Article published on Economynext.
The company focuses on helping businesses optimize operations, enhance security, and streamline processes with a range of cutting-edge solutions.
Manoja Jayawardhane, Director and Chief Executive of Automated Barcode Solutions (ABSL), shares insights into the company’s journey of growth, commitment to service excellence, personalized client interactions and innovative solutions that set ABSL apart from competitors, enabling it to shape the future of the automation and systems integration market in Sri Lanka.
The company offers a range of cutting-edge technology solutions in time and attendance, access control, software development, video surveillance, hardware systems, barcode label printing, and Integrated Security Management systems. ABSL’s commitment to innovation and quality ensures businesses have the tools they need to optimize operations, enhance security, and streamline processes effectively, Jayawardhane avers, adding that the company has plans to further expand its business portfolio for greater impact in the digital transformation of its clients and the country.
Can you give us an overview of Automated Barcode Solutions: its conception and journey thus far?
Established in February 2004, ABSL is approaching its 20th anniversary as a company. From its modest beginnings with just seven team members, including myself as the sole woman serving as the general manager, we encountered significant challenges in proving our capability to deliver results despite my non-tech background.
As the only woman in the Automation and Systems Integration sector, I persevered in breaking down barriers and paving the way for ABSL’s growth in the industry. However, the breakthrough came sooner than expected in 2005 when we secured our first substantial project, which laid the foundation for subsequent successes driven by our growing reputation and solid credentials. We expanded our focus to cater to corporate clients, establishing them as our primary customer base and meeting their diverse needs with cutting-edge solutions such as RFID and biometrics. Traditional barcodes took a backseat as we introduced groundbreaking technologies like more advanced barcoding solutions, enabling us to take on complex projects that demanded seamless technology integration.
In 2005, I assumed the role of director and later became the CEO. Our journey was marked by significant challenges, particularly during the period from 2007 to 2011, which coincided with the latter stages of a three-decade civil war and global economic crisis. Rising interest rates ranging from 20% to 36% added to our struggles. Survival became our primary objective during that time, but our perseverance paid off as we secured more projects and steadily grew the company. Our remarkable employees demonstrated unwavering dedication and resilience, driving ABSL towards success despite the obstacles we faced.
In a competitive industry, what sets Automated Barcode Solutions apart from other service providers in the automatic identification industry?
Our commitment to service excellence and strong teamwork has been integral to our success. I am privileged to lead an exceptional team, many of whom have been with the company for over 15 years, having joined us for their first professional experience. I have personally invested in their growth and development, which I believe is the primary reason for their long-term dedication.
The trust and familiarity we have established with our clients have contributed to their comfort in working with us. Even during the challenging times brought about by the Covid19 pandemic, our team displayed remarkable dedication. As we primarily deal with hardware, we were required to be physically present at client locations to address malfunctions. Despite the risks involved, our team stepped up and continued providing essential services.
Moreover, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized service. When issues arise, our long-standing clients often reach out to me directly, and I take personal responsibility for resolving their concerns rather than passing them off to someone else. This exemplifies the significance of effective management and the value of our human capital.
It is worth noting that labour turnover is high in Sri Lanka, particularly among the younger generation who continually seek new opportunities. To retain our talented employees, we prioritize mentoring and upskilling, helping them develop essential skills in customer interaction, public relations, and marketing. This investment in their professional growth plays a crucial role in our company’s overall success.
Additionally, our commitment to staying abreast of new technologies sets us apart. We have introduced several groundbreaking technologies to Sri Lanka, being the first to implement them within the market. This dedication to innovation ensures that we remain at the forefront of our industry.
How does the company assist businesses with its portfolio of products and solutions? Can you provide some specific examples?
We collaborate with various industries, including banking and diversified financial institutions, telecom, manufacturing, and logistics. Many of these companies operate branches across the island, with their head offices situated in Colombo.
When we undertake a project, our first step is to gain a thorough understanding of our client’s specific requirements. To illustrate this process, let me share an example. A service supplier approached me to promote one of their products, coinciding with a request from a local telecom company. Recognizing the compatibility between the services sought by both parties, we proceeded with presentations, and on-site visits, and ultimately completed the project.
In designing a product or solution for a client, I do not merely consider their immediate needs. Instead, I take a holistic approach, evaluating how our solution can seamlessly integrate with their existing systems. One notable innovation we introduced is the dual technology ID card, capable of functioning at both short and long ranges. This card facilitates access control, elevator management, parking systems, attendance tracking, and more, all consolidated on a single platform. Referred to as an integrated Security Management System, it empowers us to customize routes, programme specific access privileges for particular areas and timeframes, and monitor activities such as door usage during emergencies or evacuation procedures.
The significance of this technology lies in its ability to integrate with a company’s building management system. By doing so, we can control centralized air conditioning, lighting systems, fire security measures, elevator operations, and parking access, and enable interoperability with other building and business systems. This comprehensive approach allows us to deliver solutions that not only enhance security but also generate substantial cost savings for our clients.
What is your approach to building a successful company which can navigate an economic crisis and grow?
The initial step in addressing any industry’s challenges is identifying the gaps that exist, regardless of the economic circumstances. During times of financial crisis, IT investments often take a backseat as manual labour retains its importance. Personally, I transitioned from an accounting profession to the IT sector when computers were still unfamiliar territory for accountants.
In times of crisis, the significance of IT can be overlooked since people can still perform their tasks without it. As tech solutions providers, we may not always be viewed as direct suppliers. However, it is crucial for individuals to recognize that investing in IT can aid in overcoming economic challenges. For instance, the technological advancements we had already implemented allowed us to seamlessly transition to remote work during the pandemic, shielding our company from significant disruptions.
The reluctance to invest in technology is a key factor affecting our industry. Despite the IT sector’s substantial contribution to the economy and employment in Sri Lanka, it does not always receive the prominence it deserves. Furthermore, we often observe IT graduates lacking practical experience, raising questions about the preparedness of our educational system and industry to support their growth.
Nevertheless, I firmly believe that crises present the best opportunities for personal and professional development. It is during these challenging times that we reflect, work harder, and embrace new challenges. By persevering, we were able to secure more projects without having to reduce our employees’ salaries.
Therefore, I consider a crisis as an optimal moment for self-improvement. It is when we are faced with adversity that we are compelled to think critically and push our boundaries. In line with this belief, we are actively focused on providing better opportunities for female professionals to excel and advance in their careers within a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion, recognizing that their success is not only beneficial for our company but also for the overall growth of the Sri Lankan tech industry.
Could you elaborate on how Automated Barcode Solutions is unlocking growth opportunities within the industry?
We can play a pivotal role in unlocking growth opportunities within the Sri Lankan tech industry by offering solutions that drive efficiency, optimize resources, minimize human errors, and enhance security. By leveraging machine-based security measures, ABSL surpasses the limitations of human capital, bolstering overall protection for any tech-based company that needs to focus on its strategic business.
One of the core benefits ABSL brings to its clients is increased efficiency. Through automation, manual processes are streamlined, eliminating time-consuming tasks and improving productivity. This not only reduces costs but also allows employees to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.
Moreover, our solutions help to mitigate human errors, which can have significant consequences in various industries. By relying on technology, accuracy and precision are heightened, leading to better outcomes and reduced risks associated with human fallibility.
Credit: This article is based on the original piece published by Economynext
