Under the visionary leadership of Jehan Perinpanayagam, Infomate has been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence, not only within its organization but also across its diverse clientele, and transforming itself into a leading Business Process Management service provider worldwide. Perinpanayagam explains that in the next five years, the firm plans to integrate new technologies and AI (Artificial Intelligence) into its services as he delves into the journey of Infomate in this interview, exploring its impact on the tech landscape in Sri Lanka and the strategies behind its success.
Infomate is among the pioneering tech companies in Sri Lanka. As you reflect on its journey thus far, how has Infomate helped shape the innovation landscape in Sri Lanka through the effects it has had on its clients?
Infomate, a BPM company, leverages technology to deliver traditional services like accounting, human resources, and payroll to clients in Sri Lanka and globally. BPM is in effect an “IT-enabled service”. I believe we have significantly shaped the country’s innovation landscape by pioneering innovations and enhancing our clients’ processes. By leveraging technology and best practices, Infomate has helped clients optimize their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, getting the best out of their systems which they have invested in. Often the full capability of ERP systems is not used and these are used sub-optimally with a lot of manual processes and work. We implement lean thinking to identify and eliminate waste. We integrate workflow solutions, automation and machine learning where applicable. This has led to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and streamlined operations for our clients. Infomate’s proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement have enabled clients to achieve world-class standards, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across various industries.
It has been a remarkable journey marked by growth and innovation. We started as a shared services arm of the John Keells Group with 60 people 18 years ago, serving only the group. Today, we are among the top six exporters in Sri Lanka, with nearly 600 employees and clients across four continents. We’ve pioneered many initiatives that have become industry case studies in Sri Lanka, but there’s still much more we can achieve.
We have several key initiatives: helping new clients maximize their migration benefits, exploring robotic process automation, and upgrading our platform with OCR (Optical Character Recognition), and AI capabilities.
Can you take us through some of your innovative solutions and new technologies being adopted and their impact?
We introduced several innovations, including innovating business models and pioneering rural BPM in Sri Lanka. We launched the first working bot within the group, developed an open-source-based document management system integrated with our ERP, and created the country’s first supplier portal to handle a complex accounts payable process. Daily, we encourage small, continuous improvements, like using Excel and Power BI to reduce time for report preparation. We maintain an improvements log to identify gaps and implement enhancements collaboratively. Achieving world-class standards is a journey, requiring discipline and relentless focus on innovation.
Taking a step back and reflecting on Sri Lanka’s innovation and technological ecosystem, What is preventing Sri Lanka from realizing its full potential, or what excites you the most about Sri Lanka’s prospects?
What excites me most about Sri Lanka is our world-class talent. As CEO of Infomate and Chair of SLASSCOM and ACCA, I have a broad perspective on the industry. Global CEOs and CIOs are impressed with Sri Lankan talent. IFS, with its principal global development centre here, plans to grow its team in Sri Lanka significantly. Sysco employs 1,000 people and is eager to grow. EYGDS set up operations during the economic crisis, showing confidence in our potential. HSBC, WNS, Innodata, RR Donnelley, and Accenture have all chosen to set up centres here. They speak in glowing terms of Sri Lanka’s talent and ingenuity. The SLASSCOM Ingenuity Awards in June 2024 will highlight over 300 innovations, including from schools. Despite national challenges, our talent and innovation remain strong. Speaking to the head of one of the global banks, he observed that a country that can, amid a crisis, conceptualize and roll out the QR code system for fuel management island-wide in a matter of weeks, has serious talent.
What lessons can public and private sector entities learn from Infomate and its successes?
We’ve learned that fostering innovation starts with encouraging everyone to share ideas and ensuring those ideas are implemented effectively. It’s crucial to share the vision so that everyone understands the goal. Getting buy-in from the team and supporting them in executing their ideas are essential. Celebrating successes and sharing stories of overcoming challenges inspire and motivate others. We maintain a culture of openness, welcoming recommendations, and suggestions, and provide training through what we term “Infomate University” which covers a range of technical and soft skill programmes including cutting-edge content on automation, and AI. Recognizing innovations through rewards and recognition programmes and our commitment to training and development keeps our team engaged. Venturing internationally requires boldness and innovation, as shown by successful Sri Lankan companies partnering with global giants. Backing ourselves, confidence in our strengths and willingness to stay the course is crucial for international success.
As the Chief Executive, what occupies your mind and time the most?
As CEO, my main focus areas are growth, talent acquisition and development, technology adoption, and risk management. We prioritize a future-ready workforce, staying abreast of technological advancements, and managing risks in a challenging environment. This includes fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, ensuring our services remain cutting-edge and relevant to our clients’ needs. I spend significant time strategizing for the future and identifying new opportunities for expansion and development. Additionally, I prioritize building and maintaining strong relationships with our clients, partners, and stakeholders. Keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advancements is also crucial, as it allows me to steer Infomate towards sustainable growth and success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
What do you envision for Infomate? Can you discuss the immediate plans for the company?
We envision substantial growth for Infomate, aiming to double or triple our workforce from 600 employees within the next two to three years. Our immediate plans include finalizing significant projects in the pipeline and closing key deals. We are also exploring different models for international growth, evaluating strategies, and considering potential partnerships. While we’ve made great progress, moving forward will require bold decisions and a strong focus on execution to achieve our ambitious goals.