same; only the product is different, so the expectation for quick delivery applies to jewellery as well. Time sensitivity has increased. Gold and silver prices have also been fluctuating rapidly over the past few months and nearly a year. Because of these fluctuations, the importance of delivering a product on time has multiplied. As logistics service providers, we have to take greater ownership of ensuring that deliveries are executed on time.

Q: What are the biggest operational challenges for jewellery logistics today?

A: One of the biggest challenges is security. The value of the product has increased, so the stakes are much higher and the need for security has multiplied. Secure delivery has always been important, but it has become even more critical as values have risen. Time sensitivity is another major challenge. Visibility is equally important across the entire value chain, from bullion to finished jewellery. customers need to know where the product is at every stage, and logistics providers have to provide that visibility throughout the movement. The fourth area is regulation. Every handover, changeover and movement needs to be visible to the relevant government authorities. Documentation and paperwork therefore have to be clear, and processes need to support ease of doing business. The industry is moving towards a more regulated way of working, and we are seeing benefits from that shift.

Q: What role does organized logistics play as jewellery businesses expand across locations?

A: As jewellery movement extends from manufacturers to retailers and from retailers to end customers, the logistics requirement is no longer limited to trader-to-trader shipments. Businesses need a system that can manage movement across these different points while providing security, traceability and visibility. The logistics process must also account for on-time delivery and the documentation required at every handover. As customer expectations and the number of individual shipments increase, an organized and regulated system becomes increasingly important.

Q: How is technology changing the way jewellery shipments are managed? Is AI also playing a role?

A: Technology is being used at different points across the logistics value chain, not only for traceability. RFID, barcodes and scanning systems are now prevalent at handovers and changeovers. AI-based systems are also being used in security and vigilance, including at stocking locations and fulfilment centres. AI-powered cameras capture movement and help identify interventions, risks or potential threats. Track-and-trace technology is important for movement from one point to another, whether from a manufacturer to a retailer or from a retailer to the end customer. The movement needs to be verified through a proper communication channel, with visibility across the process. At BVC, we have worked in this area over the past 65 years and continue to upgrade our technology to meet market demand. A major part of our investment goes into technological upgradation.

Q: What is changing at the shipment level as the jewellery trade evolves?

A: Jewellery is becoming lighter, but the number of packages is increasing. As a result, transactions have increased, which is also driving up our operational costs. For logistics service providers, this means handling more shipments to move a similar kind of weight. Since the number of transactions has risen, the risk associated with them has also increased. Each additional transaction brings its own risks and potential threats, so it is vital to keep a close watch on every movement and package.

Q: What will be the key priorities and challenges for jewellery logistics in the coming years?

A: Faster fulfilment will remain a major priority as customer expectations continue to rise. The need is to move from delivery timelines measured in days to hours and, where possible, minutes. At the same time, reliability and security will be critical as shipment volumes increase. Technology brings opportunities, but it also creates new risks, as fraudsters increasingly look for ways to exploit systems. Logistics providers will need to make their systems more comprehensive and resilient, and ensure that standard protocols are followed for every package being delivered. Regulatory requirements may also increase, so adapting systems and processes to enhanced compliance requirements will be essential.

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