Computer LAB was set up in 1990. as a registered SSI unit, which provides one-stop IT Solutions and Services and adopts a distinctive approach for its clients in-house or off-site in the field of data entry, data digitisation for PDS under NFSA, printing of bar-coded Ration Cards, data processing, report generation, software development, revenue management, metering, billing, preparation of Digital ID Cards etc. Data Entry and Data processing alone combined together make up for 95 per cent of company’s revenues. With more than 25 years of experience and technical expertise of the promoters, it has been a part of implementing multiple projects like National Population Register (NPR), Computerisation of Land Records, Preparation of Voter ID Cards and Spot Metering and Billing. Its clients include ECIL, Food Supplies Department, Bharat Electronics, NESCO, FINO, OCAC, Hindustan Lever Ltd.

Challenges

While Computer LAB had catered to several key government projects, it realised that past performance did not have any bearing on awarding of new tenders. In the process it lost out to its competitors.

With new players coming up in the region and across different states, the attrition rate in the organisation also peaked, largely due to irregular cash flows, which impacted timely payment of wages and resulted in insufficient working capital.

When customers have the power to choose between service providers, they seek out for highest quality of services at lowest prices. Computer LAB not only lost out on government business but also clients, it was associated for over a decade.

Solution

The company adopted an aggressive approach towards business development, making it more visible in the market. The employee strength was increased and deployed in areas as per their expertise, resulting in continuous tracking of government projects.

HR policies were revised and an incentive based structure/loyalty plan was introduced, directly linked to targets and Key Result Areas (KRAs). The management understood the need for a continuous cash-flow and cost-cutting wherever necessary in order to meet the working capital requirements.

Bankers came forward and provided guidance for effective financial management. This resulted in being able to provide higher quality services to customers at a lower price.

For an organisation engaged in the business of providing ICT-based solutions to its clients, Computer LAB follows a strong back-end project management using ICT. It also has project-wise cost centres, which are monitored through ERP for rendering excellent customer service and has a dashboard where feedback can also be received.

On the Growth Path

Computer LAB generated more than 200 employment opportunities per month for a decade in rural areas, which now has increased to 1,500, largely for lower middle class. The employees primarily belong to poor or lower middle class families who are unable to afford higher education. Computer LAB aims to be the leading player in IT Services in the country in SME segment and become an active partner in all e-Governance projects for providing Aadhaar enabled citizen centric services.

Its state-of-the-art 200+ seater BPO/ITES set up is coming up at the Info City, Bhubaneswar to cater to its government and corporate clients.