Knowledge Associates
By Bijesh Kamath, in Mumbai

Disabled perhaps, but certainly not dysfunctional. Datamatics’ associates provide knowledge management services to some of the best companies in the world.
Five of the top 10 Fortune 500 companies enjoy a privilege: their data is processed by special people at Mumbai-based Datamatics Technologies. Known as knowledge associates, these physically challenged professionals deliver a range of knowledge management services?data entry, document capture and conversion, and tagging. Datamatics employs some 500-old associates mostly with deformities in their lower limbs. The company calls this its corporate citizen initiative and includes “equal access” with facilities like ramps, elevators and a structured working methodology. This means the employees have flexible working hours and can work from home. Work, always to be completed within the deadline, is assigned based on the capability of the person. It is sent over e-mail or through in-house couriers. The associates’ work is coordinated by counselors with good interpersonal skills. The company provides basic training in computer programs. The initiative is not charity, but a philanthropic venture by Dr Lalit Kanodia, Datamatics’ chairman.

Source: DATAQUEST
Dated: April 30, 2001